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Brand Scorecard:
★★★★☆
Leather: 4.5
Hardware: 4
Design: 4
Engineering: 4
Craftmanship: 4.5
TOTAL: 4.29
Brand Website:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
Aesther Ekme stands for 'shoulder bag' in Persian, symbolizing the brand's mission: a commitment to the product above all else. The brand's design approach focuses on the customer experience of wearing and interacting with the bags, resulting in high-quality, unique shapes meant to fit and follow the body seamlessly. The essence of Aesther Ekme's DNA combines Brazilian modernism and Scandinavian minimalism, creating bags with distinctive, clear-cut, and sensual aesthetics that draw attention with a subtle gravity of their own.
With Aesther Ekme's refined aesthetic and emphasis on simplicity and functionality, the brand prioritizes a careful selection of the highest quality materials. They work with top-graded leathers from Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tanneries, which promote and develop sustainable, eco-friendly, and appropriate environmental practices within the leather tanning industry.
FIVE PILLARS OF A GOOD LEATHERCRAFT
CRITERIA | 5 (Very Strong) | 4 (Strong) | 3 (Mixed) | 2 (Limited) | 1 (Not Present) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leather | A perfect balance of art and fashion of leather tanning. Rare and artisanal hides from exceptional tanneries | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries | Average corrected leathers that do NOT require high-quality raw hides. Less info on the source of the leather | Low-quality leather choice with significantly less information about the sourcing practice. | Inferior sketchy leather derivates or non-leather materials. |
Hardware | Top of the line Stainless Steel or Brass Hardware with Highest Caliber Coatings | Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while. | Alloy hardware with acceptable coating. Lifetime may be impacted due to the coating of the hardware. | Serious flaws in the making and coating of the low-grade alloy hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. | Non-metal, plastic, and non-durable hardware that is harmful to humans and the planet. |
Design | A professional design language that is unique and consistent with the brand | A creative take on a classical design concept | Minimal changes to common styles | Almost copy of common/famous designs. Dysfunctional elements. | Problematic design elements affect the functionality, durability, and aesthetics of the product. |
Engineering | Highly organized, sophisticated shape and form engineering with high-quality materials inside the craft. | Clean and quality inner support materials and structure | Acceptable cleanliness of inner work with medium-quality support materials | Messy inside with low-grade support elements | Complete lack of inner structure and craftsmanship. |
Craftsmanship | Expert craftsmanship with flawless, hand or machine stitching, demonstrating advanced skills. No visible errors; edge paint is avoided using superior techniques. | Perfect machine stitching with excellent edge finishing. Immaculate inside and out, with no visible flaws, showing a commitment to quality. | Good overall stitching and alignment with minor flaws. Acceptable edge finishing, with fairly clean interior and exterior. | Noticeable misalignment and sloppy workmanship. Multiple errors affect visual appeal, with untidy interior work. | Poor craftsmanship with missed stitches, visible errors, and uncleaned residues. Major issues that may affect durability. |
Overall Score | An incredible value for money that I have no problem recommending to anyone | Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try | A considerable offer with a relatively high price. Make your choice at your own discretion | Consider it well within your own criterion as the quality/price is not a decision point I can recommend here | Stay away! |
READING MY ASSESSMENT SCORES
SCORE | NAME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
5 | Strong Yes | ⭐ This grade is given to brands that present great value for the price they charge you for their product. I have no problem confidently recommending you check their products. These are the brands I reach out to ask if they can give me an affiliate link so your purchases using my link can support my content efforts. |
4 | Yes | 👍 This indicates that the brand meets all my expectations from the perspective of price and information they have about their products. I would happily buy their products at this level of quality/value score. This is the only other category of brands I request an affiliate link to support this channel to improve my Leathertainment content. |
3 | Mixed | ➖ There are areas that I found less than desirable for the quality/price performance I appreciate personally. Some high-end luxury brands may fall under this category given I am looking for tangible value in the products, ignoring the intangible brand prestige they may offer as a value to their customers. I am not a customer of these brands and I wouldn’t recommend them to my audience if they do NOT value brand logos. |
2 | No | 👎 This indicates that the product and the brand failed my expectations in significant ways and I won’t recommend them to anyone. |
1 | Strong No | ❌ This is the lowest assessment and indicates fundamental issues in the product and/or the brand. I would say look somewhere else. |
LEATHERVERSE MATRIX
The Leatherverse Brand Matrix visually compares leather brands based on sophistication and pricing, helping consumers understand their market positioning.
Legend
Vertical Axis: Ranges from simple artisan crafts to exclusive, master-crafted items.
Horizontal Axis: Covers pricing from low (no brand premium) to high (perceived luxury), with 2x multipliers for basic products and up to 15x for heavily marketed luxury items.
Diagonal Line: Represents the balance between price and performance. Brands on the line offer good value, those below suggest poor value, and those above offer exceptional value.
