Inside Out: Anima Iris' Nectar Zaza Handbag Review

Welcome to another exciting edition of The Chopping Block, where brands submit their leather products for a no-holds-barred review. Today, we’re delving into Anima Iris’s Nectar Zaza handbag. At first glance, this is a beautifully structured little handbag with leather lining. But how does it really hold up? Let’s find out.

DISCLAIMER: The mentioned brand sent this product for FREE. However, we are NOT PAID to do this review. All statements and expressions made about the products are Tanner Leatherstein’s independent review. The brand did not get to see the final video until it was published live. They also agreed to our terms and conditions that we will post our honest review about the brand and/or product and that we might disagree with the information provided in their shop or website.

Tanner Leatherstein’s reviews are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.

Upon receiving the bag, the first thing that strikes you is its structured form and the quality of the packaging. The handbag comes in a beautifully presented box, complete with dust bags, hinting at the brand's attention to detail. The tag stating it is handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, adds an exotic touch that piques curiosity. But we’re here to see beyond the surface.

To determine if the leather is genuinely crocodile, we performed a classic test: applying acetone to the surface. This method helps reveal the true nature of the finish on the leather. As we applied acetone, the clear coating slowly peeled off, exposing the leather beneath.

From this small experiment, a substantial amount of plastic finish was removed, revealing that the crocodile texture is actually a print applied to cowhide. This isn’t unusual; many brands use embossed prints to mimic exotic leathers. The grain beneath confirms it is top-grain calfskin, not genuine crocodile leather. The thick layer of finish creates the illusion of crocodile skin, but the underlying material is calfskin.

Next, we turned our attention to the inner lining of the bag, which is made of calfskin. We're going to apply acetone to the inner lining, which is actually my favorite type of leather. The grain is immediately visible, so I don't expect much change. The super aniline transparent finish reveals the beautiful, natural calf grain. This kind of leather is not only aesthetically pleasing but also indicates high quality. It’s incredible—beautiful leather. I am a big fan of inside leather versus the outside, although I’m not a fan of heavy finishes or embossed exotic prints. In my opinion, this is top-notch leather.

It appears the brand has used about six square feet of leather for both the exterior and the interior, totaling around 12 square feet. This generous use of leather ensures durability and a premium feel.

Estimating the cost, about $70 should cover the leather for the exterior and interior. An additional $70 might be sufficient for assembly and accessories, bringing the total estimated cost to $140. Given this, the retail price of $705 includes a significant markup. This premium is typical in the fashion industry, often reflecting brand positioning and perceived value.

The Anima Iris Nectar Zaza handbag showcases a blend of decent craftsmanship and high-quality materials. The exterior leather, though not a genuine crocodile, is well-crafted calfskin with a crocodile print finish. The interior leather, with its minimal aniline finish, is particularly impressive and suggests a high level of quality.

While the craftsmanship isn’t flawless, there are no glaring issues. The price tag might seem steep, but considering the materials and design, it aligns with what’s expected in the luxury handbag market. This piece is truly special for those who appreciate unique designs and high-quality leather.