Dear Tina and Kelly,
Bagsnob.com is simply awesome! Your verdicts are dead right and the sense of humor always makes us smile! Believe it or not, you are THE style queens who have a great influence on all our bag purchases... :) Could I ask you for a huge favor? My cousin and I do not like or buy LV at all, but the only bag that has caught our attention is the Mahina. The stores have been pushing it as a classic, but we look to you for advice. If one were to own only one LV bag (we absolutely hate the monogram canvas) could it possibly be this one? In other words, does it have your stamp of approval?
Wish you a wonderful and successful 2008 !
Warmly,
Rhea & Pia
Dear Rhea and Pia,
Thank you for supporting us, it is readers like you who make it fun for us! As for the LV Mahina, I will concede that the bag itself has all the trappings of a classic. The comfortable hobo shape and drop on the top of the bag appeals to my practical side. I do like the sumptuous size and appreciate the meticulous etchings of the LV monogram on the leather. The Mahina style does make it different than the dreadful original monogram but unfortunately, it is still a bag full of monograms which we do not like. I ask myself why they don't just make their bags in plain leather, but then again, I am not their customer and that is why they will never try to appeal to my taste. Is this better than a monogram canvas? Well, yes and no, leather obviously gives it value but it also jacks up the price to $3750 in this case. By itself, I could possibly endorse this bag but considering the price the answer is a definitive NO. You said it yourself, you do not love the LV Monogram so why would you spend almost 4 grand on one? If it still moves you, it is available at eluxury, it is currently sold out, which doesn't surprise me, but their boutiques will have it in stock.
Love,
The Bag Snobs
agreed! at the end of the day, it's still monogrammed, and if you don't like LV, don't waste your money. for 4K, you could get an amazing python or ostrich bag.
As if LVMH needs anymore advertising. Just say NO to monogramming!
4k can buy you many other fabulous bags... without monograms!
That's what I love about your advice, Bag Snobs: although you value the design and the look of various bags, you're also incredibly practical!
You're right, for 4K, there are tons of much more beautiful and covetable bags.
Please save your money for something else. I find this bag really sad and saggy.
Oh please, are you seriously going to let 2 people you don't know dictate your bag purchase? I like this blog a lot, and often, but not always, agree with their selections, but that is a bit ridiculous. If YOU like the bag, and YOU are spending YOUR money, then the the only person involved in the buying decision should be you. The bag should be for your pleasure, not for what other people will think or say.
If you like LV, buy yourself an LV bag. Why do you care so much what other people think about your purchase? You should buy WHATEVER you buy solely for your own enjoyment.
No offense, but asking the question makes you sound really shallow.
Dear Kelly and Tina...
A big thanks to both of you for your ever genuine advice !
I logged on today to find an answer to my dilemma... :)
The Verdict was spot on... I will save the cash for another bag.
James, Julie, Anne, Becks... Thank you all for your valuable comments !
XoX
Rhea.
I love this bag. It's super soft and light. The size is perfect. I'm not crazy about the price or the colors. I really believe it should be around the $2,200 range. However, if you love it and it feels right to you, then get it. All that matters in the end is how you feel when you're wearing it, not what everyone else thinks.
I saw this bag in the window in the LV store in Vienna and it literally stopped me in my tracks. However they only had one and it was sold. I nipped into the LV Manchester shop when i got home and asked them to order it and was told it was a special winter limited edition and that a) they were no longer making them in cream and b) the entire company's stock had sold out. They only have grey and black so good luck if you really want one...
I think this bag would be great in black...that way the monogram wouldn't show up so much.
A couple of things about the mahina that were not mentioned. First there are two sizes - the XL (which is the smaller more popular size) that now retails for $3100 (used to be $2980 before yesterdays price increase) and the mahina XXL which now retails for $3900. I think before judgment is rendered we should have our facts straight. The XL mahinas have been nearly impossible to get- especially in black. The boutiques cannot keep them in stock. Owning a black mahina xl- I can honestly say that it is a beautiul bag. I live in NYC and people always compliment me on. I believe it is a classic bag.
