Tough one! The character of each leather is so distinct - do you have a preference or perhaps a wardrobe hole that either nappa or vachetta would fill more readily? Nappa can be more dressy, depending on your personal aesthetic.
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- Thread starter bonniekir
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I'm not familiar with vachetta at all - although from pictures, the black looks like it could be dressed up or down. I have a couple items in nappa and it works well with my style. I wear jeans on the weekends, but my daily wardrobe is business casual/classic with a twist.
My preference is vacchetta. I know as it ages it just gets more and more beautiful. I have no experience with nappa over a long time. I have nappa bags and that leather is really lovely, but it does not have the same persona as vacchetta. I don't know how to describe it.
I also think the Nappa will remain almost the same as from new.. at least this is what I see with my four yr old Phoebes. Whereas the Aquila, Vachetta, the Tuscania will age very nicely!
Belle, I tried to capture the texture, but there is just no way to show how flexible it is now in a still shot. Sorry.
The nice thing about black vachetta is that it is so dark and rich. The texture varies across each hide which I, personally, love. Depending on how you feel about texture it could either dress up/down or just be more on the business casual-to-casual side of the spectrum. IMO it's a classic and one of the truest black leathers out there - very luxe looking but not super formal. If this fills a hole in your black bag options, I think it would be gorgeous. The nappa would also be lovely - more buttery (of course) and quite classic. IMO nappa is a bit more tailored, especially in a structured bag, but not limiting - since your style is your own.
I realize, that may be no help!
As far as MM bags and what Marco's special talents are for procuring beautiful leathers: I used this sale as an opportunity to add two vachetta bags to my collection because the leather is just that nice and I don't see a similar option, for the most part, in bags from other makers.
If either nappa or vacchetta would suit your wardrobe/style similarly well, and especially if you like some texture to your leathers, my vote is for vacchetta! I don't have black vacchetta, but I did just get my second vacchetta bag (in Mahogany), and if black is similarly textured (as it looks to be from the pics here), then it really does have a special character / personality to it that would beat out nappa hands down any day, IMHO... There's just something about a leather that has more natural texture and variation (whether in colour depth or surface texture), that gives it a lot more personality.
I must say, though, that some MM vacchettas do seem to be a lot smoother / less textured -- dark green for instance, and dark taupe 2.0 from the pics I've seen here. It also kind of seems like river blue vacchetta may be less textured too? (Though I've also not seen that one IRL) But from the pics I recall seeing of black vacchetta, it does seem to generally have more texture and personality, so that's where my vote goes
I prefer nappa as it feels so good to the hand, has enough structure to maintain a bag's shape, holds color well, and wears well.
Ladies, I need some help with one of the items in my final order too!
I'm looking to get something in China pebbled leather, and initially I placed an order for a Penelope Messenger with my typical third zip added to the main centre compartment.
I started thinking about Alexia Midi again, though, and can't get it out of my head, especially since it's such a unique shape. I emailed Marco late last week to get his thoughts on whether Alexia Midi would look good in a softer leather like pebbled, with softer or no backing, but am still waiting to hear back from him. (I generally do prefer softer/slouchier styles and leathers, and styles that eventually develop a slouch or even puddle from use -- the vast majority of bags in my collection are that way, although I do have a few structured bags like the Givenchy Antigona and my MM Little Muse.)
Even if he says that Alexia Midi wouldn't look good in a soft leather with softer/no backing, though, do you ladies think I should switch my order from the Penelope Messenger to the Alexia Midi (even with the typical amount of backing)? Does anyone have pebbled leather in the Alexia or Alexia Midi, or any of the other highly structured styles (with backing added), and what are your thoughts on it? How has it worn, etc? I do have an Alexia Midi in dark green vacchetta at present, but it is definitely a boxy shape/style (either because of the vacchetta, or because of any extra backing that may have been used -- I asked for less backing, but honestly can't tell if that's what I got or not!)
Right now, the pros to switching my order from a Penelope Messenger to an Alexia Midi seem to outweigh the cons -- Alexia Midi has a better capacity and I could use it in more situations, whilst Penelope Messenger is almost exclusively a weekend/going-light bag for me. Even when I've used Penelope Messenger for travel, it's been for short city trips where I can get away with severely paring down what I carry, but much less suited for trips where I'm moving around more or have more activities planned throughout the day. On the other hand, Alexia Midi is, TBH, also untested in travel scenarios etc, and probably still has less capacity than one of my travel go-tos (MZ Wallace Paige).
