Leo et Violette Vs. Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag

[ezragordon56]

Guys I’m stuck, they both have their pros and cons.. so idk which to name my “favorite of all time”! Leo et Violette vs. Mansur Gavriel Bucket bag!

 

[ezragordon56]

Le Violette (in Camel, large) PROS:

• the handle is EXTREMELY useful. It’s great to use when getting into the car, the bag doesn’t drag before I can sit.
• the drawstring closure stays secured when tied into a bow, no slipping. When undoing the bow, there’s a tug so if you’re worried about someone trying to steal... you’d be alarmed by the tug before they could get access. If you’re really worried, you can tie a knot.
• it’s slightly bigger than MG’s largest bucket bag (one I have). Both can fit my 13.3” MacBook Air (cause the laptop is actually a little under 13”) with only about a centimeter sticking out (way less than a half an inch for sure), but the Violette fits my camera bag insert with extra space, MG doesn’t.
• it has 5 metal feet at the bottom so I can put it on a lot more surfaces than the MG.
• the strap length seems to be the same on both bags on the shortest setting.
• Way more water resistant (NOT water proof, there IS a difference: water resistant, think more of short term, light raindrops/ splashes; waterproof, think more “submergible”) than the MG bucket bag due to the gloss finish.
• The D-Rings that hold the straps to the bag are not only sewn on, but are also held onto the bag with RIVETS.
• Since it’s calf leather, the Violette won’t really change colors over time.
• The leather lining inside is so much softer than the outside of the bag (which the detachable pouch is lined with the same soft leather) and it’s better than the plastic color lining of the MG bag.
• The detachable pouch is secured with a clasp, not a Snap button. Much safer than MG’s.

Le Violette CONS:

• the scratches don’t look as nice on the Violette since it has a glossy finish. Also, when scratched with something that breaks the surface, the calf leather peels or looses some of its surface. Some of it really has peeled. I have attached photos as proof. Scratches in the photos have little pieces of leather that came off it and the under parts are now exposed. Not all scratches on the bag look like that, others don’t make pieces peel, I just haven’t figured out what exactly does that. My nail scratches certainly don’t make it peel though. The things I refer to as “peeled” have light dashes I have circled. Also, an area at the bottom of Le Violette Bucket Bag actually has a small piece scratched absolutely off. I have NO idea what did it because I take great care of my bags, but now there’s two small chunks of the top layer GONE.... and one bigger chunk has a piece cut, but uckily it still has that loose piece attached. There’s also a scratched and exposed part near the thread. I honestly don’t know what sharp thing got to it but it’s why I started to dislike the bag. It started to make me baby it way too much, way more than I needed to. The MG is vegetable tanned, adult cow leather. It’s harder to penetrate the leather. Scratches that don’t penetrate through the surface (nail scratch, the usual, vs. a scratch from something way sharper like a knife, the nono, exactly the scratches you really don’t want) just add to its aged look. This is beautiful.
• I tend to overstuff it. That leads to it being too heavy, but that’s easily fixable.
• I have the camel color so the interior is DARK blue. It’s difficult to find things inside the bag, especially in the dark. I usually have to turn my phone flashlight on. With the MG’s Cleo interior (off-white), it’s really easy to see inside.
• The handle can get in the way when you have the bag on the shortest setting of the strap and you want the bag in front of you. I find that it tends to hit my breasts. Slightly annoying, not a deal breaker.

Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag (Large, Brandy with Cleo interior) PROS:

• the bag is large enough but not too big
• Scratches on it just add to its timeless and aged look
• I get to treat the leather with mink oil, I see a transformation every time I do.
• It’s made of adult cow leather that is vegetable tanned which tends to last for YEARS. It’s absolutely very durable!
• The light interior makes it easy for me to find things inside the bag
• The detachable pouch is much more flexible so I can fit more inside it.
• It’s slightly slimmer than the Violette bag, so it looks more feminine and slightly less bulky.
• It’s a big lighter than Le Violette when both bags are empty due to the minimal hardware (with the strap studs being the only thing metal on the MGBB).

MG Bucket Bag CONS:

• the detachable pouch is only held onto a leather strap by a Snap button. Not so secure.
• it does not fit my camera bag insert comfortably like my Violette bag from Leo et Violette.
• This would not be great to wear in places that rain a lot/ very rainy seasons.
• When tied in a bow, it does not hold together. It must be tied twice, then you can tie the bow for it to be secured... but tying a knot makes it secure, and the other famous knot people look up videos on (where pulling one string tightens it and the other loosens it for easy access) also makes it secure.
• This depends more on the person, but if you don’t like color change, the vegetable tanned MG bucket bag isn’t for you. It patinas so it darkens over time and from sun exposure.
• The straps are only sewn to the bag in 3 horizontal, and 1 curved line (the lowest one) that are about half an inch wide. I looked at the thread and it looks thin too. I’m worried this won’t hold up to holding the same weight as Le Violette Bucket Bag, especially since it has no rivets.... but I’ve heard/ been told by people who abuse/ really use their MG bucket bags, and they haven’t had that issue. I’ve also never heard of any complaints about the straps coming off or the thread becoming undone. This is just me worrying.

 

[Mariapia]

Personally I am a fan of vegetable tanned leather bags
I have one ( though not an MG), it is aging beautifully and even if it has a few unavoidable scratches, it gives it character.. And there is of course its wonderful patina...

 

[ezragordon56]

Personally I am a fan of vegetable tanned leather bags
I have one ( though not an MG), it is aging beautifully and even if it has a few unavoidable scratches, it gives it character.. And there is of course its wonderful patina...

That’s why I love the MG, I’m just worried it won’t be able to handle as much weight as Le Violette... but I’m carrying it right now and put a lot in it as a test run

 

[Mariapia]

That’s why I love the MG, I’m just worried it won’t be able to handle as much weight as Le Violette... but I’m carrying it right now and put a lot in it as a test run

Great! Keep us posted!

 

[Devyn Danielle]

Great review!

 

[Pagan]

I have the grained version of the larger La Violette; I’ve carried it a ton and I have no scratches. I like the look of pebbled leather and it’s less prone to scratching. I know some prefer a smooth finish but I obsess over the scuffs that are all but inevitable on a large bag.

I like mine so much I just ordered the Petit Violette in red grained leather.

 

[ezragordon56]

I have the grained version of the larger La Violette; I’ve carried it a ton and I have no scratches. I like the look of pebbled leather and it’s leas prone to scratching. I know some prefer a smooth finish but I obsess over the scuffs that are all but inevitable on a large bag.

I like mine so much I just ordered the Petit Violette in red grained leather. View attachment 4670817

Darn it! I would’ve gotten pebble if they had it in Camel and Large!

 

[Pagan]

I’ve had mine almost two years and it still looks new. I have the full-size in Navy with the glorious Camel interior. I had a custom Samorga organizer made for it so everything has its place. I like it so much I just had to order the smaller version. I have a LV Neo Noe as well so am a fan of bucket bags.

 

[Pagan]

I hope I’m not hijacking your thread but I thought you might like to see 2 years of wear on the pebbled version. I do have a lot of bags so haven’t worn this non-stop, but it does get lots of use as a casual bag in the spring and fall. I just pulled it out yesterday for the first time this year.

I see no damage on the main body and a tiny amount of scuffing (truly minimal) on the base. The glazing along the top and the interior are both pristine.

 

[vesna]

My vote is for MG, thanks a lot for showing this amazing comparison