As I cut into the bag, I discovered exceptionally clean internal craftsmanship. The leather used for the bag was clearly split or possibly involved a separate piece of suede. Designing a simple yet functional bag like this is more complex than it appears; achieving this level of minimalism while retaining aesthetic and practical appeal takes time and skill.

I needed to determine whether the inner suede was indeed split from the original Mozart leather or a separate secondary leather. With another sample of Mozart leather in hand, I compared the thicknesses. The top layer measured 1.5 mm while the inner suede measured 1.1 mm, confirming that a separate suede was indeed used. This suede was an absolutely gorgeous addition, further elevating the bag's quality.

For this review, I estimated that the Curve Bag requires about seven square feet of Mozart pebbled leather, plus an additional six to seven square feet of suede for the lining. Given that the Mozart leather costs around $9 per square foot, the leather alone amounts to roughly $85. Adding about $65 for the stainless steel hardware and labor brings the total estimated cost to $150.

The retail price of the Curve Bag was €360, or approximately $400. This results in a price multiplier of less than 3x, which is significantly lower than what you’d expect for a bag of this caliber. For comparison, luxury brands using similar materials can charge thousands of dollars for their products.

While pricing a high-quality bag at this level can be risky for a new brand looking to grow, it may also be necessary to establish a reputation for quality. At this price, customers are getting a bag made with materials found in the highest-end luxury brands at a fraction of the cost. Aside from the edge paint, which could use an extra layer, there’s little to criticize here. 

Stow London is a brand to watch, and the Curve Bag is proof of their potential to disrupt the leather market. I’m beyond impressed that for under $400, I was able to get a bag made from top-tier materials and crafted with care. I admire the brand's design ethos, which mirrors my own aspirations for flexibility and simplicity. Moreover, the people behind Stow London—a family of artisans—bring heart and dedication to their craft, which is evident in the quality of their work.

In conclusion, the Curve Bag from Stow London stands as one of the top placements in my reviews. Its combination of exquisite leather, high-quality hardware, and thoughtful design places it at the designer level in terms of value. The bag's ability to compete with luxury brands, while being sold at a significantly lower price, makes it an exceptional find.

I look forward to sharing more about the people and processes behind this bag, as well as a deeper dive into Curtidos Badia, the tannery that supplies the leather. For now, Stow London has set a new benchmark for value in the world of leather fashion.