Carla Mancini might have aimed for shabby chic when creating her Audrey bag, but I think it ended up with just plain shabby!
The concept was sound, but I think the Audrey’s execution lets it down. The bursts of fringe could have been a playful way to accent the Audrey’s seams, but instead the accents just seem messy. The cows that gave their lives for it really deserved better. The finish is further cluttered by the whipstiching around the top of the purse.
The green color is also questionable on such a decorative bag. Carla Mancini might have gotten away with her daring design in a neutral black or brown, but such a vibrant hue makes an already busy bag seem too much.
I didn’t really like the fringe, but I miss it when I look at the Audrey’s bare back. If you’re going to offer such a decorative finish, I think you really need to commit to it. I might expect this kind of short cut on a less expensive bag, but I think we deserve better for $570.
At its heart this isn’t a bad bag. Its interior is spacious but not especially large, so the single cell phone pocket feels adequate. The straps are also long and appealingly braided, even if they could stand to be a bit wider. It concerns me that an Amazon customer’s snapped quickly, but as they’re made from real leather we can only hope this experience is the exception rather than the rule.
I admire Carla Mancini’s daring, but I don’t think it’s paid off here. I appreciate her willingness to step out of the box though, and can only hope it results in a more successful bag next time.
More Features of This Carla Mancini Fringe Shoulder Bag
- Made of Italian cowhide leather
- Magnetic snap closure with leather toggle
- Faille lining
- Dual straps with a 12 inch drop
- Measures 13 x 15 x 5.5 inches
- Made in the United States
