Joseph Duclos Thread

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#1,141
Mousy said:
Let’s start with your insults. JD is ‘almost a cult.’ Last time I checked, I bought my bags on my freewill.

I didn’t spend $60K on stuff I don’t want in the hopes of being offered a $15k product in a color I don’t want.

I didn’t stand outside, queued in the dead of winter’s rain and snow, hoping for a chance to buy something, … anything.

I don’t obsess about a JD bag to the point that it’s unhealthy, deviant, outside the norm.

You have decided to participate in a forum about a particular company. Welcome. Individual opinions are welcomed. I personally draw the line at being called an ‘almost cult’ member who is drawn to their ads for the unthinking public.

I write about my appreciation of JD (and other brand) bags a few minutes a day, a few days a week. There have been weeks where I don’t even log onto TPF. I participate because I like and appreciate the other members. I like reading their stories, likes, and dislikes. This forum is a snapshot of time during my day as I’m sure it’s the same for others.

Let’s talk about the quality issues. Yes, there have been two, maybe three, TPF’ers who have mentioned issues that have been resolved. No company is perfect. If you know of one, I’d be happy to look into their bags.

Resale value — Yes, it’s not there, yet. JD might never have a resale value, but I believe I’m getting my $$$$ worth because I’m enjoying my bag. Resale on jewelry is awful. Are jewelry owners not getting their $$$$ worth? Are you worried about the resale on used, hairline-scratched, personal taste, and possibly trendy jewelry?

Now let’s get to where I agree with you. Ramesh is a CD who could leave at any time. JD might close up their one shop and implode. Oh, well. At least I have lovely bags. And if, over the years, those bags fall apart, I enjoyed them. If I worry about the $$$$$ spent, I couldn’t afford them in the first place. I’ve recently experienced a rare, debilitating cancer and have an ill special needs child. There are bigger things to worry about than a purse lasting 20 years.

May I ask why people liking a brand bothers you so much? Please don’t mention other members — I’m asking for your motivation. Your need to cut it down (besides the 1754 thing). What bothers you so much about JD brand appreciation on its forum? What draws you to this forum? Do you like any JD products?

As I’ve stated above. Welcome. I ask, please don’t degrade members/me. Thank you.:flowers:
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Excellent reply. I’m so sorry to hear about your health struggles and those of your daughter’s. Please know how much we respect and appreciate your thoughts and insights on this thread and the Moynat thread. Wishing you the strength of an army to get through these difficult days.
 
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#1,142
Mousy said:
Let’s start with your insults. JD is ‘almost a cult.’ Last time I checked, I bought my bags on my freewill.

I didn’t spend $60K on stuff I don’t want in the hopes of being offered a $15k product in a color I don’t want.

I didn’t stand outside, queued in the dead of winter’s rain and snow, hoping for a chance to buy something, … anything.

I don’t obsess about a JD bag to the point that it’s unhealthy, deviant, outside the norm.

You have decided to participate in a forum about a particular company. Welcome. Individual opinions are welcomed. I personally draw the line at being called an ‘almost cult’ member who is drawn to their ads for the unthinking public.

I write about my appreciation of JD (and other brand) bags a few minutes a day, a few days a week. There have been weeks where I don’t even log onto TPF. I participate because I like and appreciate the other members. I like reading their stories, likes, and dislikes. This forum is a snapshot of time during my day as I’m sure it’s the same for others.

Let’s talk about the quality issues. Yes, there have been two, maybe three, TPF’ers who have mentioned issues that have been resolved. No company is perfect. If you know of one, I’d be happy to look into their bags.

Resale value — Yes, it’s not there, yet. JD might never have a resale value, but I believe I’m getting my $$$$ worth because I’m enjoying my bag. Resale on jewelry is awful. Are jewelry owners not getting their $$$$ worth? Are you worried about the resale on used, hairline-scratched, personal taste, and possibly trendy jewelry?

Now let’s get to where I agree with you. Ramesh is a CD who could leave at any time. JD might close up their one shop and implode. Oh, well. At least I have lovely bags. And if, over the years, those bags fall apart, I enjoyed them. If I worry about the $$$$$ spent, I couldn’t afford them in the first place. I’ve recently experienced a rare, debilitating cancer and have an ill special needs child. There are bigger things to worry about than a purse lasting 20 years.

May I ask why people liking a brand bothers you so much? Please don’t mention other members — I’m asking for your motivation. Your need to cut it down (besides the 1754 thing). What bothers you so much about JD brand appreciation on its forum? What draws you to this forum? Do you like any JD products?

