Joseph Duclos Thread

[allanrvj]

Call me crazy, but when it says “1754” right under the brand name on top of the site and the heritage section, it seems like they are trying to imply some actual connection to this man who lived hundreds of years ago. It’s a little odd I had to google search to find out the brand really started in 2021. Maybe I’m the only one it rubs the wrong way.

I felt the exactly same way before. I think a lot of my earlier thoughts about the same points that you are highlighting are still on this thread.

However, I've come to appreciate Duclos for what it is, turning a blind eye to the fabricated heritage stuff they're saying, because of 3 reasons.

1. Their bags are all handmade in France and they are made well. When I say made well, I mean equal to or better than Hermès. They use saddle stitching in all of their bags, and as far as I know, none are machine-stitched. Not even the interior pockets, which Hermès tends to do with Birkins and Kellys.

2. They use novonappa in a lot of their bags. If you know Hermès, this is the type of leather that is hard to come by (from them) that it's almost prized at this point, and that one could only get via Horizon order (for bags other than B/K). To have Duclos use the same leather freely, generously and in various colors is such a bold move, earned my respect, and it also says a lot about the type of customers they want to attract.

3. I can't get over how brilliant the design of the Saint-Clair messenger bag is. In my years of admiring bags, haven't seen a leather bag that is molded and stiff as a cardboard box, with a soft, drape-y cover that's also made of leather but in a different texture. Can't wait to own one.

 

[papertiger]

+1! What he did at Moynat was to make a connection between a deep archive at a defunct brand, bringing it into the 21st century with a relevant connection and ethos.

In some ways what he's done at JD is even more difficult (and impressive IMO) - no primary design archive, only historic methods and secondary functional reference points.

In both cases he's applied his fantastic eye for design details, incredible knowledge of and involvement in the tanning process (especially important at JD), artisanship in leather goods, and his jewelry-level expertise at creating hardware.

I'm really not clear what there is to find fault with, but if one does it's as simple as looking elsewhere.

I think a lot of us first discovered JD throughRamesh (and not the other way around). The trust is with him.

 

[WingNut]

I'm becoming more intrigued by this brand as time goes by. I think I need at least a Diane and a SC messenger. Has anyone actually seen the SC Mini Clutch in person and can opine as to the functionality/roominess? If it is just big enough to use for my small LV wallet, keys, glasses, it would be a perfect grab and go errand bag.

 

[Honeymoon]

I felt the exactly same way before. I think a lot of my earlier thoughts about the same points that you are highlighting are still on this thread.

However, I've come to appreciate Duclos for what it is, turning a blind eye to the fabricated heritage stuff they're saying, because of 3 reasons.

1. Their bags are all handmade in France and they are made well. When I say made well, I mean equal to or better than Hermès. They use saddle stitching in all of their bags, and as far as I know, none are machine-stitched. Not even the interior pockets, which Hermès tends to do with Birkins and Kellys.

2. They use novonappa in a lot of their bags. If you know Hermès, this is the type of leather that is hard to come by (from them) that it's almost prized at this point, and that one could only get via Horizon order (for bags other than B/K). To have Duclos use the same leather freely, generously and in various colors is such a bold move, earned my respect, and it also says a lot about the type of customers they want to attract.

3. I can't get over how brilliant the design of the Saint-Clair messenger bag is. In my years of admiring bags, haven't seen a leather bag that is molded and stiff as a cardboard box, with a soft, drape-y cover that's also made of leather but in a different texture. Can't wait to own one.

Thank you for acknowledging I’m not insane to feel this way lol. I do think the bags are beautiful, and, as I said earlier, really look forward to seeing them in person and plan to visit the store this fall. I think I have upset some JD stans here, but I do appreciate the bags themselves. I could just do without all of this 1754 stuff. Yes, I know they didn’t explicitly say they were founded in 1754, but a year written under a brand name normally implies when a company was actually founded. I think the bags stand on their own and it wasn’t necessary to allude to an earlier founding date.

 

[allanrvj]

Thank you for acknowledging I’m not insane to feel this way lol. I do think the bags are beautiful, and, as I said earlier, really look forward to seeing them in person and plan to visit the store this fall. I think I have upset some JD stans here, but I do appreciate the bags themselves. I could just do without all of this 1754 stuff. Yes, I know they didn’t explicitly say they were founded in 1754, but a year written under a brand name normally implies when a company was actually founded. I think the bags stand on their own and it wasn’t necessary to allude to an earlier founding date.

