Kwanpen bags?
- Thread starter Ariun
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I agree some of their models are. Why not???kwanpen does makes beautiful bags.
I had never heard of Kwanpen until this post- to me they are direct knock-offs of the Birkin and Kelly, though they are definitely not fakes. Are these bags considered status symbols in Asia or are they just considered high-quality knock-offs?? I'm also curious- did Kwanpen build their reputation on being able to produce high-quality knock-offs or on their own unique line of handbags (it seems like they make lots of nice designs that aren't direct knock-offs)?
Kwanpen has always had a long history and reputation for excellent quality crocodile skins and bags. It's popular here in Asia way before the Hermes trend, especially with the wealthy ladies. These society Ladies probably requested kwanpen to make bags similar to the style of Hermes, and when requests became popular decided to launch a line of bags to capitalize on this. They don't claim their bags as Hermes or label them as Bs or Ks, the skins are genuine and beautiful, so I wouldn't really call these fake or knock-offs.
To me knock-off= a design directly based on someone else's original design and fake= an exact copy, including logos.
Kwanpen's original designs look beautiful & I can certainly understand why they would be highly sought after. I guess what I am not understanding is why ladies would buy Kwanpen Birkins or Kellys rather than the originals by Hermes? It seems like cost would be a major factor which in my mind, cheapens the brand.
On another note, I wish they would have improved upon the designs from Hermes rather than copied them exactly. For example, why not add a removable shoulder strap to the Birkin? Or an outside pocket to the back of the Kelly? Somehow that would make then more respectable to me.
I saw a beautiful Himalayan clutch by kwanpen. Does anyone know how much it is and if it is difficult to get hold of? I'm based in Europe.
Hi Mme CLMdeF, from what I understand, Kwanpen store in Singapore does accept phone/email sales order to Europe. Perhaps you might want to contact them at [email protected] for enquiry.
I just had a look at their web site.
I must say they have improved their collection very much, since this thread was started
They have nice styles , and finally nothing that could draw any confusion with Hermes in the buyer's mind. They must have hired a talented designer to put toegther such a trendy collection. That is a good thing.
They also have very nice colors.
So finally they have become a brand by themselves.
I must say they have improved their collection very much, since this thread was started
They have nice styles , and finally nothing that could draw any confusion with Hermes in the buyer's mind. They must have hired a talented designer to put toegther such a trendy collection. That is a good thing.
They also have very nice colors.
So finally they have become a brand by themselves.
Yes. I also had a look at their website. I saw some really nice bags and these are not lookalikes. I'm not too sure about their prices so I'll head down to their store at Ion Singapore one of these days. I'm a sucker for exotic bags and slgs and these need not be just Bs/Ks. Any nice exotic bag that is well handcrafted can fit into my collection.
I know this thread is pretty much dead, but I'd like to add my own two cents to whoever stumbles upon this.
Although Kwanpen, in my opinion, has gone downhill in terms of colour and style selection in recent years, I was lucky enough to purchase two Kwanpens when they offered that gorgeous rose colour (see attached pictures) back in the early 2000s. They have discontinued the Birkin look-alikes now, but they are currently selling a similar style for USD 10000 and up! Their prices are begnining to rival that of Hermes'.
All in all, their craftsmanship is superb and it is a great introductory piece to venture to the land of exotic skins if you are not feel financially able to invest in a Hermes just yet. Or simply because you don't want to
.
Pictures speak louder than words, so I present to you, my Kwanpen! Admittedly, the handles are a bit worn due to normal wear and tear, but I've had it for 10 years, and it's still in fantastic condition!
Although Kwanpen, in my opinion, has gone downhill in terms of colour and style selection in recent years, I was lucky enough to purchase two Kwanpens when they offered that gorgeous rose colour (see attached pictures) back in the early 2000s. They have discontinued the Birkin look-alikes now, but they are currently selling a similar style for USD 10000 and up! Their prices are begnining to rival that of Hermes'.
All in all, their craftsmanship is superb and it is a great introductory piece to venture to the land of exotic skins if you are not feel financially able to invest in a Hermes just yet. Or simply because you don't want to
. Pictures speak louder than words, so I present to you, my Kwanpen! Admittedly, the handles are a bit worn due to normal wear and tear, but I've had it for 10 years, and it's still in fantastic condition!
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I have many Hermes in the standard leathers but go to Kwanpen for the Ostrich and Crocodile as I just can't afford/justify spending money on Hermes for these leathers.
This is my new beautiful Kwanpen, one of 5 crocs that I have, this one being a deep greenish black. The quality is just amazing and most definitely rivals Hermes. I have had the wax peel on 2 of my birkins, but never happened yet on a Kwanpen. However, did have a broken piping in one of my Kwanpen straps and it was all replaced, upgraded and paid for by Gaysorn in Bangkok.
This is my new beautiful Kwanpen, one of 5 crocs that I have, this one being a deep greenish black. The quality is just amazing and most definitely rivals Hermes. I have had the wax peel on 2 of my birkins, but never happened yet on a Kwanpen. However, did have a broken piping in one of my Kwanpen straps and it was all replaced, upgraded and paid for by Gaysorn in Bangkok.
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I'm going to be very honest, this looks like a knock off of H to me. There are other brand making the shape of a b or k and give it a new brand name. To me, this is NOT ok because they stole other designer's idea (well you can say there are big brand names copy others, but not like 99.99% exact copy). When I see people wear those bags, it makes me feel uncomfortable. For people who do not shop at H but know the look of a b/k, they will think it's H.
