Your Favourite Obscure Brands!

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This is something not seen too often in the states and that’s Spain’s Loewe collection. They tend to be more conservative and stand with more traditional styling. Actually if it wasn’t for their embossed logo, it would difficult to distinquish it from a Hermes. Their totes seem like a carbon copy of the Birkin and Kelly.
 
I loooove rafe thank you for this suggestion! I want them all.
Yeah! He uses materials which are sourced from the Philippines. Very nice and unique pieces. There is also a local brand here called Fino and they have gorgeous leather too and craftsmanship is at par with other designers for a fraction of its price.. It's not so expensive for what it is. :graucho:
 
I also love Henry Beguelin, which is no longer designed by the actual Mr. Henry Beguelin - he now designs Henry Cuir, which is another cool line, naturally similar to the one he started.
Loewe does make some nice bags, too.:smile1:
 
I adore everything from Awamaki Lab! I spent part of the summer working with them in Peru - they're doing amazing things to bring young designers and artisans together, showcasing traditional Quechua backstrap weavings in modern silhouettes. The website doesn't have a lot of stuff, but you can see the backpacks, which are actually designed by one of the women's cooperatives, and the mini skirts (which are super flattering) as well!

http://awastore.bigcartel.com/
 
Rafe New York and Celestina. Designers are both Filipinos:-)

Rafe! I used to have the tiniest silver coin purse keychain with a bow on it (held maybe 3 quarters!) by Rafe. Paid WAY too much for it on super markdown at a TJ Maxx and I was thrilled to have it. Haven't thought about that brand in years.

Has anyone heard of Valentina? maybe Cristina?

Valentina... her stuff looks A LOT like Marino Orlandi (hope I spelled that right); both have very high quality, durable leather and sophisticated designs. Also, I recently sold a Cristina bag (had to list it like 4 times, though).

I want to throw out Jack Russell Mallitier! Used to have a really nice leather tote bag by him. They aren't even sold in the US, but YAY for TK Maxx (Europe's TJ Maxx) sometimes having some of their stuff end up in the US.
 
I forgot one... DESMO! OMG... Italian brand. Early 2000s they had much better bags available; I was obsessed and compulsively scooping them up at Tj Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory and other off price retailers that got them for less than half their retail price. I only have one left and I will NEVER get rid of it (which is saying a lot for me, because I go through handbags like a crazy person)... it's supple, soft, delightful suede with a shearling (I think? Furry) flap. Mmm.
 
I'm just going to post 800 times... thought of one more (these are obscure, right?, and not popping into my head quickly enough). Monsac. Amazing, thick, durable, classy leather bags in rich colors.
 
Valentina... her stuff looks A LOT like Marino Orlandi (hope I spelled that right); both have very high quality, durable leather and sophisticated designs. Also, I recently sold a Cristina bag (had to list it like 4 times, though).

would you happen to have any more info on Valentina or Cristina? are they the same designer? because the very few items i've seen, look very similar. yes! the leather is really durable and lovely.. would love to know more about either one.. i've only seen them here at my Winners and its' really hard to find a style that looks nice - the one I have is a hobo convertible crossbody and its leather is amazing. would love to know where I can get more.
 
Hello ladies,


I have been an on and off reader for the past few months but never really post...

To add to this thread I like Kelsi Dagger purses. Also vince camuto. Not sure if he is considered obscure but I think he is not that popular. Has anyone else here at tpf gotten Kelsi dagger bags? I like them and not too expensive either.

I only just noticed Vince Camuto bags recently because I like his Julia satchel (Julia tote looks nice too but haven't seen any irl). Also, Hudson's Bay just started carrying Kelsi Dagger bags otherwise I would have never heard of them.

The VC Julia satchel is really practical with lots of org options! I think it's well priced at $248 but it is marked up to $360 CAD up here...oh brother!!!!! :amazed: Even with some of my promo coupons etc, I'm not willing to over pay for it. I could resort to ordering online from USA.

julia satchel 3.jpg

julia satchel 4.jpg

julia tote 1.jpg
 
Yea, is Vince Camuto considered obscure? Here are more pics of his Julia satchel...it has a double top handle and full top zip. The leather is soft but not slouchy; it's got a nice sheen to it. I hope he makes this bag in some dark colours too...like black/black with a mix of textures.

julia-satchel 1.jpg

julia satchel 2.jpg
 
I don't think Vince Camuto is obscure. He's carried at dept stores like Dillards and Nordstroms. He even has his own namesake stores here in Texas.
I like Brooks Brothers bags even though they're not hard to come by. Just not popular as other brands. Jcrew makes nice bags also.

Oh! I forgot Sabina! Really nice leather.
 
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