Next, we look at the structure of the bag. One thing I immediately noticed is that the bag lacks substantial internal support material. The semi-structured shape is achieved through clever folding and laminating of the outer leather onto the lining material. While it looks and feels like leather, it doesn’t have the natural rigidity that high-quality leather often provides.

It’s a functional structure, but there’s nothing overly impressive about it. Based on the materials and construction, I’d rate this bag’s structure a 3.5 out of 5. It’s simple and does the job, but it’s not setting any new standards in terms of structure.

In terms of craftsmanship, this is where the Arlettis Small bag shines. Upon close inspection, the stitching is consistent, the edge paint is neat, and all the pieces inside and out are well-aligned. You can tell that proper attention to detail was given throughout the construction process. There are no visible flaws or rough patches—everything seems to be put together well.

For craftsmanship, this bag gets a 4 out of 5. While it’s well done, it could benefit from a bit more finesse or artisanal touches to elevate it further.

Hardware is a crucial component of any bag, and it can often be a dealbreaker when it comes to high-end accessories. The hardware on the Arlettis Small bag looks nice and substantial at first glance. However, when you take a closer look, you can see that it’s coated with a thick layer of lacquer, which is applied over a soft metal alloy. This results in hardware that feels slightly above average but still falls into the “mid-level” category.

For the hardware, I’d rate this bag a 3 out of 5. It’s certainly decent for the price, but it doesn’t feel like top-tier hardware. 

Now, let’s talk about the leather. For me, leather is the most important element of any bag. Coccinelle’s choice of leather for the Arlettis Small bag leaves a bit to be desired. While it looks like leather, it feels somewhat plasticky. To see if it was coated or treated, I decided to apply some acetone to remove the finish, and as expected, a thick layer of finish came off. Underneath that finish, the leather is top-grain cowhide, which is not necessarily bad but doesn’t feel luxurious either.

The internal lining isn’t leather; it’s made of PU, which is faux leather. According to the website, the bag features grained leather on the outside, and faux leather on the inside. In terms of value, this leather is a 3 out of 5. While it’s functional and will likely be easy to clean, it doesn’t have the natural beauty or tactile quality that higher-end leathers often possess.

Let’s break down the cost of making this bag. After inspecting the leather and components, I estimate that the bag uses about four square feet of leather, which would cost roughly $16. Considering the labor and materials for the hardware, the total cost to make this bag in China is around $56.

The retail price for this bag is €260, which includes tax. If we exclude tax, that brings the effective price down to around €220 (or $235), resulting in a price multiplier of approximately 4x.

A 4x markup is considered reasonable for a sustainable business model in fashion, especially for a bag that’s crafted well but doesn’t use premium materials like full-grain leather.

Based on our analysis, I would say that the Arlettis Small bag offers good value for the price, but it’s not without its flaws. The design is simple and elegant but not unique. The craftsmanship is solid, and the hardware and leather are decent for the price range, but they don’t offer anything groundbreaking.

If you’re someone who values good craftsmanship and a timeless look, this bag could be a good fit for you. The price multiplier of 4x is fairly reasonable, but if you’re expecting luxury-level materials and finishes, you might want to look elsewhere.

Overall, this bag is worth the money if you’re okay with the leather feeling a bit less premium and aren’t overly concerned with ultra-high-end materials. For €260, it’s a solid choice, but not a showstopper.

Do you think this bag is worth the price? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.