The Hidden Truths of Buttonscarves' Britney Bag: Value, Quality, and First Impressions
Have you ever been intrigued by a brand challenge? I recently found myself drawn into one. Buttonscarves, an Indonesian brand, dared me to test the durability of their Britney bag, a purchase that set me back $189. To maintain an air of mystery, I enlisted a local personal shopper to keep my identity under wraps. A week ago, I received an unexpectedly large box from DHL, leaving me puzzled about what I'd ordered. The mystery unraveled, revealing the Britney bag.
DISCLAIMER : The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products’ quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process. You may watch or read the full disclaimer here.
First Impressions
Upon unboxing, I was met with mixed feelings. The leather didn't immediately impress me; its finish felt off, almost plasticky to the touch. However, the craftsmanship was undeniably meticulous. The microfiber suede-like lining added a touch of luxury, and the edge paint was flawlessly applied. The bag’s unique shape was a standout feature, setting it apart from typical designs.
Craftsmanship and Materials
Upon opening this bag, I can confirm the clean craftsmanship both inside and out. They used all the necessary support materials to shape the bag, and these materials were applied appropriately with above-average quality. I love the feel of the inner fabric lining they used. From a craftsmanship standpoint, everything seems excellent, especially at this price point.
To dig deeper into the leather quality, I applied acetone to remove the finish. My suspicions were confirmed: the finish on top is a bit too thick. It’s a pigment finish on top of top-grain cowhide. While the leather itself isn’t bad, it’s a bit loose in the tannage, and the thick film creates wrinkles on the curves. This, combined with the plasticky touch, gives the leather a somewhat cheaper feel.
@tanner.leatherstein Indonesian gem or a scam? 🤔 DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products' quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process. You may watch the full disclaimer on my pinned video. #tannerleatherstein #isitworthit #fashiontiktok #affordablebags #bagreview #leatherbrand #buttonscarves ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
Hardware Quality
The hardware quality was typical for this market segment. It featured a soft alloy zamak with a decent but thin coating, which I could easily remove. This is common in mid-tier bags, and while it wasn’t extraordinary, it met my expectations for the price point.
Cost Breakdown
Estimating the costs, I calculated approximately six square feet of cowhide at about $15. Adding hardware and assembly, likely done in China, I estimated an additional $55. This brings the total production cost to roughly $70. Given the $189 price tag, this represents a 2.5x markup, which is quite reasonable in this market.
Final Thoughts
The Buttonscarves Britney bag offers a unique design executed with commendable craftsmanship. While the leather selection could use improvement, particularly in avoiding the overly thick finish, the overall package presents good value for the customer. With a slight upgrade in leather quality, this bag could become an exceptional market offering.
So, would I recommend the Britney bag? Yes, especially if you appreciate unique designs and solid craftsmanship. Just keep in mind that the leather might not feel as luxurious as you’d hope. For $189, though, it’s a deal that’s hard to beat.
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