I think it's a marketing decision, more than anything. They are situated on the same street in Paris as Hermès and in order to at least be on the same playing field with them (to set their prices, to get some brand endorsers, to have people talking) they have to come up with something.

They won't stand a chance if they just said they make quality luxury bags. lol

 

[Karen cares]

I'm waiting for the day when a new luxury brand markets itself as founded in 1704 so it has everyone beat by at least 50 years. While we're at it, why not have it founded as 1 AD?

 

[Honeymoon]

I think it's a marketing decision, more than anything. They are situated on the same street in Paris as Hermès and in order to at least be on the same playing field with them (to set their prices, to get some brand endorsers, to have people talking) they have to come up with something.

They won't stand a chance if they just said they make quality luxury bags. lol

Oh, 100% I agree it was a marketing decision and most people probably will just take 1754 at face value, so I think it will pay off for them in the long run. It does bug me though. ‍♀️

 

[Olivia Penzey]

I'm becoming more intrigued by this brand as time goes by. I think I need at least a Diane and a SC messenger. Has anyone actually seen the SC Mini Clutch in person and can opine as to the functionality/roominess? If it is just big enough to use for my small LV wallet, keys, glasses, it would be a perfect grab and go errand bag.

I’m curious, too. It’s an awfully pretty little bag. The website says 6.8 x 4.3 x 2.3 inches, so I think it’d prob work, but it’s def a “glasses or phone, not both“ type of thing.
p.s. are those your bulldogs in your picture? I can’t even deal with how cute they are.

 

[WingNut]

I’m curious, too. It’s an awfully pretty little bag. The website says 6.8 x 4.3 x 2.3 inches, so I think it’d prob work, but it’s def a “glasses or phone, not both“ type of thing.
p.s. are those your bulldogs in your picture? I can’t even deal with how cute they are.

If it’s roughly the size of my YSL mini Lou it might a ruskky fit what I need, as my reading glasses are quite small.

And yes, those are my Frenchies… they are the joy of our lives. Entertaining for sure!

 

[crocodilemonkey]

+1! What he did at Moynat was to make a connection between a deep archive at a defunct brand, bringing it into the 21st century with a relevant connection and ethos.

In some ways what he's done at JD is even more difficult (and impressive IMO) - no primary design archive, only historic methods and secondary functional reference points.

In both cases he's applied his fantastic eye for design details, incredible knowledge of and involvement in the tanning process (especially important at JD), artisanship in leather goods, and his jewelry-level expertise at creating hardware.

I'm really not clear what there is to find fault with, but if one does it's as simple as looking elsewhere.

Agree. Imo when reviving an extinct brand there are 2 options : start from scratch with zero history & just a brand name (that noone even remembers any more) , or dig into history & use it as a springboard for inspiration & story telling. Ramesh has always chosen the latter option first at Moynat and now at JD. Its why he anchors the craftsmanship and his fantastic clasps & hardware to the past heritage. At JD there really wasnt finished product even, and it took a creative instinct + passion for artisanal tradition to bring these elements together the way he did. It cannot have been easy to get hold of the leathers they use and do the kind of work they do as a young, untested company in a field dominated by big name brands. For me, its all down to Ramesh’s creativity, reputation & knowledge of the craft.
So many luxury brands today may have an unbroken line from their founding but no evidence of that in their product, its all a well oiled industrial machine, and their references & creative inspirations have nothing to do with their heritage. So personally I see the 1754 tag as a reference to their approach & inspirations, not to pull the wool over people’s eyes.

 

[allanrvj]

Agree. Imo when reviving an extinct brand there are 2 options : start from scratch with zero history & just a brand name (that noone even remembers any more) , or dig into history & use it as a springboard for inspiration & story telling. Ramesh has always chosen the latter option first at Moynat and now at JD. Its why he anchors the craftsmanship and his fantastic clasps & hardware to the past heritage. At JD there really wasnt finished product even, and it took a creative instinct + passion for artisanal tradition to bring these elements together the way he did. It cannot have been easy to get hold of the leathers they use and do the kind of work they do as a young, untested company in a field dominated by big name brands. For me, its all down to Ramesh’s creativity, reputation & knowledge of the craft.
So many luxury brands today may have an unbroken line from their founding but no evidence of that in their product, its all a well oiled industrial machine, and their references & creative inspirations have nothing to do with their heritage. So personally I see the 1754 tag as a reference to their approach & inspirations, not to pull the wool over people’s eyes.

yes, I forgot about that. Ramesh is also using the history of Duclos (imagined or otherwise) as inspiration and reference for their products, just like what H does with horses and every bit of equestrian stuff.