I also have four (!!!) Penelope Messengers already, compared to the one Alexia Midi:
- Penelope Messenger: Chocolate Verona, Dark Amethyst Verona, Dark Taupe Pebbled (the first three all with the customisation of a third zip in the middle compartment), Dark Green Trinity
- Alexia Midi: Dark Green Vacchetta
Would love to hear what you ladies think!
I'm looking to get something in China pebbled leather, and initially I placed an order for a Penelope Messenger with my typical third zip added to the main centre compartment.
I started thinking about Alexia Midi again, though, and can't get it out of my head, especially since it's such a unique shape. I emailed Marco late last week to get his thoughts on whether Alexia Midi would look good in a softer leather like pebbled, with softer or no backing, but am still waiting to hear back from him. (I generally do prefer softer/slouchier styles and leathers, and styles that eventually develop a slouch or even puddle from use -- the vast majority of bags in my collection are that way, although I do have a few structured bags like the Givenchy Antigona and my MM Little Muse.)
Even if he says that Alexia Midi wouldn't look good in a soft leather with softer/no backing, though, do you ladies think I should switch my order from the Penelope Messenger to the Alexia Midi (even with the typical amount of backing)? Does anyone have pebbled leather in the Alexia or Alexia Midi, or any of the other highly structured styles (with backing added), and what are your thoughts on it? How has it worn, etc? I do have an Alexia Midi in dark green vacchetta at present, but it is definitely a boxy shape/style (either because of the vacchetta, or because of any extra backing that may have been used -- I asked for less backing, but honestly can't tell if that's what I got or not!)
Right now, the pros to switching my order from a Penelope Messenger to an Alexia Midi seem to outweigh the cons -- Alexia Midi has a better capacity and I could use it in more situations, whilst Penelope Messenger is almost exclusively a weekend/going-light bag for me. Even when I've used Penelope Messenger for travel, it's been for short city trips where I can get away with severely paring down what I carry, but much less suited for trips where I'm moving around more or have more activities planned throughout the day. On the other hand, Alexia Midi is, TBH, also untested in travel scenarios etc, and probably still has less capacity than one of my travel go-tos (MZ Wallace Paige).
I also have four (!!!) Penelope Messengers already, compared to the one Alexia Midi:
- Penelope Messenger: Chocolate Verona, Dark Amethyst Verona, Dark Taupe Pebbled (the first three all with the customisation of a third zip in the middle compartment), Dark Green Trinity
- Alexia Midi: Dark Green Vacchetta
Would love to hear what you ladies think!
Now that I see this post, I have a feeling that you were trying to ask me a different question, as in nappa vs. vacchetta for Alexia Midi.
I chose tan Pompei for my regular size Alexia because I wanted to try Pompei leather. I chose dark green vacchetta very intentionally for Alexia Midi because it was the right style bag that I had been waiting for to get that specific leather in.
I find my Alexia Midi in vacchetta is more special than my Alexia in pompei leather. Vacchetta is more compelling than nappa because unlike nappa, it is not flat and it improves as it changes with patina. Nappa generally looks the same over time in my experience. Also, the vacchetta is just stunning in the Alexia style.
If you want to play it safe, the beige nappa would be pretty. However, since you do not have any vacchetta and if you’re willing to take a risk, then I say go for the vacchetta!! I think you might be pleasantly surprised. Marco’s vacchetta is the best I’ve ever seen. I am just so thankful that I have this particular leather of his in several bags! The very few others I’ve come across do not compare.
I took pics of the beige nappa swatch and of my Alexia Midi in dark green vacchetta outside on my lanai so that you can see the true colors.
Nappa:
Dark green vacchetta:
@carterazo, other options you might consider are dark taupe vacchetta and red vacchetta.
I agree with a previous post that black vacchetta can easily be dressed up or down.
I agree with a previous post that black vacchetta can easily be dressed up or down.
I would choose the Alexia Midi because you already have several Penelope messengers. I personally would stick to vacchetta, nappa, and flat calf for Alexia. It would be a nice and different addition to your collection of mostly slouchy bags.Ladies, I need some help with one of the items in my final order too!
I'm looking to get something in China pebbled leather, and initially I placed an order for a Penelope Messenger with my typical third zip added to the main centre compartment.
I started thinking about Alexia Midi again, though, and can't get it out of my head, especially since it's such a unique shape. I emailed Marco late last week to get his thoughts on whether Alexia Midi would look good in a softer leather like pebbled, with softer or no backing, but am still waiting to hear back from him. (I generally do prefer softer/slouchier styles and leathers, and styles that eventually develop a slouch or even puddle from use -- the vast majority of bags in my collection are that way, although I do have a few structured bags like the Givenchy Antigona and my MM Little Muse.)
