Dynamic female-founded brand creates a classic, triangular, and midi-size everyday handbag
There are times I have to rush out to run errands or meet a friend for a quick coffee chat, and in those days I cannot be bothered to think about which handbag in my collection I will use.
So while I am typically a top-handle or satchel handbag girl, I love a good old-fashion tote bag that is quintessentially functional, easy to bring, yet very stylish in design.
And I find all these qualities in the Mansur Gavriel Tulipano tote bag, which is part of their summer 2021 release.
Photo: Mansur Gavriel Archives
What made Mansur Gavriel popular?
Mansur Gavriel has been on my radar since it releases the minimalist bucket bag in 2013. They did not invent this style. In fact, it would be the likes of Louis Vuitton pre-1980s and Dooney & Bourke post-1980s that would carry this popular design.
The resurgence of the drawstring and functional cross-body aesthetic would be from Mansur Gavriel's maiden design of accessories.
By utilizing Italian leather and craftsmanship in a very simple silhouette, the bucket bag gains cult status by managing to win the hearts of the fashion media and the millennials.
But while this becomes the 'IT' bag, I did not succumb.
I already own two beautiful Dooney and Bourke Sienna Serena bucket bags. One is a large blue and the smaller one is a sunny yellow. And I find these older designs from this iconic American brand to be prettier, sturdier, and not prone to scratches than the popular Mansur Gavriel's.
In fact, Mansur Gavriel's bucket bag reviews commonly have two serious 'cons', that it scratches easily and appears flimsy with prolong use. Soon the bucket bag that everyone wants to covet ends up in mark-down events. It is no longer a sought after item. But fortunately, the design duo of the brand has come up with various handbag offerings, from totes, satchels, cross-body, and top-handles.
Photo: Mansur Gavriel Archives
What is special about the Tulipano bag?
Among the seasonal releases and various handbag designs by Mansur Gavriel, I gravitate towards the Tulipano tote/shoulder bag. It reminds me of the Prada Tessuto Tote. I have wanted this bag for many years, but I hesitate to pay nearly a thousand dollars for a nylon bag.
I then thought of the Longchamp Le Pliage, which has a similar silhouette to the Prada Tessuto. But the material that is used by Longchamp is very thin and easily prone to damage with consistent use.
The only viable alternative that I have seen is the Tumi Q Voyageur tote. Similar to the Prada Tessuto, this bag is primarily made of nylon with leather handles. However, it costs only a fraction of the Prada's. I am able to source mine during a girls trip in Beverly Hills and I chance upon a dark turquoise color at the Tumi boutique at the Beverly Center.
Photo: Mansur Gavriel Archives
The Tumi Q Voyageur tote has since given me many wonderful memories for several years. But I eventually part with it and hand it over to my daughter who needs a sturdy tote of her own. She is not subtle in hinting how she always have eyes for this Tumi Q.
Since giving my Tumi away, I have been without this workhorse basic handbag in my wardrobe. I do have a two large totes - the MCM Reversible Liz and the Coach 42 Stagecoach Field Tote. But they are often too big to carry around.
Photo: Mansur Gavriel Archives
So I have been on the hunt for a similar bag in the medium size. When I saw the release of the Mansur Gavriel Tulipano tote, it has once again places this brand on my radar. The retail is at $695 during its initial release the summer of 2021.
But I am in no hurry. There is a pandemic and no place to go. It allows me to online window shop a lot longer. And I have spotted a few from newer brands like Proenza Schouler's Ruched Tote, Everlane's Studio Bag, and Cuyana's Classic Easy Tote. I even look the popular Tory Burch Perry Tote.
Mansur Gavriel founders Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel wanted to create a clean, modern shape inspired by nature with a simple-yet-distinctive construction.
"We are very inspired by art and nature; we see the tulip as an iconic flower," the designer duo shared. "It is strong and bold, yet also soft and delicate. It is beautiful as a singular stem, and when arranged in a group, the stems fall freely in an elegant fashion. We are also very inspired by how the tulip has been represented in art, it is often depicted in a graphic manner, with elements of delicate femininity present as well.”
Source: V Magazine
However, none of these beautiful bags came close to the Mansur Gavriel Tulipano, which I find to have a French vibe to its design.
