Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day weekend to those who celebrated! In case you missed it, this bag was gifted to me from my awesome sister! 😍 She's the best. I've been eyeing this Joseph Duclos bag for a long, long time. Literally pining for it. I couldn't find any reviews on this bag anywhere and now I'm super excited I get share this bag with you!
For reference I'm 4 feet 11 inches tall.
also wearing:
Athleta Retreat Linen Top Size XXS
Lululemon shorts (old) similar here
Athleta tank (old) similar here
This bag is so versatile, it can be worn in the spring/early summer weather and it is just so chic looking for fall outfits too. The Saint-Clair messenger bag is small and very boxy. It's like carrying a small sized trunk around. You can carry this bag as a clutch if you wanted to, but I think it's really meant to be worn crossbody. The strap is removable and adjustable. However, I think it would be difficult to find a different strap for this unless you could get one custom made. The hardware doesn't make it easy to swap straps. I have the strap at its shortest setting and it hits at the hip.
I am super excited to wear this outfit with this bag in the fall. I think it looks so good with a blazer and jeans. I love that it is such a simple and timeless style. This bag is the epitome of quiet luxury. I don't even think many people have ever heard of this brand. A little back story- this brand was established in 1754 by Jospeh Duclos in France. He and his brother would produce large quantities of leather for trade. By 1850, production came to a halt and was revived in 2021 by Ramesh Nair who has a history with Hermès and fashion house Moynat (known for trunk making). Under Ramesh Nair, combining his history in trunk making and using the best leathers Joseph Duclos is known for, his bag creations are truly a piece of art.
also wearing:
Let's take a closer look at the bag.
The suede on this flap is just super buttery soft. It's the softest suede I've ever felt. I love the white contrast stitching. The hardware is very interesting, the clasp is engraved with a coat of arms featuring Joseph Duclos initials.
The corners are completely hand stitched. There's a video of it on the website and is worth watching. I love seeing a bag come to life. Knowing that my bag was hand stitched just makes it even more special. The quality is top tier. It takes years to master this technique. Many people don't realize this, but because you're working with a piece of leather, you cannot afford to make mistakes as there is no way to make corrections.
There's a back slip pocket, but it's so tight that you can't really put anything in this pocket. The only thing that would fit are receipts and some cash. The bottom of the bag has two leather strips that act as feet.
View from the top.
The closure is just a button that slides in place, it's very simple and is easy to open and close. There is also another slip pocket in the front.
The inside is lined with leather. The crossbody strap is made of some kind of cotton/canvas blend. It feels soft but sturdy. Nothing about this bag comes off as anything but the best quality. The leather will patina over time and the suede will develope a sheen with use. Price is steep at $5800. 😱 I never thought I would get my hands on one. Huge shout out and many thanks to my sister!
Definitely check out my video to see what fits! I'm looking forward to using this bag as often as I can. Let me know what you think of this bag! That's all for me! Hope you have a wonderful start to a brand new week. 😃
Shop:
Joseph Duclos bags
A beautiful bag! The quality of the materials and stitching look superb! Thanks for sharing this bag, I haven't heard of the brand but definitely will keep an eye out. You and your sister have good taste.
ReplyDeleteHi Jean L! Thank you so much! Hahaha, we have expensive taste LOL!
DeleteAmazing! I like the simple and angular lines along with the deep blue. The side hardware is also so unique and substantial looking. Best sister hall of fame inductee for sure!
ReplyDeleteHi AC! Thanks, the hardware is pretty substantial for the size. The bag itself weighs almost 2 lbs alone and then will all my stuff it's about 3 lbs. It's so beautiful though, one of my favorites in my collection!
DeleteHello! I've watched your YouTube unboxing/review multiple times before purchasing my own (gently used & arrived today)- thanks for the informative video! Materials quality and craftsmanship of the bag is fantastic. I recall in your YouTube comments the flap not feeling secure when closed. With mine I fed the flap closure into the "u" shaped holder, and after they make contact I pull down briefly on the brown front leather tab until it both metal pieces "click". I have turned the bag upside down with things inside while clicked shut and it hasn't opened YET. I'd appreciate if you did a 6+ month review for wear and tear. Mine is being sent to Pairs next week for hardware replacement & leather spa-ing. All the best- Alex
ReplyDeleteHi Alex! You're so welcome! I'm glad my video/review helped you make your decision. I'm going to have to see if pulling down the flap helps secure it. It's been a while since I used the bag because it gets very hot and humid here. But I will definitely have an update on wear and tear once I get more use out of it. I have a WearTracker app that I use. Maybe when I have hit 20 wears I will make an update? I have 50 plus bags and try to rotate them as much as possible! I'm curious about your hardware replacement and spa appointment. Are you sending the bag back to Joseph Duclos? Can I ask what hardware needs to be replaced on your bag?
DeleteYes- I enjoy sharing my experience! I am in correspondence with Duclos about the repair. I requested a replacement of the front clap clasp, and the clasp holder (attached to the body of the bag), the leather is also getting conditioned to help with water spots and scratches. They are finalizing my case and will get back to me soon about cost. Will keep you updated!
DeleteI would be really interested to see how much the quote is. And it's good to know that they can repair the bag if anything should happen to it.
DeleteHello again! I have an update for you. After much discussion via email with JD they listed the services available (leather conditioning, hardware replacement) to which I responded with many images for their atelier (leather craftspeople) to assess. It had been about 6 weeks since my last correspondence with them. They did not reply to a follow-up email 2 weeks prior so I believe it’s the French way of denying my request with silence. Formal but cold.
DeleteI very much feel that as I did not purchase the bag directly they cannot guarantee it’s authentic -although… who’s making replica JD bags?
Onto the next option -> Leather Surgeons in the US. I’ve heard they’re top-notice and can “make the impossible happen”. I will reach out for information, send pics, and relay the info to you for entertainment purposes :)
I have used the bag on two weekend trips and I have to say it’s very practical and so comfortable. Since it’s been in storage for a few weeks I removed the strap and store it in a dust bag inside the bag.
Will send updates hopefully sooner than this one.
Cheers!
Yikes! Sorry to hear they would not accommodate your request for it to be fixed! That doesn't seem like good customer service to me. They could have at least responded even if it was to say no. =(
DeleteYes, please keep me updated with your bag! I am curious to see if Leather Surgeons will step up to the plate. I have used mine a few times and agree, it's a very comfortable bag to carry.