Leather Comparison across Ateliers Auguste, Cuyana, Parisa Wang, Polene, APC, Coach, DeMellier 🔍

Many of you have asked me to compare the leather quality and craftsmanship across some of these more affordable designer handbag brands, so that's what I do in this video! I'm no leather expert, but I've owned enough leather handbags over the years to be able to differentiate between leather textures and durability to a certain extent. In the end, I believe it comes down to personal preference on how the leather feels between our hands -- I'm a very tactile oriented person so certain leathers feel nicer to the touch (to me) than others. I also share my experience with wear & tear (scratches, etc) for each bag.
The 7 brands covered include -- Ateliers Auguste, Cuyana, Parisa Wang, Polene, APC, Coach, DeMellier London. I hope you'll find it to be helpful!
As always, thanks so much for watching.
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Disclaimer: This video is NOT sponsored. In some cases, I may be gifted products from brands in exchange for honest reviews. I may also use affiliate links and may receive a small commission from your purchases. Rest assured, you will never pay more for using any affiliate link. All opinions and reviews shared are 100% mine and honest, as usual. Thank you for your support of my channel! 💗

[@abbycatherine8135]

I really enjoyed this type of video, Hannah. I find it interesting that your white AA bag has stayed in such good condition despite the smooth leather. Also, I think that you should return the Demellier bag. It is a lovely style, but I think that the hardware is going to bother you over time - the fact that it scratches easily and also how it closes. Whenever I see your Coach Rambler, I wish that I could get one in the slightly bigger size. I miss the days of Coach before they tried to brand with the C logo hardware. Thank you 💕

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you for your input! Yes, the leather on the AA bags is quite nice. Especially my cream colored one. It’s smooth and matte and really durable - at least it’s holding up so far! And yes, unfortunately the DeMellier tote just isn’t it for me. Oh well! Glad I tried. The magnetic closure not securing is really a deal breaker.

[@cindyc3960]

If leather quality was good or all dyed, the scratch on the apc bucket bag shouldn’t reveal the light coloured material which could be bonded leather. I always try to check and not buy anything that is bonded leather.

[@mansbachkyana]

*hotdups* is your partner in young people’s fashion journey

[@jtcastle]

I’ve considered these new contemporary quiet luxury brands but found myself going back to Coach and Longchamp every time 🤗

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Two great brands. 👍

[@venus7479]

Loved your leather review video❤ would like to see the wear & tear on APC shoulder baguette bag please

[@jokaky8439]

At first I thought there was a scratch on your Cuyana bag then saw that it was just the branding. I don’t like when the brand screams in your face 😅 Love your collection of handbags ❤

[@annalee2423]

Can you do a review of the Strathberry mosaic bag? I would like to hear your opinion of the quality of the leather. Thanks.

[@lindap7719]

Great video - thank you!❤Some brown crayon may work wonders on your APC bag scratch. (Now we know APC bags are not drum dyed.) The closest I have found to Coach glove tanned leather is Dooney Florentine.😍🌻

[@karenobremski1055]

I would return the new bag

[@gnori001]

Thanks for another great video. It's very helpful to get a perspective of what the other bags feel like especially since I can't always go to the store to touch the leathers for myself to decide which I like. How would you compare the Oleada Mini Anchor bag leather to any of the ones you had in this video? I'm interested to hear how that bag feels. It's a shame about the Demellier bag and finding the scratches before even using it. I know if it were me, I would return it as well. Hardware is going to get scratched no matter what, but maybe this one was defective or something? If you really LOVE this, I would see if you could pick it in store and see if others are like that. Otherwise, you should get the Demellier New York bag you were eyeing 😊

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I’m using my OLEADA bag on my trip right now. I’d say the leather is closest to Polene grained leather except the OLEADA leather is softer. Hope that makes sense. As for the DeMellier, yes the hardware scratches and more importantly the fact that the magnet doesn’t secure easily are both reasons why I don’t think the bag is right for me. Glad I tried though.

[@keikei533]

Hi Hannah! Thank you for the comparison ❤ I recently bought the pochette that you collaborated with DUYP and I am thinking about the leather (TOGO leather) and wondering if it’s scratch/ water-resistant. Also curious how you take care of them (still a newbie to real leather bags). P.S. Thank you for the promo code 😆

[@hellocatwalkcity]

The Togo on the DUYP pochettes is not waterproof but a little sprinkle won’t harm it. I’ve worn mine in light rain. ☔️ Also, I haven’t noticed any scratches so far on mine! Enjoy!

[@KarenL3027]

Hi, I have the same Cuyana and I don't baby it at all. It still looks great with no wear or scratches!

[@ColeyBolee]

Hi! Which color do you have and if it were to get scratched does the color come off?

