Leather & Lies: The Best and Worst Bags of 2024
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Time to read: 6 min
From dissecting hidden gems to exposing hyped flops, 2024 has been a wild ride for leather bags. We’ve seen some incredible pieces that redefined value and craftsmanship, while others fell short of expectations. This year has been all about exploring bags that make a real impact, whether for their top-tier quality or, unfortunately, their disappointing performance. So let’s dive into the best—and the worst—bags of 2024. You won’t believe what made the list!
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- Which bag earned the top spot for best value in 2024 and why?
- What were the main issues with the Prada Mini Cleo and Jacquemus Bambino bags in 2024?
- How did Aupen's response to criticism impact its position on the list of disappointments?
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in any way. All statements and expressions made about the products are solely the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein and 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.
What's Inside?
The Top Five Best Value Bags of the Year 1. Stow London 2. The Horse 3. Strathberry Nano Tote 4. Songmont Luna 5. Leo et Violette—A Parisian Gem The Top Three Disappointments of the Year 1. Prada Mini Cleo 2. Jacquemus Bambino 3. Aupen Looking Forward to 2025 Want to read more? Frequently Asked Questions About Tanner
The Top Five Best Value Bags of the Year
1. Stow London
When it comes to value, Stow London takes the top spot without a doubt. Dissecting their bag made from Mozart leather, sourced from an elite tannery in Barcelona, was pure joy. The quality of the leather alone made this one an easy win. It’s no surprise that Stow London continues to impress, as their focus on premium materials and exceptional craftsmanship really shines through. Hands down, my top value of the year!
2. The Horse
The Horse galloped in the last minute as the final bag I dissected in 2024, and it’s earned its place as a strong second on the list. What I love about this brand is its ability to combine durability with style. The leather, which has stood the test of time, continues to wow me. The Horse’s bags not only offer great value but also the kind of timeless elegance that will last for years.
3. Strathberry Nano Tote
The Strathberry Nano Tote made a strong impression with its compact design and impressive craftsmanship. It’s tiny but mighty! This little beauty stole the show for its impeccable craftsmanship and the quality of the leather, which, once again, comes from that very same tannery in Barcelona. It’s one of those bags that proves you don’t need to sacrifice quality for size. Strathberry truly nailed it with this one.
4. Songmont Luna
Songmont Luna took the fourth spot on my list, and for good reason. It’s a true heart-stealer, combining elegant form with gorgeous leather. I'm still on the hunt to uncover the tannery behind that beautiful hide, as it has a soft, luxurious feel that elevates the entire bag. The Luna is a wonderful example of how leather goods can blend modern design with classic quality.
5. Leo et Violette—A Parisian Gem
The new and fresh approach from Leo et Violette caught my attention this year, and they certainly deserve a place on this list. With their exceptional quality at a price that doesn’t carry a hefty Parisian markup, Leo et Violette proves that France isn't just about glamour; it’s about true artisanship and value too. The brand’s approach to design and pricing is something I’ll be keeping an eye on, as it’s clear they’re making waves in the industry.
The Top Three Disappointments of the Year
Not everything was sunshine and smooth leather, unfortunately. Here are the top three bags that left me underwhelmed in 2024.
1. Prada Mini Cleo
The Prada Mini Cleo was a year-long mystery that ended with a sad conclusion: it’s simply not worth it. I went in hoping to see the magic that Prada is known for, but what I found was a bag that didn’t live up to its price tag or the brand's usual craftsmanship. Save your coins, my friends—this one was a disappointment from start to finish.
2. Jacquemus Bambino
The Jacquemus Bambino was another letdown, and I’ll be honest: I questioned whether it was even made in Italy. The leather felt flimsy, and the stitching was off in places. For a brand that touts itself as synonymous with French luxury, this bag failed to deliver. It’s hard to justify the price when the quality doesn’t match the expectations.
3. Aupen
And then there was Aupen. At first, this budget-friendly bag seemed like a hit—great value, lovely design, and solid craftsmanship. But as I delved deeper, I found some concerning tactics that soured the experience. After publishing my video sharing my findings, Aupen has made some improvements, including addressing issues with their website. I’ll be keeping an eye on them in 2025, hoping they can turn things around.
Looking Forward to 2025
As we wrap up 2024, I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. There’s always something new to discover in the world of leather bags—whether it’s a hidden gem or a hyped flop. I’ll continue to dissect the good, the bad, and everything in between, so you don’t have to waste your time on bags that aren’t worth it.
Thank you for exploring the Leatherverse with me, one dissection at a time. Here’s to more discoveries, surprises, and value in 2025! Cheers to a happy new year, my friends!
Want to read more?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?
To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.
This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.
How can I suggest a brand for review?
You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.
If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.
Does Tanner offer advisory services?
Unfortunately, not at this time.
Is Tanner available for media interviews?
Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.
Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.
How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?
Thank you for your interest in our "Rip My Bag/Chopping Block - Incognito" review program! This initiative offers leather brands a chance to be featured in front of a highly engaged audience.
- Limited Spots: We are only accepting 25 brands this year, so space is limited.
- How to Apply: Submit your brand via the link below to join the waitlist. We will assess your products against our program’s standards. Submission does not guarantee acceptance.
- Notification: We’ll notify you of the results once the assessment is complete.
Program Fee: $1,250 USD
This fee covers production, due diligence, and content creation costs.
Please review the full terms and conditions available on the link for detailed information about the process.
We look forward to collaborating with you and showcasing quality craftsmanship to our audience!
About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
