Massaccesi Handbags
- Thread starter bonniekir
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He sometimes has a little leather left and will make bags upon request. But I get the impression that he has just enough Africa to make the list that he published and no more.
Now, I also got a Dark Amethyst Verona Penelope Messenger (with silver hardware, lilac lining, and an added zipper closure for the main compartment) in the same order as my Little Muse, but... I'm not too sure what to make of it.
The specs should've all worked out great, since this is a style I've ordered before, in a leather I've ordered / seen in person before, and with a lining (lilac) that I've also ordered / seen in person before, so that I could compare the lining colour with the leather to know if it worked well together. But when I opened up the dustbag and wrappings, I was kind of bewildered to see it come with much lighter stitching and zipper tape/fabric than I had gotten in my Dark Amethyst Verona Zhoe Legend:
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The above pics were all taken under a mix of natural lighting and white fluorescent lighting. The leather therefore appears brighter in some parts of the pictures where the lighting on it was stronger, but the second pic shows the contrasting stitching quite true-to-life, as does the right-hand side of the third pic comparing the stitching with the Zhoe Legend's stitching (the natural lighting hits stronger on the left side in that pic).
Has anyone had this happen before? Getting contrasting stitching and zipper tape/fabric without having asked for it?
I'm still not sure how I feel about it, so I haven't contacted Marco about this yet. Part of me is wondering whether I can get used to it enough (and mindful also that MM are a family-run company, so business costs must certainly be a more important factor for them than a bigger designer/company), but another part of me still feels that bewilderment/disappointment when I first saw the contrast stitching and zipper tape...
The lilac lining does work well with the Dark Amethyst Verona leather, though -- a nice slight pop/contrast with the darker purple. I was just expecting to have that contrast only when you see the interior (or that sliver of the lining that peeks out at the ends of the front and back zipper compartments of the Penny Messenger), not with the exterior stitching and zipper tape/fabric also...
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Would love to hear any thoughts from you ladies on the contrast stitching, or any past similar experiences too
Just wanted to thank you for your post re: the issue of contrast stitching. When I first read it, I was somewhat concerned since I also didn’t want lighter contrast stitching on the Penelope Messenger that I had ordered in the same leather (your bag was my inspiration to place the order, and the promotion made the decision an easy one). I opened the package from MM and discovered the lighter contrast stitching as well as lighter colored zippers (I had customized the Messenger with a zipped center compartment, so the effect was even more pronounced). As I looked at the bag, I remembered what I’d learned in modeling class: Never wear shoes lighter than your outfit; if you do, the attention goes to your shoes, and not to you — and looking at this bag, it was true: what stood out for me were the zippers and the stitching, not the bag itself. I ordered it, so I’ll live with it, but the next time I place an order, I will request no contrast stitching or zippers.
Very textured, but yet supple with a glorious sheen to it. It softens beautifully but does not collapse. And it almost has an iridescent quality in different lighting.
It’s unfortunate you didn’t get what you expected. I honestly don’t understand some of the things the workshop does.
I’m probably the only one who does not like the Africas. Blue Africa was the first leather that caught my eye when I was new to Massaccesi. After requesting a sample, I knew it wouldn’t work for me. I’m not sure why. I like texture, and I have no problem with sheen.
Exactly what @southernbelle43 said, plus amazingly, the bling is not flashy, but can elevate both your daytime and nighttime looks just the same. In addition, it wears quite well, is low maintenance (rain kind of just bounces off it unless it's a massive pour), and doesn't experience much dye transfer. With that being said, just like @Devyn Danielle said, it doesn't mean it's for everyone, which is awesome that Marco has all kinds of leathers out there!
I know most people adore merinos, but of the the four Marco's leathers I got to see close and personal in bags it's probably my least favorite. Go figure
MM has such a variety of leathers and is always on the lookout for more. He offers something for everyone. His family for several generations is steeped in fine leather, its look, its feel, its durability, its character. And it shows in his work. I feel so fortunate to have stumbled across Massachesi bags.Exactly what @southernbelle43 said, plus amazingly, the bling is not flashy, but can elevate both your daytime and nighttime looks just the same. In addition, it wears quite well, is low maintenance (rain kind of just bounces off it unless it's a massive pour), and doesn't experience much dye transfer. With that being said, just like @Devyn Danielle said, it doesn't mean it's for everyone, which is awesome that Marco has all kinds of leathers out there!
Yeap. I’m in the minority too. Got the swatch and was like ‘ meh’ .
Lol. When I got the first swatches, Africa did not stand out for me either. Then I started seeing posters put pix of bags in Africa on the site and I ordered the Selene in blue Africa. When it arrived I was surprised how much I did like it. Ever time I carry it now, I like it more and it is the only bag I have ever had that strangers comment on.
