Polène handbags

[WillWordForBags]

You're totally right. I just hope that, as popular as they became, they still keep their prices affordable and their inventory stocked, so they don't become one of those designer brands that are impossible to afford with items that are impossible to get because they're always sold out (I'm looking at you LV, Chanel, etc.).

 

[WillWordForBags]

I have noticed that the small Tonca swatches are lighter than the ones they present of the bottom of the product page, which I'm thinking are probably closer to the color IRL.
Notice the difference in the Camel colors. The Camel on the small swatch tile (upper right) looks brighter and lighter and closer to what camel color is supposed to be, whereas the large swatch (on the bottom left) shows a darker color that looks more like a brown/tan tone.

I wonder if the camel color looks different depending on the style. Would be interesting to see.
This is my only apprehension with this camel bag. Because I like the color shown on the top more but I don't know if the bag looks more like that lighter swatch IRL.

 

[poleneinblack]

You're totally right. I just hope that, as popular as they became, they still keep their prices affordable and their inventory stocked, so they don't become one of those designer brands that are impossible to afford with items that are impossible to get because they're always sold out (I'm looking at you LV, Chanel, etc.).

I think for me, I want them to keep up quality first, and then prices. As long as they stay under $1,000 for as long as possible, I can accept it. They will need to hire more craftsmen and employees to keep up with increasing demand, and I would want them to prioritize high quality and fair wages.

 

[poleneinblack]

I have noticed that the small Tonca swatches are lighter than the ones they present of the bottom of the product page, which I'm thinking are probably closer to the color IRL.
Notice the difference in the Camel colors. The Camel on the small swatch tile (upper right) looks brighter and lighter and closer to what camel color is supposed to be, whereas the large swatch (on the bottom left) shows a darker color that looks more like a brown/tan tone.

I wonder if the camel color looks different depending on the style. Would be interesting to see.
This is my only apprehension with this camel bag. Because I like the color shown on the top more but I don't know if the bag looks more like that lighter swatch IRL.
IView attachment 5410673

I originally wanted to get camel color because it looked so good on other people, and I kept seeing recommendations online about how brown is a good basic color for a handbag. But I'm not a fan of this color. My favorite color is taupe now for handbags. It gives that light color freshness for spring/summer, but is also cool toned enough for winter. It's a neutral that is not black color.

 

[WillWordForBags]

I think for me, I want them to keep up quality first, and then prices. As long as they stay under $1,000 for as long as possible, I can accept it. They will need to hire more craftsmen and employees to keep up with increasing demand, and I would want them to prioritize high quality and fair wages.

Absolutely. I think if they have been able to deliver their amazing quality at those prices all this time, then we know they can keep doing that instead of climbing to a different price bracket just because they're selling more.
That would defeat the purpose for me a bit because I think Polene's popularity is precisely due to the fact that these bags are so well priced but can still compete with major designer brands in terms of design and quality.
Part of their whole brand positioning is "conscious luxury," meaning that they are proving that luxurious products can be made and bought without them costing an arm and a leg.

 

[poleneinblack]

Absolutely. I think if they have been able to deliver their amazing quality at those prices all this time, then we know they can keep doing that instead of climbing to a different price bracket just because they're selling more.
That would defeat the purpose for me a bit because I think Polene's popularity is precisely due to the fact that these bags are so well priced but can still compete with major designer brands in terms of design and quality.
Part of their whole brand positioning is "conscious luxury," meaning that they are proving that luxurious products can be made and bought without them costing an arm and a leg.

Yeah, it is a good reminder to always look at goods and ask "what am I paying for?" With Polene it feels like every cent is going somewhere worthwhile, and nothing is going to just having the brand name, the illusion of luxury, or clout/hype. It makes me happy to see reviews talk about how Polene's leather quality and dust bags are as good as the top-tier brands, and sometimes even better.

 

[poleneinblack]

This thread is one of the most active threads on TPF. Still waiting for our own subforum, admin!

 

[WillWordForBags]

I originally wanted to get camel color because it looked so good on other people, and I kept seeing recommendations online about how brown is a good basic color for a handbag. But I'm not a fan of this color. My favorite color is taupe now for handbags. It gives that light color freshness for spring/summer, but is also cool toned enough for winter. It's a neutral that is not black color.

I totally see your point with the camel. And I feel the same way. I've been looking for a brighter, lighter tone than their camel. Precisely more like the small swatch on their product pages.
The other color I discovered recently was the beige and I'm loving it. Too bad it's only offered for a few styles, but if I go by the larger color swatch, the beige is giving me Gucci Rose Beige vibes and that is making me get very excited because that tone of nude is one of my favorite colors of all time.
What is your take on the UMI? I'm thinking of getting that one in beige instead.