But fortunately, good things come to those who wait. I find out recently that the Mansur Gavriel Tulipano is part of their end-of-the-season sale. It entices me with a price of $280, which is 40% of its retail. I did not need any nudging. I made a purchase and am now looking forward to receiving my first Mansur Gavriel made in Italian leather with Italian craftsmanship, and in the shape of a perfect all-around everyday tote that I know will last me for decades!
Unboxing the Mansur Gavriel Tulipano Bag
About the Tulipano Bag
Design Notes from Mansur Gavriel:
Mansur Gavriel builds into holistic collections focused on modern luxury, beauty, form, color and material. A design code established through categories and well designed signature pieces continuously updated in materials and colors. Functional and aspirational pieces as building blocks to every wardrobe, non-conformist, strong, confident.
The latest collection shows the delicacy, elegance, details and colorfulness of the Tulipano Bag. This new design is inspired by the natural beauty and form of the tulip flower with a unique feature of the bag's bottom that resembles folded petals with their layers of intricacy and functionality.
Introducing the Tulipano, Mansur Gavriel's newest carryall for wallets, keys, and good moods, made of luxurious soft-grained calf leather.
Like its namesake flower, the Tulipano is simple yet distinctive — with a unique folded bottom, Italian canvas lining, and interior pocket. The shoulder strap is both adjustable and removable, making it easy to carry the best part of spring with you year-round.
INSPIRED BY ART & NATURE
We see the tulip as an iconic flower. It is strong and bold, yet also soft and delicate. It is beautiful as a singular stem, and when arranged in a group, the stems fall freely in an elegant fashion. We are also inspired by how the tulip has been represented in art- it is often depicted in a graphic manner, with elements of delicate femininity present - Rachel Mansur & Floriana Gavriel
OUR TUMBLED CALFSKIN LEATHER
Our Italian Tumbled Calfskin is a textured, soft leather with a supple handfeel. Although recognized for its longevity, we recommend occasionally treating this leather with a leather conditioner, which will help keep it hydrated.
Handbag Details:
Height: 8in / 21cm
Width at base + top: 9in / 23cm + 17in / 43cm
Depth: 9in / 23cm
Handle Drop: 5in / 12cm
Detachable crossbody drop min + max: 20in / 50cm + 22in / 56cm
Composition: Italian Soft Calf Leather
Made in Italy
Retail: $695 (went on their August 2022 summer sale for $280)
About Mansur Gavriel
Mansur Gavriel is a play on the last names of design duo Floriana Gavriel and Rachel Mansur. They are friends who both have design and fashion industry experience. With this share of talent and acumen, they strategically plan for several years before launching their eponymous line 'Mansur Gavriel' with just two handbag offerings in classic silhouettes - the bucket bag and the tote.
A year after the founding of their company in 2012, their brand becomes the talk of the fashion town, albeit only the two handbag designs. The summary of these bags' success can be attributed to the following:
Minimalist in design and offerings in a variety of colors
Quality materials by using Italian leather
Impeccable craftsmanship by having their manufacturing done in Italy
Luxury yet affordable price point between $350 to under $1,000
Internet and influencer marketing (i.e. renowned French fashion photographer, illustrator, and blogger Garance Doré) through Instagram and other social channels
It isn't long when Mansur Gavriel handbags generates a waiting list. It has become so in-demand that resellers will command up to triple the price. The supply versus demand of this small female-founded company works very well in their favor. They utilize their company's earnings and reinvested in into more minimal design bags, accessories, and a ready-to-wear that launches in the New York Fashion Week in 2017.
The designers behind the mid-price bucket bags that generated waiting lists the world over have expanded into footwear and ready-to-wear.
Since then both the bucket bag and the tote remains under Mansur Gavriel's line of classic offerings, but they can be found in seasonal sales. Competition also arise from other affordable luxury brands, such as Senreve, Polene, Everlane, Dante Lente, A.P.C., and other internet-savvy and heavily influencer-marketed fashion companies who have also adopted the same affordable luxury price-points and high-quality Italian materials and manufacturing.
While competition has tamed the fire of Mansur Gavriel's popularity, the brand continues to garner positive fashion media reviews of their new merchandise. Their handbags and shoes continue to be a favorite of style mavens who curate a well-appointed and minimal wardrobe.
Do you own a Mansur Gavriel? Which design? And how are you liking their merchandise?
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