An indie, eco-conscious, and female-founded brand may have just have created the perfect luxury mini-satchel
There is a reason why there is a surge of marketing dollars in social media. It is indubitably effective in influencing a purchase.
I happen to be researching historical fashion information for my recently published feature on my vintage Celine handbag. I use both my phone and computer. And ever since my social channel feed changes, showing me classy looking handbags and small leather goods.
Discovering Cafuné
This is how I chance upon a small indie label named Cafuné, which is a Portuguese term for showing endearment.
Cafuné is a female-founded modern luxury brand by two long-time friends. The head designer is Queenie Fan, a fashion-forward creative with design and work accolades from 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone, and Coach. Her business partner and the head of operations and marketing is Day Lau, who has an impressive background working in various international firms in the area of communications, architecture, and real estate.
The brand has been in operation since 2015. And among their array of accessories they have a bag called the 'Stance', which design aesthetic simply captivates me.
It appears to be a cross between a vintage suitcase, a Hermés Kelly, and the Ferragamo Gancini.
However, if one does a double-take glance, the handbag appears to have its own distinct look, and perhaps not a blend of all these legendary brands after all.
As I become more exposed to more photographs of the Stance, truth be told, it is unique, intriguing, and not the typical copycat design that other brands try to do when mimicking a high-end designer handbag.
I research on Cafuné and their selection of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing practices. And I am pleased to know their selection of high-quality sustainable leather, in cow or goat, produces various textures, from smooth, to grainy, to exotics like crocodile and snakeskin prints. The latter is what intrigues me the most. From what I have seen in online photographs, the goat skin Italian leather is able to resemble a snakeskin texture very well.
However, this material on the Stance bag is no longer available for purchase in their website. I decide to contact Cafuné and inquire if they have plans to restock.
Chancing upon the Cafuné sample sale
Cafuné's customer service team responds right away through their Instagram handle and informs me that while they have no plans of restocking the Stance in the goat skin leather at the moment, they are actually planning a sample and overstock sale in twenty-four hours where they will offer a few items made in this material.
What luck! Not only am I very interested, I am floored that I am about to covet a piece that is 50% off its retail!
During the preview of their sample sale on their IG story, I immediately spot the two Stance merchandise in lime green and pink. They are stunning in the goat skin leather with the python texture.
But they are not the regular size handbag I was hoping for. Instead, they are what Cafuné calls the 'Stance Wallet'. Much smaller in scale, this mini-bag that can be a wallet, a clutch, or a shoulder/cross-body bag.
I ponder for a moment. I actually do not have a bag in this size in my collection. Often the wallet-on-chains do not appeal to me because of how they are designed. But this Stance Wallet is not like that. The interior appears to be open and spacious. And in several review videos I have seen the small leather good can actually fit a lot of essentials.
Selecting the one-of-a-kind Cafuné Stance Wallet
I decide that this is the missing hand-held wallet I need in my wardrobe.
At the start of the sample sale, I diligently follow the instructions and send my inquiry. I am surprise that only a few minutes have passed and the pink hue is already taken! I immediately make a move on the lime green color.
Fortunately, I score a hold for fifteen minutes where they send me more details of the merchandise such as close up photographs and provide answers to my questions. Within that timeframe I have to finalize my decision and claim the sale, or it is released to others who are also interested.
I did not take that long to know my answer. I want the purse and it is a no-brainer that I will get it for a bargain! Not to mention the goat skin python texture is a premium feature. And because this apple-green hue appears to be the only sample, I may just get a one-of-a-kind wallet.
Albeit the experience of purchasing in a sample sale through Instagram Story/Messenger is new to me, the process is both exciting and very pleasant. Cafuné's team is easy to communicate with and accommodating in answering questions. Hence, closing the transaction is smooth and friendly.
And despite the product is coming from Cafuné's Hong Kong headquarters, the shipping is a breeze. I am surprise to receive my Stance wallet in three days! They provide one of the fastest services I have experienced!
