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Brand Scorecard:
★★★★☆
Leather: 4.5
Hardware: 4
Design: 4
Engineering: 4
Craftmanship: 4.5
TOTAL: 4.21
Brand Website: Ateliersauguste.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
Ateliers Auguste, founded in 2012 by two design-loving brothers, specializes in structured, minimalist leather goods inspired by iconic architects. Their products are meticulously handmade with high-quality leathers from Italy and Portugal. The brand focuses on direct sales to maintain reasonable pricing and improve customer interaction. Emphasizing sustainability, Ateliers Auguste uses leathers sourced from the food industry and complies with European REACH standards. Their contemporary designs, balancing quality and style, are delivered to over 80 countries worldwide.
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 Ateliers Auguste as a brand?
How would you rate Ateliers Auguste as a brand?
5
4
3
2
PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Is the Marly Handbag by Ateliers Auguste a Hidden Gem?
Ateliers Auguste's Marly Handbag
Watch the videos here:
In the world of fashion, discovering a new brand that offers both luxury and affordability is akin to finding a hidden gem. Today, we have the pleasure of exploring the Marly handbag by the Ateliers Auguste. Sent in for an independent review, this bag exudes a sense of minimalism and chic sophistication from the moment it's unveiled. But will this meet my high standards when it comes to leather products?
DISCLAIMER: The mentioned brand sent this product for FREE. However, we are NOT PAID to do this review. All statements and expressions made about the products are Tanner Leatherstein’s independent review. The brand did not get to see the final video until it was published live. They also agreed to our terms and conditions that we will post our honest review about the brand and/or product and that we might disagree with the information provided in their shop or website.
Tanner Leatherstein’s reviews 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.
Initial Impressions
The Marly handbag boasts a sleek and minimalistic design, devoid of unnecessary details. This simplicity enhances its overall aesthetic appeal, making it a stylish accessory for any occasion. The accessories accompanying the bag feel substantial and of high quality, adding to its allure.
Leather Quality and Craftsmanship
Upon closer inspection, the leather used in the Marly handbag exhibits a standardized appearance, with the characteristic smell and feel that denote genuine leather. The craftsmanship is commendable, featuring a fine and polished finish that exudes elegance.
However, it's worth noting that the leather's surface is susceptible to nail scratches, a detail that became apparent during testing.
Acetone test on Marly Handbag
Removing the finish from the leather reveals its true nature—a top-grain leather finished with a thick layer of acrylic pigment for protection and standardization. Despite this protective layer, the leather retains its full-bodied quality, showcasing excellent tanning and substance. While the leather reacted minimally to spills such as water and ketchup, caution is advised when dealing with substances containing alcohol, as they may compromise the finish.
Maintenance and Durability
The Marly handbag offers ease of maintenance, boasting water-resistant properties and the ability to repel common contaminants. However, it's important to handle the bag with care, as excessive scratching may mar its delicate finish. Despite this caveat, the leather's elegance and resilience make it a worthwhile investment for fashion enthusiasts.
Cost and Value Analysis
Estimating the cost of materials, approximately $55 worth of calfskin was used in crafting the Marly handbag. Coupled with the high-quality accessories and above-average craftsmanship, a total of $175 should cover the production costs. However, the retail price of $638 may seem steep to some, considering the materials and craftsmanship involved. Nevertheless, the Marly handbag offers a blend of luxury and affordability that is sure to appeal to discerning consumers.
Conclusion: A Quiet Luxury Brand Emerges
In conclusion, the Marly handbag by Ateliers Auguste presents itself as a promising addition to the realm of quiet luxury. With its elegant design, high-quality craftsmanship, and environmentally friendly sourcing practices, it offers a compelling option for fashion-conscious individuals. While the price may be on the higher end, the Marly handbag delivers on both style and substance, making it a brand worth keeping an eye on in the world of leather accessories.
Scorecard
TANNER APPROVED!
★★★★☆ - 4
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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