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Is the Pandora a classic style or out of date? Also can it be a workhorse bag?

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rosiier

rosiier

Life is Gucci!
Nov 3, 2015
515
1,901
#1
Hey ya'll. So I've been eyeing the Givenchy Black Panda in a Small size and I was wondering if it's out of style and if it's worth even buying new anymore? I see the resell market for pandas has not been kind and I know the bag was everywhere a few years back but seemed to die off from the public eye a bit.
I know the Dionysus was the same, but I still have mine and love it to pieces, I feel like it's a classic at this point. But I don't keep up with Givenchy as much as other brands, so wanted to see other people's opinions on the Pandora style.

Should I buy the pandora or go for a more "in" piece like a Pochette Metis (LV)?

Also if you have the small pandora bag, how has it held up over the years? Any serious wear and tears? Can you treat it like a workhorse bag like the neverfull and still have it looking fresh or is it more delicate?

Thanks in advance for any helpful responses! :smile:
 
#2
Pandora has been around for almost 12 yrs iirc, so it's a classic and Givenchy still produces it. It's a workhorse bag and can be worn 4 ways. Mine are still like new but I dont wear it every day for a year so I'll let others ch ok me in. I dont have the never full but isn't it canvas and therefore more sturdy than real leather? I feel like I see neverfull everywhere and pandora sightings make it rare and unique, but they are 2 different styles so you should get the one that fits your needs.
 
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#3
I am bumping this as I just finally bought a pandora in a beautiful midnight blue color. I love it so much. What was the pandora's downfall? I can't understand why it is still not popular and yet the loewe puzzle is all the rage. Similar style and I want both in my collection but honestly I have found the pandora to be so much easier to wear...so light weight, small strap fits easily over my shoulder, zipper location makes the bag super easy to get in and out of.
For the loewe, I do love the gorgeous leather and want one too but doesnt' seem like it will be as practical.
 
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#5
I think the Pandora has a bit more edge/stronger style point of view than the Loewe Puzzle bag. My best friend carries the medium size as her work bag and she’s a leather fiend. I want to buy the mini Pandora in tumbled leather someday. Just love the look/presence of Pandora vs Antigona or any other Givenchy offerings.

The classic/outdated debates about styles is really subjective. As long as you love it, it will always be right. I guess sometimes our insecurities bubble up when we carry something we adore but not the latest/greatest but trends are fashion, not style. Sorry, rant over. :amuse: (I actually like carrying older bags to separate myself from the pack.)
 
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#8
l.ch. said:
Will do! Thanks for the suggestion!
to be honest, I think that the Pandora is much more practical compared to the Puzzle. I don’t have a Puzzle, but it looks a little cumbersome to open…
Click to expand...
The prices on the resale market are amazing… I guess I got hooked at the right time. I bought mine brand new for a little less than $1000! There are even better deals for used and ither colors but I really wanted the midnight blue!
 
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#9
le_junkie said:
I think the Pandora has a bit more edge/stronger style point of view than the Loewe Puzzle bag. My best friend carries the medium size as her work bag and she’s a leather fiend. I want to buy the mini Pandora in tumbled leather someday. Just love the look/presence of Pandora vs Antigona or any other Givenchy offerings.

The classic/outdated debates about styles is really subjective. As long as you love it, it will always be right. I guess sometimes our insecurities bubble up when we carry something we adore but not the latest/greatest but trends are fashion, not style. Sorry, rant over. :amuse: (I actually like carrying older bags to separate myself from the pack.)
Click to expand...

I totally agree about the subjectivity. For me, it's never about what's "in favor" vs "out of favor" when it comes to trends. If it fits my current needs, and I like how it looks, and how it looks on me, then I'm going to buy it, carry it, wear it, use it. I also agree with the uniqueness factor. I tend to not like to wear what everyone else is wearing.
 
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#10
Rockerchic said:
I am bumping this as I just finally bought a pandora in a beautiful midnight blue color. I love it so much. What was the pandora's downfall? I can't understand why it is still not popular and yet the loewe puzzle is all the rage. Similar style and I want both in my collection but honestly I have found the pandora to be so much easier to wear...so light weight, small strap fits easily over my shoulder, zipper location makes the bag super easy to get in and out of.
For the loewe, I do love the gorgeous leather and want one too but doesnt' seem like it will be as practical.
Click to expand...

I love Givenchy's midnight blue, in fact, they do their blues really well. I have it in the gale and the panda. I also have 1 puzzle, but about 10 pandas. Will I ever buy another puzzle? Answer is no. quality wise, I've come across many issues with Loewe products, from shoes to bags. Even the one I have now has a glue issue, which I've never had with Givenchy bags, or any other QC issues. The fact that retail price of puzzle is so much more than a panda blows my mind, and luckily I didn't pay retail for my puzzle.