Even if he says that Alexia Midi wouldn't look good in a soft leather with softer/no backing, though, do you ladies think I should switch my order from the Penelope Messenger to the Alexia Midi (even with the typical amount of backing)? Does anyone have pebbled leather in the Alexia or Alexia Midi, or any of the other highly structured styles (with backing added), and what are your thoughts on it? How has it worn, etc? I do have an Alexia Midi in dark green vacchetta at present, but it is definitely a boxy shape/style (either because of the vacchetta, or because of any extra backing that may have been used -- I asked for less backing, but honestly can't tell if that's what I got or not!)
Right now, the pros to switching my order from a Penelope Messenger to an Alexia Midi seem to outweigh the cons -- Alexia Midi has a better capacity and I could use it in more situations, whilst Penelope Messenger is almost exclusively a weekend/going-light bag for me. Even when I've used Penelope Messenger for travel, it's been for short city trips where I can get away with severely paring down what I carry, but much less suited for trips where I'm moving around more or have more activities planned throughout the day. On the other hand, Alexia Midi is, TBH, also untested in travel scenarios etc, and probably still has less capacity than one of my travel go-tos (MZ Wallace Paige).
I also have four (!!!) Penelope Messengers already, compared to the one Alexia Midi:
- Penelope Messenger: Chocolate Verona, Dark Amethyst Verona, Dark Taupe Pebbled (the first three all with the customisation of a third zip in the middle compartment), Dark Green Trinity
- Alexia Midi: Dark Green Vacchetta
Would love to hear what you ladies think!
I have to agree with Kylacove I prefer nappa as well. She is spot on it has such a lovely feel to. Keeps the structure without being too heavy and wears extremely well. I know there are lots of ladies who love vacchetta but it is just too heavy for me. Fortunately MM has always had plenty of different leathers to keep us all happy with our different likes and tastes.
That dark green just takes my breath away and I have it in the Valerie, Yea! I agree with everything that has been said about the beauty of vacchetta.
Starkfan I am so pleased I am not the only one who keeps are being drawn to the Alexia midi. I have looked at that bag and then bought a different style. Then looked again and of course bought a different style. I know I will regret it if I do not get one. So I pulled the plug and I am getting a midi Alexia. Super excited. I know exactly what you have been going through when it comes to this style.Ladies, I need some help with one of the items in my final order too!
I'm looking to get something in China pebbled leather, and initially I placed an order for a Penelope Messenger with my typical third zip added to the main centre compartment.
I started thinking about Alexia Midi again, though, and can't get it out of my head, especially since it's such a unique shape. I emailed Marco late last week to get his thoughts on whether Alexia Midi would look good in a softer leather like pebbled, with softer or no backing, but am still waiting to hear back from him. (I generally do prefer softer/slouchier styles and leathers, and styles that eventually develop a slouch or even puddle from use -- the vast majority of bags in my collection are that way, although I do have a few structured bags like the Givenchy Antigona and my MM Little Muse.)
Even if he says that Alexia Midi wouldn't look good in a soft leather with softer/no backing, though, do you ladies think I should switch my order from the Penelope Messenger to the Alexia Midi (even with the typical amount of backing)? Does anyone have pebbled leather in the Alexia or Alexia Midi, or any of the other highly structured styles (with backing added), and what are your thoughts on it? How has it worn, etc? I do have an Alexia Midi in dark green vacchetta at present, but it is definitely a boxy shape/style (either because of the vacchetta, or because of any extra backing that may have been used -- I asked for less backing, but honestly can't tell if that's what I got or not!)
Right now, the pros to switching my order from a Penelope Messenger to an Alexia Midi seem to outweigh the cons -- Alexia Midi has a better capacity and I could use it in more situations, whilst Penelope Messenger is almost exclusively a weekend/going-light bag for me. Even when I've used Penelope Messenger for travel, it's been for short city trips where I can get away with severely paring down what I carry, but much less suited for trips where I'm moving around more or have more activities planned throughout the day. On the other hand, Alexia Midi is, TBH, also untested in travel scenarios etc, and probably still has less capacity than one of my travel go-tos (MZ Wallace Paige).
I also have four (!!!) Penelope Messengers already, compared to the one Alexia Midi:
- Penelope Messenger: Chocolate Verona, Dark Amethyst Verona, Dark Taupe Pebbled (the first three all with the customisation of a third zip in the middle compartment), Dark Green Trinity
- Alexia Midi: Dark Green Vacchetta
Would love to hear what you ladies think!