Prada hasn't learned its lesson

| 22 Comments

pradalacebag09.jpgYou'd think having almost the entire stock of its lace bags from Fall '08 in the 75% off clearance bin would make Prada think twice before producing more disasters but apparently that is not a deterrent. The Cervo Bowler bag is in pink pebbled calf leather (sounds reasonable) but it's covered in Black or Black/White lace print (does not sound reasonable). And how will you clean this darn thing (you can't, you'll have to throw it away)? I thought designers were scaling back but apparently not, this sucker is $2,350. That said, I love that Miuccia doesn't care if the world thinks this is hideous, she likes it and that's what matters. At Neiman Marcus. This makes me very sad, by the way. Because Prada fueled my bag obsession in college but I can't remember the last Prada bag I purchased. What about you? When did you last purchase a Prada bag?

22 Comments

  • I bought three Prada handbags two years ago. After a long dream about Prada and reading all the positive comments in the fashion magazines. I cannot comment on Prada before that, but I think I did a big mistake, as these handbags are not worth their price - their quality does not match the price. One of them fell apart after 4 months of moderate use (leather-nylon combination, very difficult to maintain), the another is substantially damaged (I think, due to low quality leather), whereas the third one sits in the closet, has been worn several times only (nappa) and I am so scared it will go same way as her precedents.
    I think, quality is absolutely not in line with the price, in my experience.

  • I bought a Prada nylon messenger bag recently. It's spacious, waterproof and practical, which is perfect for the miserable, wet and snowy Canadian winter. When you're leaping over snowbanks and slush puddles, fashion is not an issue (at least for me).

    I can't say I fancy their other bags though and that lace bag is hideous, though I do like the shape. The 'fairy' bags were different but they would date too quickly. Kate Moss carried a cream coloured croc (bowler style) bag a little while ago which I positively coveted but never saw it in stores. Just as well.

  • Tina,

    This bag is not covered in lace. It is lace that is hand-painted on. It's a new version of the Fairy bag that was hand-painted. I have this bag in the grey and cream version and it is quite beautiful...Eva Mendes has it as well...

  • I actually like this bag. I saw it in London and thought it looked very feminine. I couldn't figure out what kind of material it was, but I see from the post and comments that it is actually leather with hand painted on lace. I certainly wouldn't pay the $2350 price tag..maybe if it went on sale, but it is indeed a very gorgeous bag!

  • I actually like this particular bag featured here. If it is indeed lace, then it is foolish because it snags everywhere and it is impossible to clean, condition, maintain. If it is painted on lace I have one word to describe this : G-E-N-I-U-S!

  • I bought a simple black Prada leather bag a few years back. What attracted me to it was it was logo-free (very unusual for a Prada bag) and the clasp was gorgeous and decorated with passementerie. After that, the only Prada bags I care for are the crocodile ones in bright shades (but too expensive).

  • I bought a black nappa messenger circa SS 07, and another black glace nappa messenger/tote with brown leather trim. Prada man bags are usually more classic and not "out there". And I will probably buy the huge prussian blue nappa tote from SS09 - I love the color and I need a huge tote to carry around my daily work stuff and my gym clothes. I can rationalize anything.

  • The Prada Resort collection is beautiful with tons of great shapes and colors, and the Fall collection minus the lace bags was gorgeous. I just think Prada should stick to the basics since that is what they do best.

  • I have had sooo many fabulous EARLY Prada bags. I had the dr. bag; a soft leather bag with gold studs covering it; the first messenger bag; an astrakhan leather half moon shape with a plexi handle I haven't bought a Prada bag, since the fall of "03 when I had a Miu-Miu walnut croc, small frame bag with ribboned handles. Since that point I have never seen anything that ever compared to the early unusually well crafted bags.

    • Does the text under this link make you uncomfortable?
      I am quite disappointed by both, Mulberry and Prada, and will not buy a Mulberry bag (which I intended to do) for this. I think we should take such the stuff into consideration, not only bag style.
      http://www.itglwf.org/DisplayDocument.aspx?idarticle=15622&langue=2

  • I purchased the Vitello Daino Push-lock Hobo this summer. It was on sale for nearly half-price at NM in McLean, VA (though it never went on sale online, and is still listed at full price...hmm???) The bag is the perfect size, and the camel color goes with everything. I've really enjoyed it, and so far it's wearing great. I also purchased the Wave Zip Wallet right before I went on overseas travel because I wanted to put all my change, currency, and my passport in one location. It worked out great, and I love the wallet overall. I got it in the metallic-y purple color...so cute! I'm currently eyeing a black patent "wave" hobo in their resort collection, but I need to save my pennies.

    That said, I'm not a big fan of the lace, or some of the wild resort colors. I think I'd get tired of the look pretty quickly.

  • I love almost every bag invented by Miuccia Prada. I think she is the only one who have a real strong personality. Those lace bags (I have one) are gorgieous and not at all fragile. I have a violet tote very classical with simple silver logo from this autumn collection and three others from past seasons. I have never regreted to have bought them, I can wear them without being "out of fashion" because they are os typically personal and original.

  • I purchased a Prada bowler about 2 years ago but had to return it after 2 months because the leather peeled off. I do not think I will take another chance with Prada.

  • I haven't bought a Prada bag in a while, but my favorite is the doctor's bag from 4 or 5 years ago .I still carry it. It is so classic and will always be in style.I just love the shape. I bought it at Barney's before it sold out. I, also, love a bag bought for me at the Prada boutique in Milan, 3 years ago. Muted gold frame , with chain handle, lined in a golden tan leather with the outside in a slightly deeeper gold. This is a beautiful bag.These bags are the highest quality.

  • I just bought the new Prada denim calf bag. I love it
    I agree that the lace bag is just a mean to achieve more visibility as it has been carried by several celebs. However, my bag and others from the spring/summer pre-collection are outrageously gorgeus!

  • I love this bag. Saw someone used it in Paris months before it was available in the store. It looks better in person, Tina.

  • As someone who designs and makes handmade products, I have always appreciated the visionary designs of Prada, and this printed (not painted!) lace is no exception, it is charming and original. That said, the astronomical price one pays for these bags in order to support the enormous architecture and marketing engine of such companies is simply ridiculous. Too bad they can't let the products speak for themselves so that the market can sort itself out and the client can rule once again ; )

  • I love that it really looks like lace. Love anything Prada.

  • I have two Prada bags. My favorite is the Metallic grey/black ombre frame bag from 07. It is beautiful and timeless, and I think it was worth the price. Every time I wear it I get compliments. My other one is a pale pink lambskin tote which is lovely and functional but very delicate and hard to clean due to the color and extremely soft leather. I wore it with a denim skirt and it stained! But at least that one was on sale! In general I still love their basics, but some of the 'trendy' designs are just too out there! But I'll always love my frame bag.

  • i just bought a bag in last month..it is a nylon sling bag...so far so good..i am using it as my school bag s..and it is really water proof...i live in malaysia and i always using it to protect me from getting wet under the rain..hehe..i just have to wipe the bag surface with a cloth,then the bag dry..i love prada..but after hearing so many negative comments, i might go for a burberry next time...

  • very beautiful leather handbag

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This page contains a single entry by Bag Snob Tina published on December 24, 2008 6:00 AM.

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