As I’ve stated above. Welcome. I ask, please don’t degrade members/me. Thank you.:flowers:
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear you have to go through so much... Since you are asking directly, I will also respond directly.
Of course, any luxury bag/item is there only to bring joy and the value is a personal thing anyway. I would pay thousands for a perfume my mother used to wear and someone who finds the bottle in the attic would just throw it in the trash.

The JD bags quality is good. I just don´t see it belonging in the league it pretends to be in and I don´t think these prices are remotely justified. There are many brands which are not Hermes and which I also consider of better quality and where you don´t have to play the game. Moreau is perfect example of a revival brand where the opposite is (still) true. It´s a different look, but even their leather SLGs are saddle-stitched and the pricing is more than reasonable for the quality.

What I dislike even more than overpricing (always causes a feeling of being unfairly charged for something you´re not getting) is unauthenticity, aggressive marketing, heritage being invented, Diane fountain used by the JD tannery in the 1700s which suddenly morphes into the hunting goddess Diane at the store, the house number of the boutique being picked to echo the year 1754 etc... Way too much smoke and mirrors.

I do indeed highly appreciate Ramesh too and I would prefer him to launch his own brand or maybe create a small workshop and drop collections from time to time. Maybe he´ll come to it some day. Because to me, the whole JD "business model" looks almost like duping customers with "heritage" and exploiting his name and reputation to sell insanely overpriced bags for their cost and value.
And what angers me the most is that I fell for it too and almost ordered a JD bag after seeing some recommendations online.
 
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#1,143
FatFIRE said:
Sorry to hear you have to go through so much... Since you are asking directly, I will also respond directly.
Of course, any luxury bag/item is there only to bring joy and the value is a personal thing anyway. I would pay thousands for a perfume my mother used to wear and someone who finds the bottle in the attic would just throw it in the trash.

The JD bags quality is good. I just don´t see it belonging in the league it pretends to be in and I don´t think these prices are remotely justified. There are many brands which are not Hermes and which I also consider of better quality and where you don´t have to play the game. Moreau is perfect example of a revival brand where the opposite is (still) true. It´s a different look, but even their leather SLGs are saddle-stitched and the pricing is more than reasonable for the quality.

What I dislike even more than overpricing (always causes a feeling of being unfairly charged for something you´re not getting) is unauthenticity, aggressive marketing, heritage being invented, Diane fountain used by the JD tannery in the 1700s which suddenly morphes into the hunting goddess Diane at the store, the house number of the boutique being picked to echo the year 1754 etc... Way too much smoke and mirrors.

I do indeed highly appreciate Ramesh too and I would prefer him to launch his own brand or maybe create a small workshop and drop collections from time to time. Maybe he´ll come to it some day. Because to me, the whole JD "business model" looks almost like duping customers with "heritage" and exploiting his name and reputation to sell insanely overpriced bags for their cost and value.
And what angers me the most is that I fell for it too and almost ordered a JD bag after seeing some recommendations online.
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Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful response.

I totally get where you’re coming from — the price, the marketing, and the 1754 date. As for 1754, I think the brand could stand on its own without the reference.

I get many JD IG ads. Not all are from JD. A couple of magazines put out the ads, too, promoting articled fashion brands.

I want a Peter Nitz bag. I’m looking at close to $9K, so the Diane’s $7500 pricetag is looking more and more reasonable. My Chanel Jumbo was $2K, my Neverfull MM was $600, and I remember when H Kelly 28 bags were under $5K. Recent prices shock me, but they are what they are. I’ve come to the conclusion that I like expensive bags.:lol:

Ramesh is an excellent artist and designer. Some of his creations are not meant for the average utilitarian (practical/sensible) client (me), but I appreciate the beauty and uniqueness. Did you know Ramesh has had bags displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London? I didn’t, until recently.

I can’t tell you — wherever he goes, I’ll buy that brand. I can write — if he designs a bag I can’t pass up, I’ll probably buy it. If I can’t buy it, I’ll admire it from afar.

Thank you, again, for answering my questions.
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#1,144
Mousy said:
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful response.

I totally get where you’re coming from — the price, the marketing, and the 1754 date. As for 1754, I think the brand could stand on its own without the reference.

I get many JD IG ads. Not all are from JD. A couple of magazines put out the ads, too, promoting articled fashion brands.

