When I first saw this bag, I thought "Wow, that is so weird looking, but at the same time it's really cool!" I am drawn to the unique and the weird. This bag is limited edition and only 100 of these exist in the entire world. While it looks like a stack of hay, it's a functional bag! Why carry a bag when you can carry a work of art? I always loved this quote by Oscar Wilde, "One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art".
For reference i'm 4 feet 11 inches tall.
This unique bag can be carried a few different ways. It can be carried as a clutch since the straps are removable. I prefer carrying it crossbody to keep my hands free. Plus the raffia is quite delicate and needs to be handled with care. I go over care instructions in more detail in my video.
How crazy/unique does this look?
Lastly, you can double up the straps and carry it over the shoulder, which I admit is a cute look. This bag isn't meant for everyday use because it is quite delicate. However, it is a work of art. I find it impressive that Polène called upon cabinet makers to actually make the wooden case inside. The wooden trunk is covered entirely of smooth leather. This bag really does look like a bale of hay that's tied with two pieces of leather straps. I just find it super whimsical and humorous to carry around. It's a conversational piece and will get a lot of double takes. "Is she really carrying around a bale of hay?!" I can just imagine people asking about it. Jared says, "Whatever you do, don't go near a horse with this bag!" 😆
Let's take a look at the details of this bag.
The packaging is very minimalistic. This is the third Polène bag that I bought. It comes in a white thick cardboard box, that reminds me of a shoe box. Inside it has some tissue wrapping and dust bag. There's a post card that tells you how to take care of the bag and what to avoid. I go over the postcard in more detail in my video. Please check it out! It also comes with tags and an adjustable strap.
This is how the bag looks on both sides. Just raffia held together with two leather straps. While it looks like a very simple design, it's anything but. The top of the bag has two D rings to attach the strap.
The sides of the bag remind bristles of a thick brush. I do like running my hands over it, even though I'm pretty sure I'm not supposed to do that. 😅
The opening is magnetic. This is probably the one thing I dislike about the bag. The magnets are so strong I really have to dig my nails in to pull the opening apart. I wish they could have made the two leather straps into working buckles or something easier to open with.
The inside is completely covered in smooth leather and I love the contrast stitching. The attention to detail is quite remarkable. There's a small slip pocket inside the bag, but it's so small it's not something I would even use. I was hoping the bag would be numbered but I did not see one anywhere on the bag.
The bottom of the bag has feet of some sort. I noticed that in the middle of the leather has creases from opening the bag. The side of the bag when opened is quite interesting. It opens up to reveal leather sides of the wooden case.
Overall, I think this bag is beautifully made and almost one of a kind. Since only 100 of these are available worldwide, I would consider this more of a work of art. I can tell a lot of work went into making this bag. The price is $790 and I don't find it to be outrageous. Is it practical? Definitely not. You may be wondering, what fits in this bag? It's the perfect phone, wallet, and keys bag. I do show what fits in my video. Will I use it? For the right occasion/event - yes! I do plan on displaying it in my bag display case- eventually. What would you think if you saw someone carrying this bag? I would love to know!
That's it for me! Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!
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That's pretty funny. The smooth sides actually look pretty cool, but then the bristle-side makes me smile. What top are you wearing?
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's an Athleta top. Cool Down Top I think it's discontinued now. =(
DeleteI also love the shirt you have on! The draping is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny! It's an old Athleta top. It's very comfy.
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