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
Based on these criteria, how would you rate Aesther Ekme as a brand?
How would you rate Aesther Ekme as a brand?
5
4
3
2
PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Exploring Affordable Luxury: A Deep Dive into Aesther Ekme Bags
Aesther Ekme's Demi Lune
Watch the videos here:
When it comes to luxury fashion, names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel dominate the scene. However, a trip to a luxury department store in Turkey introduced me to a brand I hadn't encountered before: Aesther Ekme. Positioned alongside well-known brands like Loewe and Chloé, Aesther Ekme caught my eye not just for its sleek design but for its significantly lower price point. Intrigued by this discovery, I decided to delve deeper into the brand and its offerings.
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I purchased all of these products myself and 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.
First Impressions: Aesthetic and Design
Aesther Ekme's bags stand out with their minimalist and sophisticated designs. The simplicity of the bags draws attention to the quality of the materials used. The specific bag I purchased online post my visit, which they call Demi Lune, is crafted from calfskin leather, which immediately felt premium to the touch. The bag's minimalist design complements the high-quality leather, making it a perfect example of understated luxury.
The exterior of the bag boasts a beautiful grain pattern that adds a touch of natural elegance. The craftsmanship is evident in the even and balanced finish that not only enhances the bag's aesthetic appeal but also provides a level of protection against minor scratches and stains. This semi-aniline finish allows the natural beauty of the leather to shine through while offering some degree of durability.
Craftsmanship and Material Analysis: Balancing Quality and Cost
One of the most appealing aspects of Aesther Ekme bags is their transparent material descriptions. The bag's interior is made of polyurethane (PU) leather, a synthetic material that mimics the look and feel of real leather. Importantly, Aesther Ekme is upfront about this choice, ensuring that customers know exactly what they're getting.
From a craftsmanship perspective, the bag holds up well. Made in Spain, it benefits from the country's rich tradition of leatherwork. The edges of the bag are neatly painted, though a few more layers of paint could provide an even more polished finish. Nevertheless, the overall build quality is solid, suggesting that the brand does not compromise on craftsmanship despite its lower price point. The stitching is precise, and the overall construction feels robust, indicating that these bags are built to last. While the edge paint could be improved with additional coats, its current state does not significantly detract from the bag's quality.
Acetone Test on Aesther Ekme Bags
Upon examining the finish on this calfskin, we confirmed that it is fairly minimal, featuring a semi-aniline, or micro, finish. This type of finish strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality, allowing the natural grain patterns of the leather to shine through and highlighting its inherent beauty. Unlike heavier finishes that can obscure the texture, this minimal treatment preserves the material's natural characteristics.
In terms of protection, the finish provides moderate defense against minor scratches and offers some resistance to water and stains, making the bag practical for everyday use. However, while it offers some protection, it is not exceptionally strong, so a little extra care is needed to keep the bag looking its best. Overall, this finish enhances the leather’s natural beauty while providing a balanced level of protection, making it both a stylish and functional choice.
Leather Cost Estimate of Aesther Ekme Bags
To determine if Aesther Ekme truly embodies affordable luxury, a closer examination of its cost structure is essential. Estimating the cost of materials and assembly provides a clear perspective on the value proposition. The calfskin leather, which forms the exterior of the bag, is approximately $35 for six square feet. Adding the other materials and assembly costs, which are roughly $90, brings the total estimated production cost to around $125. Considering that the retail price of the bag is $460, this pricing positions Aesther Ekme as a competitive and reasonable choice within the luxury market. This cost breakdown demonstrates that the brand offers high-quality leather accessories at a price significantly lower than that of established luxury brands, making it an attractive option for those seeking luxury without the hefty price tag.
Conclusion: Affordable Luxury Redefined
In the world of luxury fashion, where high prices often signify exclusivity, Aesther Ekme emerges as a refreshing alternative. The brand offers well-crafted, aesthetically pleasing bags at a fraction of the cost of established luxury brands. With transparent material descriptions and a commitment to quality, Aesther Ekme is poised to carve out a niche in the affordable luxury market.
Scorecard
TANNER APPROVED!
★★★★☆ - 4.29
Criteria | Score | Results |
|---|---|---|
Leather | 4.5 | Good leathers for the application in hand. Coming from environmentally conscious tanneries |
Hardware | 4 | Common alloy or brass hardware with high-quality plating and thin protection that will last a good while. |
Design | 4 | A creative take on a classical design concept |
Engineering | 4 | Clean and quality inner support materials and structure |
Craftsmanship | 4.5 | Fair Value for quality with a brand premium: 5 to 6 x multiplier pricing. |
OVERALL SCORE | 4.21 | Very good example of great quality for a great price without any risk to try |
PRICE / COST MULTIPLIER | 5x | Fair Value for quality with a brand premium. |
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