Unboxing the Cafuné Stance Wallet
The Stance Wallet comes in a sturdy and secure box made of recycled paper. And it is simply wrapped in a tissue and a sturdy regenerated cotton drawstring bag cover.
What delights me is seeing a personal touch in their packaging. On top of the wrapped merchandise are two post cards, one of them is lovely note that addresses my first name. It is a simple message of gratitude for the patronage and a reminder of the company's vision to create a luxury brand that can combine both premium materials while still caring for the environment. Interestingly, the lovely stationary is made of FSC paper and printed with soy ink.
Cafuné definitely strikes a wonderful impression. They are thoughtful in their presentation and packaging, and consistent in showing their effort for being a sustainable fashion company.
The little effort of personal touch wins customers. It certainly wins me over!
Stance Wallet Details [Source: Cafuné]
Premium goat leather
Signature C-Lock clasp lock
Detachable adjustable shoulder strap
Internal and back zip pockets
Internal bill and card slots
Black recycled polyester lining
Gold hardware
22.5 x 13 x 5cm
Handle drop: 5cm
Shoulder drop: 46-53cm
Weight: 280g
First Impressions:
Pros:
At first look I love the design. The size is just right. The style is quintessentially chic. In fact, I prefer this over the Hermés mini-Kelly's design.
The goat skin leather on the handbag perfectly resembles python scales. In the photographs I share it may appear imperfect, but that is the point of mimicking scales correctly. It is not supposed to appear flat and uniform. There is supposed to be texture and appearance of fragility.
The green hue is like an understated neutral green. It does not appear too bright. It is a color that can easily pair with casual to formal outfits.
The size is just right. It can be an oversized wallet. It can be an easy travel case. Or if it is carried by the handle as an elegant evening bag.
The interior is very roomy. I easily fit two of my small SLGs, key holder, headphone and case, face mask with chain, a brush powder tube, and a lip gloss. And there is still a little bit of room left for a pack of mints and my reading glasses!
Cons:
This may only be unique to me because of my 5'11" height. The accompanying straps is too short for a cross-body. The wallet sits high on my waist. Thus, I can only wear this as a shoulder bag, which still appears awkward because of the placement of the strap holders. The bag appears to tip on one side.
Solving the Con: Adding gold chains creates a style element
I am not discouraged by the one caveat of the Stance Wallet because the removable strap is too short for my frame. This problem is actually resolved by adding a long gold chain that is from my other handbags.
I give this a try and voila! The chains are a perfect fit through the loops of the wallet. I can now wear this as a cross-body and it looks more chic! If I prefer to use the handle, I can use the unique turn-lock C to hold the chains.
Or for a sleek look, the back pocket behind the wallet can easily hold the chains. Interestingly, it does not create a bulge on the side as shown in my photographs below.
Interested in the Cafuné Stance Wallet?
Even though I do score on this beautiful lime green Stance wallet at an amazing price, I still highly recommend coveting this mini bag at their retail. The quality and craftsmanship is at par with more pricey and high-end brands. The Stance wallet ranges from $425 to $440, inclusive of USA taxes and includes international shipping fees.
I am not affiliated with Cafuné, but I do love sharing information on indie luxury brands who are fashion forward, eco-conscious, and also female-founded.
If you also prefer to use chains, Amazon has a variety of styles and lengths, ranging from $10 to $100. The use of the chains do bring a nice elegant look to the wallet.
Get 10% off your first purchase
I advise you to read more about Cafuné in their website: https://www.ca-fune.com/. If you sign up to their newsletter, you can also avail of 10% off your first purchase.
Technically, I still have my 10% discount since I did not transact using their online site, but rather make my sample through Instagram and emails. So I can still use this deal for the Stance handbag as soon as the ones I am eyeing are back on stock. There are actually two in different leather types and color in my radar. Once I complete a purchase, I will let you know in a future post!
In the meantime, my adorable little Cafuné Stance wallet will be my go-to piece as I go about my day!
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