Deena
how wide is the Mahina XL?
Rhea & Pia,
I have just seen LV's spring summer leather goods collection and I would recommend the Speedy in pale pink ostrich - this bag is seriously to die for! Check it out! By the way this bag in no way resembles the original "speedy"...I haven't coveted a LV bag for many years but I love the candy coloured bags they have on offer this spring/summer - I will definitely be buying both their ready to wear and bags this season!
The mahina XL is 29.5" x 12.8" x 9.8". It's a pretty big bag. Check it out on louisvuitton.com.
I'm no LV monogram fan myself, but I do consider patterns a timeless element of design. This bag in white with gold accents is very tasteful, and I love the etched details. I'd have to say that this is the first LV bag that has caught my attention when I first saw it. I love the shape, style, and overall quality.
If money was no object, I would spring for this bag, but unfortunately 4k is a lot for something I believe should cost half that.
I have been debating the purchase of the mahina xl for months, and finally brought one home todsy. It is as perfect as I had hoped. This is the most money that I have ever spent on an LV, Gucci, or Chloe bag, but feel no regrets. I am 5'11" tall, and this bag is perfect for my tall frame. order on eluxury to avoid sales tax!!!!
Well....I do own this bag and must say to those that don't like monogramed handbags, you would still love this bag. The monogram LV is softly etched all over the bag and is quite stunning. If you are not familiar with the bag nor the designer, you wouldn't even know it's an LV! It is sooooooooo comfortable to carry (I have the XXL) both on the shoulder and strangely enough in your hand! It's light-weight which also is interesting as it's made of leather, yet the styling still affords softness. I have it in black and got it early in the season as I knew it would be a hit! I just love it!
Hello Mjdez, Poshhoney, Manbag, Deena, Anonymous, Miffy, Dee and Hanna... Thank you all for the interesting opinions !
( I was out of town when you guys posted ! Hence the late reply... )
I just caught up with all the new posts at Bagsnob, and went back to this page to find so many new comments ! Lovely !
Well... Just a couple of days ago my husband surprised me with the XL Mahina in black ! ( I cannot believe he bought it as both he and I do not like LV at all... ) I have used it once, and it did get a few glances... !!!!
However, I have two things to say -
1. It is the only LV bag I think I like. Well, almost... :)
2. Any bag bought with love is special !
And thanks to Tina & Kelly, my present to me is still due !
XoX
Rhea.
Hi everyone. I have finally decided to buy a Mahina, but am debating the colour. I absolutely adore the white, but worry about how dirty it is going to get. Does anyone have the white and how has it been for you? How often do you use it?
Thanks!
Hi Natalie !
I agree with ManBag ! The etchings on black do not show up as much as the white, and that is why I like my Mahina - XL Black !
My aunt has the XXL in white, and every time she takes it out, she's afraid to stain or scratch it ! I'm afraid it needs a bit more care... :)
Go for the XL in black ! I am a 5'4 and thin and I tried the XXL the first time I saw it... It is really huge, unless of course you are 5'10 / 6'00 tall !
I am not an LV fan at all, but this bag is good !
Have a great weekend, happy shopping !
XoX Rhea.
Hi Natalie !
I just called my aunt !
She says she's rather careful with it, specially the bottom !
She's been using it 10 days in a month... :) and has had it for over five months now... XoX Rhea.
Monogram or not I love LV. LV is LV no matter what other people say. Other people don't like it but the fact that it does not go on sale ever is a BIG proof that LV is THE brand.
Are there any more colors?
Okay, i'm am foaming at the mouth for the XL Mahina? Where can I purchase?
I have the XXL and I absolutely LOVE IT! The leather is soft, it has a light feel and its a very classy and elegant bag, despite its extremely large size. I have it in blacks and the LV monogram is not very prominent unless light is shinning directly on it. I am very pleased with this bag, although I do agree that the price is a little bit outrageous. I'd love to get it in white but I am afraid it will get dirty. They have a denim version as well that will go great with jeans. This bag is a must have, everywhere I go people complement me on the bag and stare it awe. I'm happy with my purchase.