Metier London

[CoconutDonut]

I have the private eye in smooth calfskin (regular size, not slim). Due to a few things that personally don’t work for me, I unfortunately don’t use it. My biggest issue with the bag is the hardware which isn’t rounded at all. I worry that the hardware could damage my more fragile winter coats and sweaters especially the hardware that attaches the back handle to the back of the bag, since this part would be against my body.

I also learned that I prefer to have fewer zipper closures. It’s great that there are so many compartments but the fact that the bag is shaped narrower at the top plus the multiple layers of zippers, means the zippers hit the back of my hand when I am getting things in and out of the bag. I think this would bother me in the winter months when my skin is more sensitive.

Depending on if you are planning to carry a lot, the thin bag strap may not be the best. I would have preferred a wider strap.

Lastly I find the full size private eye to look a bit too much like a men’s briefcase, especially when full.

These are fairly minor gripes but I have enough other choices in my closet that I don’t turn to this bag for these reasons. Because of these things, I also have not tried any other bags from them.

 

[bordeauxH]

I have the private eye in smooth calfskin (regular size, not slim). Due to a few things that personally don’t work for me, I unfortunately don’t use it. My biggest issue with the bag is the hardware which isn’t rounded at all. I worry that the hardware could damage my more fragile winter coats and sweaters especially the hardware that attaches the back handle to the back of the bag, since this part would be against my body.

I also learned that I prefer to have fewer zipper closures. It’s great that there are so many compartments but the fact that the bag is shaped narrower at the top plus the multiple layers of zippers, means the zippers hit the back of my hand when I am getting things in and out of the bag. I think this would bother me in the winter months when my skin is more sensitive.

Depending on if you are planning to carry a lot, the thin bag strap may not be the best. I would have preferred a wider strap.

Lastly I find the full size private eye to look a bit too much like a men’s briefcase, especially when full.

These are fairly minor gripes but I have enough other choices in my closet that I don’t turn to this bag for these reasons. Because of these things, I also have not tried any other bags from them.

Super helpful, thank you! I was also thinking that the private eye looked quite bulky/briefcase like…seems like the Perriand city might be worth looking into

 

[goodatlife]

Also curious! I have a Mini Roma which I love as an evening or easy crossbody bag, am debating the Private Eye or Perriand as my next work bag and would love to hear everyone's experience on wear and tear/ease of use etc. I have a collection of Margauxs from The Row which I love but something with a shoulder strap would be useful

Omg! Do you like your mini roma? I am eyeing this bag as I need a small crossbody that looks elegant.

 

[bordeauxH]

Omg! Do you like your mini roma? I am eyeing this bag as I need a small crossbody that looks elegant.

Yes it’s amazing ! It doesn’t hold much besides a phone or a lipstick (my keys barely fit), but it’s great for days or evenings when you don’t have to carry much

 

[goodatlife]

Would love to see any pictures you might have ))

 

[renee_nyc]

So nearly 3 years after I created this thread I finally got my first Metier bag today and there’s a good story.

I’ve been looking at the resale market since prices are pretty high and I’d only briefly seen a work colleague’s bag IRL (her brother used to date Melissa Metier apparently).

I love the look of the Private Eye and the versatility of the snap out pouch but talked myself out of it after reading some of the comments here and thinking ‘Do I really need another massive work bag given that I WFH 3 days / week?’

I started thinking about the Perriand as well but it was harder to find in the size I wanted resale.

Instead of searching for Metier bags I searched for Perriand and this is where things got interesting. I came across this resale site called Reluxe. They seem to have collabs with some designers where they sell new but archival merchandise at a lower cost.

So I ended up getting a Market Weekend bag in a gorgeous dark Cacao color and a Trio of pouches.

I have some travel coming up and I can’t wait to use them. The Trio is similar to the Celine Trio but it has more interior pockets to organize cards and passports. And the market weekend bag has the snap out pouch I like.

One thing about the pouch is that I was pleasantly surprised at how sturdy the strap was. It doesn’t photograph that way. But I wish they hadn’t stored the strap in the pouch because I can see the outline a little.

I’m happy though –the leather smells incredible.

Here’s the site –I was also able to add a -10% for being a new customer which made the price even better.

Cacao Market Weekend Bag

The Market Weekend Bag is quite literally a twist on a classic. The tote's base has been twisted and tailored to rest lightly against your body, while the wide and supple handles, attached from the corner points, create the perfect slouch and allow you to carry it with ease. Fitted with two...

reluxefashion.com

 

[renee_nyc]

I went on a bit of a Métier spree over the last 2 months.

Here’s a detailed review and lots of photos of the Perriand City I just bought.

This is the Anthracite Elvis Buffalo Leather.

Dust bag: it’s a lovely soft cloth but I wouldn’t say it feels particularly luxurious.

Bag with the sides clipped in so it’s got a duffle shape:


Bag with the sides unclipped. I actually prefer it this way.

And now for the strap attachment. This is my main critique of the bag. The brand story talks so much about function and the experience of using it.