 

[poleneinblack]

I totally see your point with the camel. And I feel the same way. I've been looking for a brighter, lighter tone than their camel. Precisely more like the small swatch on their product pages.
The other color I discovered recently was the beige and I'm loving it. Too bad it's only offered for a few styles, but if I go by the larger color swatch, the beige is giving me Gucci Rose Beige vibes and that is making me get very excited because that tone of nude is one of my favorite colors of all time.
What is your take on the UMI? I'm thinking of getting that one in beige instead.

I got the UMI along with the other Polene designs very early on when I was just trying out handbags. The Umi was pretty stiff, and the zipper kept scratching my hand when I was trying to use it, so I ended up returning it. I think it's more of a small to medium sized bag. It doesn't look that small, but the folds on each side go inward, which reduces the capacity. However, I recently learned how to use my mini Huit so capacity might not be a problem anymore. I think the Umi can fit your phone, a card case, a small set of keys, and some small items like if you want to carry a few lipsticks.

I think it just depends on what you like to carry? I really should learn to carry less because it gets heavy, but I still like medium bags for sure. If you like using small bags, I think the Umi is fine. It's so cute, every Polene design is cute ugh.

I wrote this when I had it back then, and my first impressions, including the cons, I put in the comments:

CC 149: The Newbie - PurseBlog

In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet CC 149, a collector who just began collecting handbags within the last year. While her collection is small, it is mighty, and CC 149’s…

www.purseblog.com

 

[Nak93]

Thanks for the reply. Do you like the bag? And what color did you choose?

Yes I do to me it’s more beautiful in person than online shows - I went with the chalk colour, so elegant looking! Only thing that surprised me was it being smaller than what shows online/others. I’m 175cm tall , perhaps that’s why! But this almost makes it even more a great crossbody for me.

 

[Nak93]

This is very helpful. Thank you. Can you share a photo of how it looks on you? This bag looks so big on the site but you mention it’s a great little bag so I’m curious to see how it looks irl. Thanks!

I agree with mooLV, the bag surprised me being smaller than what shows online/others but in this way it’s more of a great crossbody as doesn’t stick out like I worried it would if it was bigger it fits more than the Gucci soho disco (I bought to alternate between) if that’s of any help

 

[WillWordForBags]

I agree with mooLV, the bag surprised me being smaller than what shows online/others but in this way it’s more of a great crossbody as doesn’t stick out like I worried it would if it was bigger it fits more than the Gucci soho disco (I bought to alternate between) if that’s of any help

This is very helpful. Thank you! What color did you get? Being able to fit more than in the Gucci Disco is great. Do you have mode shots by any chance?

 

[WillWordForBags]

I got the UMI along with the other Polene designs very early on when I was just trying out handbags. The Umi was pretty stiff, and the zipper kept scratching my hand when I was trying to use it, so I ended up returning it. I think it's more of a small to medium sized bag. It doesn't look that small, but the folds on each side go inward, which reduces the capacity. However, I recently learned how to use my mini Huit so capacity might not be a problem anymore. I think the Umi can fit your phone, a card case, a small set of keys, and some small items like if you want to carry a few lipsticks.

I think it just depends on what you like to carry? I really should learn to carry less because it gets heavy, but I still like medium bags for sure. If you like using small bags, I think the Umi is fine. It's so cute, every Polene design is cute ugh.

I wrote this when I had it back then, and my first impressions, including the cons, I put in the comments:

CC 149: The Newbie - PurseBlog

In today’s installment of Closet Confessionals, we meet CC 149, a collector who just began collecting handbags within the last year. While her collection is small, it is mighty, and CC 149’s…

www.purseblog.com

This was awesome. The whole thing. Thank you, darling. I’ve added the UMI to my wishlist. And I know I definitely want something in that beige. Right now, it’s only showing it for the Huit and the Umi, I think.

 

[phanilla]

I was watching douyin videos and this french woman carries a Polene Umi and a little woven basket with a lid. Now I want a basket with a lid, so I found this:

Polène L’Osier Wicker Bag

The Polène Wicker Bag is one of my favorite bucket bags for spring and summer designed in France!

frenchgirldaily.com

Is there anything similar? Do you think Polene will bring this back or is it for sale anywhere?

I saw it’s sold on Poshmark

 

[Nak93]

This is very helpful. Thank you! What color did you get? Being able to fit more than in the Gucci Disco is great. Do you have mode shots by any chance?

I decided on the chalk - such an elegant combo! Another plus is height, I couldn't fit in a hand sanitiser standing up in the Gucci but I can in UMI (on sides as they are taller then middle dip of course). I don't unfortunately I will hopefully try take some photos later or tomorrow as I know it can be very helpful. I am 175cm tall as a BTW