So after admiring
Polene’s designs for a long time, I finally pulled the trigger with the free shipping and got a number of designs that I have long admired.
Ordering was fine, shipping was fast and they came well packed. The boxes are nice and the dust bags are thick.
But when I opened them my overwhelming feeling was disappointment. I have a lot of contemporary bags (Furla, Wandler, Strathberry,
Coach, Oroton and yes, Michael Kors) and was expecting similar quality. But I don’t think the leather quality is as good as any of those brands. I think Polene does a great job with their website and the bags are very photogenic, but they just don’t look anywhere near as good in real life.
Here is my rundown
Un in camel - came with asymmetrical folds, and the top edge of the bag juts out from the flap instead of being covered by the flap. It makes a great design, well, not great. If this can be fixed with restuffing, I might keep this one, as I love the design and like the colour and size.
Un nano in lilac. This looks really cute but my phone is a tight fit. The main issue is that the edge of the shoulder strap is really sharp and scratches my skin.
Sept - the new wool version in camel. Colour is insipid and in person I don’t like the proportions of the bag. A definite return.
Neuf in blush. Pebbled leather feels kind of powdery. Not sure I love the colour enough. Folds are asymmetrical but I think it matters less with this design.
Mini neuf in glacier. Colour less intense in real life but still nice. Came with a rough rubbed patch on the leather on the front of the bag. Folds asymmetrical but as above it doesn’t look too bad with this design. Like the nano, my phone fits but only just.
Tonca in maple. I like the colour. The strap is darker than the bag which I didn’t pick up in the photos. I don’t love the way the end of the strap hangs down. Keeping for my daughter who likes it.
So overall, I still love the designs and think they are unique and very chic. But for me the execution is lacking. I would rather pay a bit more and have better quality leather.
Hope this review is helpful