I initially thought the strap might easily detach but I was wrong about it. With the rings being behind the handles, it’s a pain to get the straps on, but once they are on they seem to stay on.

The strap looks thin but it’s actually quite sturdy. One other thing I don’t like is that because I’m short, the buckle sits on top of my shoulder when I have it at the my preferred crossbody length and it hurts a bit. Not a big deal give or take but if it were easy I would get the strap shortened.

Here’s where the strap attaches. You can see how it’s behind the handles.


How the bag looks closed. Behind the hidden flap there are useful pockets.
The magnets keep it shut and looking smooth as long as you don’t put anything too thick in the front.

You can kind of see the pockets and organizers. Two pen holders and 2 slip pockets that can hold 2 passports and a phone or small wallet (I have my Calvi duo).

Close up of handles and zips. I love how the zips feel, thick and luxurious. The braided handle is surprisingly comfy.


Inside: there’s a laptop pocket (my Pro is pictured) and on the opposite side a large zip pocket. The clip in pouch that can convert to a crossbody with the strap is attached at both the top and bottom. I noticed when I have my laptop in and not much else the bag will tip over but if I clip in the pouch at top and bottom it stays upright.

There’s a rolled up CSGM in there with my glasses case to give you an idea of size. It can hold a lot more though –my office was doing a warm clothing drive and I had two of my husband’s pants rolled up and an extra hat in addition to my laptop today.


More zipper detail.

Awkward angle I took this morning where the bag was crammed full of stuff.

Hopefully this helps anyone who might be interested in the Perriand City.

 

[FaubourgTropical]

This is my main critique of the bag

Mine too. This flimsy attachment was why I didn’t buy the private eye. Overall, I find that Metier makes better bags for men than women. There are too many features crammed into women's bags, although the thinking behind it is amazing.

 

[CoconutDonut]

Mine too. This flimsy attachment was why I didn’t buy the private eye. Overall, I find that Metier makes better bags for men than women. There are too many features crammed into women's bags, although the thinking behind it is amazing.

100% agree. I feel like the brand just gets the details wrong—Thin straps for big bags instead of wider straps that would be more comfortable, the way the straps attach, etc. There are too many little things wrong with my Private Eye that I have not tried any of their other bags.

 

[renee_nyc]

Mine too. This flimsy attachment was why I didn’t buy the private eye. Overall, I find that Metier makes better bags for men than women. There are too many features crammed into women's bags, although the thinking behind it is amazin

I like the look of the private eye but it seemed too complicated for me. The Perriand is simpler but it’s an 8/10 for me because of the strap attachment. It’s more secure than it looks but it’s annoying and more time consuming to get on than I would like which is not ideal.

 

[renee_nyc]

100% agree. I feel like the brand just gets the details wrong—Thin straps for big bags instead of wider straps that would be more comfortable, the way the straps attach, etc. There are too many little things wrong with my Private Eye that I have not tried any of their other bags.

I thought about buying a man’s strap but all of the ones I saw weren’t leather.

It’s not a strap that can be attached quickly!

 

[renee_nyc]

For anyone in NYC who is interested 260 Sample Sales has some bags and accessories.

I bought a stowaway.

 

[bagnut1]

For anyone in NYC who is interested 260 Sample Sales has some bags and accessories.

I bought a stowaway.

Thanks for the tip. I popped in thinking I might find a good deal on a Marrakech bag (my fave of their leathers). I planned poorly. Wasn’t willing to leave my $$$$ (Mini sized) purse with the coat check.

(Obviously I am out of touch with how sample sales now operate.)

 

[renee_nyc]

Thanks for the tip. I popped in thinking I might find a good deal on a Marrakech bag (my fave of their leathers). I planned poorly. Wasn’t willing to leave my $$$$ (Mini sized) purse with the coat check.

(Obviously I am out of touch with how sample sales now operate.)

Don’t blame you at all. My husband waited outside with mine! Sample sales are really, not fun.

How has your suede bag held up? I’m really wanting the Private Eye slim in dark brown suede. I have a Perriand (Vérité) and a market bag in leather, so I’d love to know how the suede wears in.

I picked myself up a suede stowaway in a light color, which is probably the best test of how well it will hold up. I’ve dressed it up with a chain from a small Dior bag I have and here’s a picture with the original strap for comparison.

 

[ryrybaby12]

Don’t blame you at all. My husband waited outside with mine! Sample sales are really, not fun.

How has your suede bag held up? I’m really wanting the Private Eye slim in dark brown suede. I have a Perriand (Vérité) and a market bag in leather, so I’d love to know how the suede wears in.

I picked myself up a suede stowaway in a light color, which is probably the best test of how well it will hold up. I’ve dressed it up with a chain from a small Dior bag I have and here’s a picture with the original strap for comparison.

View attachment 6119354View attachment 6119355

how is suede holding up? Looking at a few of the suede options…so pretty. Do you still use your larger bag? Was considering that in darn brown or even bigger