Massaccesi Handbags

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

Things do change, it seems. Sometimes it's the process, sometimes the dye lot, and sometimes it's the leather itself. For a long while, I have been seriously considering a bag in Petrol Merinos, and finally got round to requesting a swatch from Colette back in February. I was so disappointed when it arrived, because it was a much lighter and less intense color than all the pictures that had inspired me. The paler version didn't look good to me at all, especially with my wardrobe. But then a couple of months later, I got the "gift pack" (aka genius marketing plan!) of swatches along with my most recent order. Lo and behold, there was the Petrol Merinos, in exactly the right shade for me!!! I've posted some photos in different light to show the big difference between them. All the other swatches I've had match the ones in the gift pack, except the Dark Taupe Vacchetta, but that difference is very mild, especially when it's supposed to be a more natural look anyway.

Colette assures me that she will check with Marco to confirm the intensity when I place my next order... I guess I will be getting a Petrol Merinos bag after all! And now to decide on the design...


View attachment 3701476View attachment 3701477View attachment 3701478
Wow, that's a huge difference! Thanks for sharing those pics. I'm very picky about color myself.
 
I know you have seen them before, but not MINE! My deep blue Africa Selene midi!
View attachment 3700688
Gorgeous! I think this is the first larger item in which I have really liked this leather/color. Is it really neutral like black or grey?

(You know, I haven't liked the swatches of Africa leather I have seen in other colors, but the blue continues to intrigue me. The shine factor that holds me back.)
 
Things do change, it seems. Sometimes it's the process, sometimes the dye lot, and sometimes it's the leather itself. For a long while, I have been seriously considering a bag in Petrol Merinos, and finally got round to requesting a swatch from Colette back in February. I was so disappointed when it arrived, because it was a much lighter and less intense color than all the pictures that had inspired me. The paler version didn't look good to me at all, especially with my wardrobe. But then a couple of months later, I got the "gift pack" (aka genius marketing plan!) of swatches along with my most recent order. Lo and behold, there was the Petrol Merinos, in exactly the right shade for me!!! I've posted some photos in different light to show the big difference between them. All the other swatches I've had match the ones in the gift pack, except the Dark Taupe Vacchetta, but that difference is very mild, especially when it's supposed to be a more natural look anyway.

Colette assures me that she will check with Marco to confirm the intensity when I place my next order... I guess I will be getting a Petrol Merinos bag after all! And now to decide on the design...


View attachment 3701476View attachment 3701477View attachment 3701478
I am sure you are correct. They are dealing with living things, i.e., leather, ergo they would be different thicknesses, absorb dye differently, etc. They age differently as well. But that is the beauty of leather. Vive la difference, right!!
 
Last edited:
Gorgeous! I think this is the first larger item in which I have really liked this leather/color. Is it really neutral like black or grey?

(You know, I haven't liked the swatches of Africa leather I have seen in other colors, but the blue continues to intrigue me. The shine factor that holds me back.)

I cannot think of any color that this would not go with this. It is quite neutral. I put it in the sun and arranged it to purposely show how it can shine. Below is a picture of it indoors in regular overhead lighting to compare with the outdoor shot. Africa leather is not for everyone. All my purses except this one are smooth, soft, slouchy bags. This one I am absolutely enjoying because it is so different and unusual and beautiful. And in just a few days it is softening up. Africa leather.jpeg
indoor.jpg
 
I have almost the same bag - midi zipped Selene in deep blue Africa - but with gold hardware and the marine lining. The surface of mine doesn't seem quite so pebbled, it is a bit smoother. The colour is simply wonderful and I carry it almost every day as I don't have a lot of bags. I bought it back in November/December and it is doing well so far.
 
I have almost the same bag - midi zipped Selene in deep blue Africa - but with gold hardware and the marine lining. The surface of mine doesn't seem quite so pebbled, it is a bit smoother. The colour is simply wonderful and I carry it almost every day as I don't have a lot of bags. I bought it back in November/December and it is doing well so far.
How much has it softened in that length of time? I do want it to be a little more slouchy.
 
View attachment 3701883 View attachment 3701885

She slouches quite nicely. She's visiting Florida with me and I could not get her in the balcony shot! This style is one of my favorites and will hold whatever I need and don't need for a day. I can throw my mac book pro in, no problem
Oh that is lovely!!!! Once again the swatch does not show how it really looks when it is made into the purse. But thank goodness for the swatches Marco shares or we would have no way of getting any idea about the leathers.
 
How much has it softened in that length of time? I do want it to be a little more slouchy.
I've used my MZS in Blue Africa almost daily for 18 months. She has definitely slouched some, but otherwise hasn't really shown much wear (except, predictably, the feet and the handles). I definitely do NOT baby my bags, which makes this all the more remarkable. Right now, she's packed up and "resting" for the summer as I enjoy my new MZS in Granite Tuscania, so I'm sorry I can't take an up to date photo in her current condition.
 
Just ordered a purse organiser from them:

http://www.marcomassaccesi.it/en/shop/small-organizer/small-organizer

Been meaning to buy an organiser for years and now I'm using shoulder bags again, a bit more (rather than just clutches), now was the time.

I really like their Calista bag (especially in a crossbody version); but, would prefer if there was also a version with a side/bottom panel, for a bit of depth.
 
Top