My theory on why loewe is more popular than Givenchy is bc of marketing. Something that is harder to obtain, e.g. price point in this case, make it more covetable. Much harder to find preloved puzzle as well. Also, Givenchy appeals to a different demographic than Loewe. It's more edgy and androgynous in its design aesthetic. Meanwhile, loewe has ibiza and animals as part of their accessories collection.

Like @le_junkie said, it's subjective. I wouldn't call it a downfall, but maybe a downtrend. There are still others like yourself that have discovered the versatility and usability of the panda, which is another reason why givenchy still makes it, and is considered for us OG fans, a classic.
 
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#11
randr21 said:
I love Givenchy's midnight blue, in fact, they do their blues really well. I have it in the gale and the panda. I also have 1 puzzle, but about 10 pandas. Will I ever buy another puzzle? Answer is no. quality wise, I've come across many issues with Loewe products, from shoes to bags. Even the one I have now has a glue issue, which I've never had with Givenchy bags, or any other QC issues. The fact that retail price of puzzle is so much more than a panda blows my mind, and luckily I didn't pay retail for my puzzle.

My theory on why loewe is more popular than Givenchy is bc of marketing. Something that is harder to obtain, e.g. price point in this case, make it more covetable. Much harder to find preloved puzzle as well. Also, Givenchy appeals to a different demographic than Loewe. It's more edgy and androgynous in its design aesthetic. Meanwhile, loewe has ibiza and animals as part of their accessories collection.

Like @le_junkie said, it's subjective. I wouldn't call it a downfall, but maybe a downtrend. There are still others like yourself that have discovered the versatility and usability of the panda, which is another reason why givenchy still makes it, and is considered for us OG fans, a classic.
Click to expand...
Randr21 I totally agree on aesthetic. Mine tends on the edgy size (hence my handle) but as I've gotten older, I also love to add alittle more 'ralph lauren' but keep my overall style. I am going to get a tan puzzle--maybe a smushy medium size which is more similar to the small panda or the small (I haven't decided)-- when I go for the latter vibe:
How I'd where my Panda:
1631129923808.png

And here's how I would wear my puzzle (with still a bit of Rockerchic)
1631130122520.png
 
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#12
Rockerchic said:
Randr21 I totally agree on aesthetic. Mine tends on the edgy size (hence my handle) but as I've gotten older, I also love to add alittle more 'ralph lauren' but keep my overall style. I am going to get a tan puzzle--maybe a smushy medium size which is more similar to the small panda or the small (I haven't decided)-- when I go for the latter vibe:
How I'd where my Panda:
View attachment 5187944

And here's how I would wear my puzzle (with still a bit of Rockerchic)
View attachment 5187945
Click to expand...

ah, then no wonder the panda appeals to you, and that outfit totally edges it up more. i've worn the panda with preppy outfit and can look like a student, so it can be a chameleon. however, edgy is its true nature i feel.

the puzzle has a more artsy and architectural vibe, so I understand why it's a classic. i much prefer the med, bc it's more convertible than the small, but i'm sure you'll rock either size.
 
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#13
Rockerchic said:
Randr21 I totally agree on aesthetic. Mine tends on the edgy size (hence my handle) but as I've gotten older, I also love to add alittle more 'ralph lauren' but keep my overall style. I am going to get a tan puzzle--maybe a smushy medium size which is more similar to the small panda or the small (I haven't decided)-- when I go for the latter vibe:
How I'd where my Panda:
View attachment 5187944

And here's how I would wear my puzzle (with still a bit of Rockerchic)
View attachment 5187945
Click to expand...
@Rockerchic I have that exact medium size black Pandora in the top photo and I love it to bits! Also have a tan medium Puzzle which is fabulous too - in fact the medium black Panda and medium tan Puzzle are my two absolute favourite everyday workhorse bags :hbeat:
The black Pandora is old and the Puzzle new (2021) but I treasure both and really love wearing them.

Congrats on your midnight blue Pandora - sounds like you got a great deal for a gorgeous bag. The Puzzle price is crazy now, and especially compared to the Pandora.
 
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#15
Rockerchic said:
I am bumping this as I just finally bought a pandora in a beautiful midnight blue color. I love it so much. What was the pandora's downfall? I can't understand why it is still not popular and yet the loewe puzzle is all the rage. Similar style and I want both in my collection but honestly I have found the pandora to be so much easier to wear...so light weight, small strap fits easily over my shoulder, zipper location makes the bag super easy to get in and out of.
For the loewe, I do love the gorgeous leather and want one too but doesnt' seem like it will be as practical.
Click to expand...
I still wear my mini Panda! One of my favorites. I do also have a small Loewe Puzzle in tan. :heart: I also find the Pandora easier to wear, but both are great bags.
 
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