I want a Peter Nitz bag. I’m looking at close to $9K, so the Diane’s $7500 pricetag is looking more and more reasonable. My Chanel Jumbo was $2K, my Neverfull MM was $600, and I remember when H Kelly 28 bags were under $5K. Recent prices shock me, but they are what they are. I’ve come to the conclusion that I like expensive bags.:lol:

Ramesh is an excellent artist and designer. Some of his creations are not meant for the average utilitarian (practical/sensible) client (me), but I appreciate the beauty and uniqueness. Did you know Ramesh has had bags displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London? I didn’t, until recently.

I can’t tell you — wherever he goes, I’ll buy that brand. I can write — if he designs a bag I can’t pass up, I’ll probably buy it. If I can’t buy it, I’ll admire it from afar.

Thank you, again, for answering my questions. :flowers:
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Thank you too, really appreciate a constructive dialogue like this. :flowers:

I completely get the want to have the best in class bag, that´s exactly where I am coming from too. :smile:
A bespoke saddle-stitched bag from an artisan will surely be unbeatable by any brand (including H of course).
I would also recommend Ondrej Sima from Prague, he´s amazing, although I do believe his focus is mostly on business bags. And I just checked, he´s also followed by Peter Nitz on Insta. :biggrin:

I didn´t know that, that´s amazing and a lot of designs by Ramesh are like haute-couture art but for bags.
I do hope Ramesh goes independent, I don´t think he has much say in the strategy and it´s also not looking like there are new bags launching soon. Not sure there are even geographic names left to name new bags. ;) Lectoure is city the JD tannery (now a hotel) is in, Diane and Saint Clair are fountains in Lectoure used for tanning and Fontelie is the other name of Diane fountain in Occitan language.
 
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#1,145
FatFIRE said:
Thank you too, really appreciate a constructive dialogue like this. :flowers:

I completely get the want to have the best in class bag, that´s exactly where I am coming from too. :smile:
A bespoke saddle-stitched bag from an artisan will surely be unbeatable by any brand (including H of course).
I would also recommend Ondrej Sima from Prague, he´s amazing, although I do believe his focus is mostly on business bags. And I just checked, he´s also followed by Peter Nitz on Insta. :biggrin:

I didn´t know that, that´s amazing and a lot of designs by Ramesh are like haute-couture art but for bags.
I do hope Ramesh goes independent, I don´t think he has much say in the strategy and it´s also not looking like there are new bags launching soon. Not sure there are even geographic names left to name new bags. ;) Lectoure is city the JD tannery (now a hotel) is in, Diane and Saint Clair are fountains in Lectoure used for tanning and Fontelie is the other name of Diane fountain in Occitan language.
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I checked out Sima on IG. His craftsmanship is stunning! His bags lean towards a business look, but beautifully created nonetheless.
It looks like JD has a few coming out soon and I’m crossing my fingers for another later in the year. I think JD is adding the new bags to the same lines (Lectoure, Diane, St. Claire). Example: one is a larger Diane L.
I suppose adding to established lines makes it easier to name bags — especially if the company’s bag names are geographically limited.:lol:
 
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#1,154
Some info from the business side of the brand if someone is interested.

Interesting to note that 80% of their customers are already from abroad of France and 60% from US alone. So it´s pretty much an "Emily in Paris" type of business model, catering to Americans and Asians, but not appealing to French/Europeans. And they are already expanding accordingly. This year JD will open several boutiques in Asia and planning some in the Middle East, but not in US for now (will continue trunk shows, as they are bringing excellent profits).

wwd.com

EXCLUSIVE: Leather Goods Brand Joseph Duclos Raises 7 Million Euros

French leather goods house Joseph Duclos raised 7 million euros to fund its international retail development
wwd.com wwd.com
 
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#1,155
FatFIRE said:
Some info from the business side of the brand if someone is interested.

Interesting to note that 80% of their customers are already from abroad of France and 60% from US alone. So it´s pretty much an "Emily in Paris" type of brand, catering to Americans and Asians, but not appealing to French/Europeans. And they are already expanding accordingly. This year JD will open several boutiques in Asia and planning some in the Middle East, but not in US for now (will continue trunk shows, as they are bringing excellent profits).

wwd.com

EXCLUSIVE: Leather Goods Brand Joseph Duclos Raises 7 Million Euros

French leather goods house Joseph Duclos raised 7 million euros to fund its international retail development
wwd.com wwd.com
Click to expand...

Yes. I’ve noticed several EU brands are more popular outside of the EU. Moynat found popularity in Asia a few years ago and now their happy place is the Middle East.
The French aren’t into H either. They like their no name, mom and pop brands. I don’t blame them. When in the EU and UK, I take public transportation like many of the locals. Lux bags and subways tend not to mix well.
Most people who buy lux brands in the EU are not EU citizens.:facepalm:
 
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