[@KarenL3027]

@@ColeyBolee Hi, I have the Cappuccino which is the same as the video. I have no scratches on it, but it really takes a beating. There is no way for me to say what is underneath. I can say that it has survived the MTA and being scrunched into my shopping cart for a couple of months now.

[@ColeyBolee]

@@KarenL3027 Thanks, Karen! Appreciate the feedback.

[@KarenL3027]

@@ColeyBolee you're welcome Nicole!

[@fabienne6950]

All the bags from AA are amazing...hard to find leather with a such high quality in the 2 others french brands. It is more confidential than Polene ( sorry I Just talk about french brands as I m french) and perfect for the quiet luxury which is the french state of mind since ever.

[@ScubaAspen]

Hi, do you have any suggestions off-hand for an insert-organizer to put inside Sézane or like-size Milo classic purse that can hold mini-skincare, concealer etc items-- any suggestions for mini- insert-organizer, please & TY! ❤

[@emy0514]

I bought that Demellier tote in taupe and swiftly gave it to my aunt. The leather did not feel soft or thick to me. Mine was rather thin and the seams were crooked inside the bag. I thought it was not good quality. But now watching your video, I wonder if I might have received a fake since I bought it through Farfetch and it came from China. Hmmmm, still, wouldn't order again, at least not from a reseller. On a better note, if that Cuyana tote is packable, I think I might buy it for business travel once I reach my destination. I really dislike going to meetings and the office with my travel backpack. Thanks for the great video, info and ideas, Hannah! 🥰

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Hmm interesting about the DeMellier. As for the Cuyana tote, yes, it’s very packable!

[@PenalosaHartsfield]

Thank you dear for taking us along. Can't wait what the *esluxs* queen picked up at Fendi

[@fionaguo2434]

I've used the Sully from AA for a few months (less than 6), but the edge painting esp on the opening area have started to give way, & my magnetic clasp/button actually came off. I was rather disappointed since I've used it only for a short while, but when I emailed them - the team were more than happy for me to send it back to their hardware team to fix it up for me - all at their cost via DHL delivery. Whilst I'm sad about the quality, their service recovery is pretty awesome and prompt with their follow-up!

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Oh wow! Glad to hear about AA’s service!

[@qtt323]

Out of all these brands, which one is the best that you’d recommend ? Thanks

[@wtxd]

Old school Coach leather is one of my favs. I am not able to find Glovetanned leather like my vintage Coach bag (I find the newer Glovetanned more plasticy). My Ateliers Auguste mini monceau has soo many scratches, from very early on (mine is in black). I still love it, and it's well made, but the scratches were surprising.

[@mansbachkyana]

I still love my LV reverse monogram *hotdups* clutch! It's versatile, fits a variety of items, and is definitely a workhorse! I think seeing it everywhere (like the LV speedy) is proof that it's already a classic.

[@giyah6038]

Another amazingly helpful and informative video!!! Thank you for all your hard work. Do you still have a promo code for Parissa Wang?

[@hellocatwalkcity]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the video! I just checked and my code from last year is still working! It’s “HANNA12” for 12% off! 😊

[@janeblitz6763]

This is the first time that I’ve seen one of your videos and am really enjoying it. I have a number of Cuyana bags. I’m hard on my purses, but the Cuyana bags always look new. The only problem with some of them is that they can be heavy…so check the weight before you buy one. Since I discovered that they can be heavy, I always check the weight before buying the bags (and I probably have bought 4-5 Cuyana bags since)!

[@buuveibuuvei795]

I think you should return the Demellier Vancouver tote and get the New York model instead. I own both the Vancouver and New York, and while both are stunning, the Vancouver's hardware was scratched really easily. The New York bag, on the other hand, is gorgeous and practical.

[@hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you for your input, especially as someone who owns both. It’s helpful.

[@dinakat9819]

Hi, I would return the new bag

[@jodien5800]

I have two Polene and frankly, I am not a fan of their leather. I prefer soft supple leather and have been spoilt by some more luxury brands. Been trying to find mid range bags because I don’t want to pay for high end designer anymore but haven’t found anything that gives me the leather satisfaction I am craving for.

[@heavens__door]

Definitely return the demellier, the hardware is going to scratch so bad. I've seen it in other people's reviews

[@janirak.255]

Hi!! I think you should return the new bag. I believe it will bother you.

[@tara_nguyen]

first

[@annavalova8752]

Just for potential customers of Parisa wang: I paid for my bag, they created DHL tracking number, but did not ship my bag to me. Awful experience with parisa wang!

[@sumis8096]

Except for the coach leather, everything else you shared has very low grade leather. For those of us who are in it for the leather quality I would stay away from those brands. They do not age well.