 

[allanrvj]

By the way, for those who don't know, JD representatives are available to meet via video (Whatsapp, Zoom, Teams, Slack)

Make an appointment

Our bags and jewelry will accompany you throughout your life. To make an enlightened choice, learn about product care and restoring a damaged item to its former glory by making an appointment with our passionate advisors. They will welcome you in our Parisian store, during your visit or remotely.

josephduclos.com

In case people can't travel to Paris and want to see bags via videocall.

 

[crocodilemonkey]

By the way, for those who don't know, JD representatives are available to meet via video (Whatsapp, Zoom, Teams, Slack)

Make an appointment

Our bags and jewelry will accompany you throughout your life. To make an enlightened choice, learn about product care and restoring a damaged item to its former glory by making an appointment with our passionate advisors. They will welcome you in our Parisian store, during your visit or remotely.

josephduclos.com

In case people can't travel to Paris and want to see bags via videocall.

Thats a great way to introduce people to the bags, esp since there’s only the one store worldwide.

 

[allanrvj]

Thats a great way to introduce people to the bags, esp since there’s only the one store worldwide.

when I was in Paris, I brought up their Dubai pop-up to the store manager, and she waved her hand to dismiss the topic immediately, and said that they are only focusing on the Paris store.

I guess things didn't work out in the Middle East

 

[Mousy]

Agree. Imo when reviving an extinct brand there are 2 options : start from scratch with zero history & just a brand name (that noone even remembers any more) , or dig into history & use it as a springboard for inspiration & story telling. Ramesh has always chosen the latter option first at Moynat and now at JD. Its why he anchors the craftsmanship and his fantastic clasps & hardware to the past heritage. At JD there really wasnt finished product even, and it took a creative instinct + passion for artisanal tradition to bring these elements together the way he did. It cannot have been easy to get hold of the leathers they use and do the kind of work they do as a young, untested company in a field dominated by big name brands. For me, its all down to Ramesh’s creativity, reputation & knowledge of the craft.
So many luxury brands today may have an unbroken line from their founding but no evidence of that in their product, its all a well oiled industrial machine, and their references & creative inspirations have nothing to do with their heritage. So personally I see the 1754 tag as a reference to their approach & inspirations, not to pull the wool over people’s eyes.

yes, I forgot about that. Ramesh is also using the history of Duclos (imagined or otherwise) as inspiration and reference for their products, just like what H does with horses and every bit of equestrian stuff.

Just my two cents —

Well said, crocodilemonkey.

I’m still trying to understand how 1754 is ‘fraudulent’ or ‘fabricated.’ The date refers to Joseph Duclos’ startup tannery dedicated to environmentally responsible leather tanning ‘while guaranteeing a unique finish.’ Modern-day JD ‘strives everyday to recreate the thoughtful techniques …’ —JD website, The Royal Manufacture/Letters Patent for Lectoure Royal Manufacture signed in 1754.

Nowhere in the company’s bio does it mention the handbag business started in 1754. It’s my understanding, the date only refers to JD’s (the man) leatherwork/heritage leathers, natural tanning patent, and his creation of an artisan factory. The bag/perfume names are a nod to JD history, not originated by JD.

I agree with allanrvj—Hermès claims it’s a French luxury design house established in 1837. Luxury house in 1837? That’s a stretch, though I suppose if you owned a horse in 1837 France, maybe that was a luxury.

Moynat—1849. The only connection to the founding company is the trunk making. The canvas, handbags (as we know them), and other accessories came much later.

When I buy JD products, I’m buying the quality leather, old school craftsmanship, and design. As long as the company wasn’t deceptive by completely making up its history, 1754 could refer to their address (1754 Smith Street) and I wouldn’t care.

As for Karen cares comment about a company started in year 1— !!! That’s priceless. I love it. I wish companies would stop competing for first place in ways that don’t matter and let the designs/quality put them above all others.