Oh the value is definitely there -- the quality is unparalleled in my opinion, and ive looked at and handled soooooo many leather bags in the over-10 years of having worked in the fashion industry. You cannot use other premium designer brands as benchmark for Duclos bags under Ramesh Nair. There simply is no comparison. The more you learn about different types of leathers, stitching, and hardware "engineering", the better your appreciation will be for the JD bags. Not everyone falls in love with the bags at first sight (though I admit I did lol), but if you take a closer look at the JD bags then compare it with some of the best pieces you have in your closet (and knowing what details to look for) you will end up understanding why they're not priced like the average designer bag from commercial brands. ❤️
Joseph Duclos Thread
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I completely understand your point, and honestly, I completely agree. Style preferences are incredibly personal and varied, and what works for one person might not for another. That's the beauty of individuality! However, I remain curious and open, so I will keep a close eye on the brand's evolution. Who knows, maybe they'll come up with something that resonates more with me in the future.
I appreciate your expertise and your passionate take on JD. It was actually through following you and admiring your honesty that I discovered this brand. Although I'm not entirely convinced yet, I'm open to the idea that my opinion might evolve with time and more knowledge.
was also unconvinced about this brand until I visited their store 2 years ago. the bags are beautiful up close (the Saint-Clair is what impressed me the most), and the people working at their store are the nicest.
I also have some friends who went to the store but felt that the bags are just not their style, so it's not always a guarantee
I think JD provides a luxury option for those who wants something a little off the beaten path. The Diane’s hardware had my friend who never is into luxury drooling over how a luxury bag could be so edgy. When I first bought the St Clair clutch the smell of leather was intoxicating. Where other brands are more overtly gendered, I feel that JD bags are quite unisex in their structure and design. I used to never really understand why people went crazy for YSL under Hedi or Celine under PP until I saw the stark differences in quality with Moynat under Ramesh and after. We may be in a golden age of JD’s work before god knows what the investment banker does.
I don't like everything, and some things I kinda like and would interested in buying have something that won't work for me e.g. Cabas Horizontal, the handles are too long. Most people may want to carry everything on their shoulders, but I like in-hand shoppers).
Comparisons: JD's Diane reminds me of the quality, specialist leather and haute-styles of some Hermes, vintage Gucci, Ethan K, or, other, now sadly disappeared brands, either vintage like Koret or more recently, Quentin Makay. I liked the Celine 16 until I saw one in person. The haute-quality has got to be present with the haute styles. I'm not saying it's easier to make a good casual bag, but in a 'proper' hand-bag there's no where to hide as @thebaghag demonstrated in her thoughtful post. I've looked at Delvaux (which I have) Valextra (likewise) and Moynat. Personally, I have better than most brands; current stock, I am looking for (even) better.
I can see why people question the price point. I wanted a Schiaparelli at one stage, the prices are indeed 'pick a number and treble it' but the 'Napoleon' seemed classic enough and quite fabulous, only DSM (London) sold out and then they went up. There's expensive but CPW value for money, and then there's "You're a mug and you're made of money" and happily or sadly, I'm not. I can't get into things that quickly. It's like poker, even if you have something nice in your hand suddenly, what's in my hand is not worth time/money/energy. I'm still in the JD 'game' but seeing where it goes. If it becomes another Moynat, then I'm out.
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Yes a completely different company. Ramesh is the genius and it really shines at JD.
Hello!
I'm a new member and I don't have a bag collection.
In Jul-23 I purchased (on-line) Diane L20 in heritage leather /black color. I totally love it.
Is it a good idea to use my Diane in heritage leather as daily bag? Will regular use 'damage' the bag?
I was considering St Claire as daily bag but mini one is just a little too small for me and the regular one is a little too heavy for me.
any advise? thank you all
I'm a new member and I don't have a bag collection.
In Jul-23 I purchased (on-line) Diane L20 in heritage leather /black color. I totally love it.
Is it a good idea to use my Diane in heritage leather as daily bag? Will regular use 'damage' the bag?
I was considering St Claire as daily bag but mini one is just a little too small for me and the regular one is a little too heavy for me.
any advise? thank you all
Hello, what a fabulous first luxury bag purchase you made! I think you will find the leather gets better with continuous use. I use my L26 daily and the leather is now developing a sheen instead of looking "matte"; I prefer this sheen, through use it is building up a resistance to the elements!
Enjoy your Diane!
Thank you! How do you 'deal' with scratches?
If i recall correctly, you bought few other JD bags.... did you go for heritage leather?
Also, welcome to tPF!! I hope you find this forum to be a wealth of knowledge and fun escape!
I use leather wipes on the bag (L26 from time to time) but I am ignoring the scratches. They don't bother me, and as the black heritage leather continues to develop the sheen/patina they become less obvious.
I do own a black Ostrich L20 and I ordered the L20 in blk heritage 2 months ago. I am expecting the L30 to be shipping next week!!
Wow! Congrats! so you blk L 26 will become not a daily bag after you'll receive your L20 and L30.... it'll be a small competitionAlso, welcome to tPF!! I hope you find this forum to be a wealth of knowledge and fun escape!
I use leather wipes on the bag (L26 from time to time) but I am ignoring the scratches. They don't bother me, and as the black heritage leather continues to develop the sheen/patina they become less obvious.
I do own a black Ostrich L20 and I ordered the L20 in blk heritage 2 months ago. I am expecting the L30 to be shipping next week!!
I hear you about Diane style... i feel 'obsessed'
I have not used my L20 yet, that is too small for me for day use. I will probably let L26 rest when L30 arrives, I am curious to see how heavy the new L30 is. I am lazy about rotating day bags out, so if I like the L30 then that will be what I carry all Summer.
I would love to add a gator/croc L26 to my collection; but, alas....not in the budget right now
if you go back some pages, there is a video of a youtuber I posted where the store manager demonstrated to her how to remove scratches. just by gently rubbing a piece of clean, dry cloth to the scratch and it will go away. I think using the pad at the tip of your finger works as well.