Oh, Paris. The city is synonymous with effortlessly chic fashion and home to historic luxury design houses. But as bag lovers know, quality pieces are increasingly found outside the big-name brands.
Fresh luxury brands like Ateliers Auguste are emerging in the leather goods landscape, designing striking architectural handbags that have recently caught my eye.
So, is an Ateliers Auguste bag worth it? Read on for my take.
About Ateliers Auguste
I’m eager to share my Ateliers Auguste bag review with you. But first, you deserve a proper introduction to the brand. Here’s what to know:
- Founded In: 2018 by two brothers with a passion for design and architecture.
- Based In: Paris, France
- Crafted In: Italy (in small, family-owned artisan workshops)
- Known For: Minimalist, architecturally-inspired designs; Structured Italian leather
- Pricing: $500 – $900
As I’ve been testing the bag for the past season, I figure a detailed Ateliers Auguste Review is in order. Let’s begin.
Ateliers Auguste Bag Review: The Sully
While the Marly receives much attention, I opted for a less popular but equally charming Ateliers Auguste bag – The Sully. With its half-moon shape and elegant gold clasp, this cross-body leather bag makes a timeless addition to my (steadily growing) bag collection.
Leather & Materials
What struck me first upon unboxing was the beautiful, healthy sheen of the leather. The Ateliers Auguste bag shines- not in a high gloss, but with a subtle, elegant luster that I could easily see in the daylight.
My Sully is crafted from a grained calfskin, and you can see in the close-up photos the fine, cross-hatched texture. This style of leather is not only visually stunning but is also famously durable and resilient to the scratches and scuffs of everyday life. It feels solid and structured in your hands.
My fellow handbag lovers will be delighted to know that Tanner Leatherstein himself analyzed an Ateliers Auguste bag and praised the “full-bodied, top grain” base leather and its “high-quality finish.”
The brand sources its materials from LWG-certified Italian tanneries, and that commitment to quality is palpable from the moment you pick it up.
Construction & Craftsmanship
A bag can look beautiful on a shelf, but its true quality is revealed in how it’s built. That’s why this Ateliers Auguste bag review includes a detailed look at construction.
Inside, the Sully is stamped with “Designed in Paris / Made in Italy,” a combination that signals a promise of both high-fashion design and expert artisanal construction. And based on my experience, it’s a promise the brand keeps.
The stitching is clean, tight, and perfectly even, following the elegant curve of the flap with a precision that speaks to skilled craftsmanship. The edges are smoothly finished, and the bag has a satisfyingly robust and structured feel.
One detail to note: much like the Duo bag in my RSVP Paris review, the Sully does not have metal feet. While its structured, flat base allows it to stand upright on its own, it’s a detail worth mentioning.
Interior Lining
One detail that didn’t delight me is the interior lining. The bag is lined with microsuede.
To me, the light grey interior initially gave an impression of being less finished compared to bags with a full fabric or leather lining, like my Le Parmentier. However, microsuede is a very durable and easy-to-clean material, which is a practical choice for an everyday bag.
It’s a design decision that prioritizes functionality, but it’s something to be aware of if you prefer a more traditional, plush interior.
Now that we’ve examined the Ateliers Auguste bag from multiple angles, let’s discuss how it performs.
My Experience Wearing an Ateliers Auguste Bag
I waited three months to write this Ateliers Auguste in adherence to my “test in multiple environments” rule. I’ve worn the Sully for casual errands and on more dressed-up evenings. Here are my impressions:
Size, Capacity, & Everyday Functionality
The Sully comes in two sizes: a Standard and a Mini. I opted for the Standard, and I’ve found it to be the ideal on-the-go size, hitting that sweet spot between a compact evening bag and a larger tote.
The Official Dimensions:
Height: 7″ (18 cm)
Width: 9″ (22 cm)
Depth: 3″ (7 cm)
Weight: 1.25 lb (510 g)
Adjustable Strap: 43″ to 46.5″ (109 cm to 118 cm)
The half-moon interior is deceptively spacious. I can easily fit all my daily essentials. It’s worth noting that, aside from the small card pocket, everything is housed together in one main compartment. So, if you’re someone who loves a super-organized bag with lots of different built-in sections, this will not be your ideal layout.
Personally, I find it perfectly fine so long as I have my essentials in separate, smaller pouches (like my wallet, AirPods in their case, etc.). This keeps everything tidy within the bag’s architectural, structured shape.
Versatility & Wearability
One of my hesitations with many crossbody bags is that they can overly casualize an outfit. The Ateliers Auguste Sully, however, elevates my looks.
I believe it comes down to two things: its geometrically pleasing, architectural shape and the exquisite quality of the leather.
The bag doesn’t hang limply; it holds its own and adds a sense of intention and polish to whatever you’re wearing.
I’ve worn it crossbody with jeans and a sweater for a day of errands, and it felt effortlessly chic.
I then shortened the strap to wear it as a shoulder bag for a dinner out, and it looked perfectly polished. This is the kind of timeless, go-anywhere bag that earns its place in a Quiet Luxury Wardrobe.
As for quality over time, I’ve had the bag for just over three months, and the grained calfskin is resilient; I haven’t noticed any scuffs or scratches, and the structured shape has not warped in the slightest.
Is Ateliers Auguste a Good Brand?
In a market saturated with logo-heavy bags and concerns about declining quality, Ateliers Auguste emerges as a genuinely good brand, but it’s important to understand what kind of good it is. The real question is one of value, and for me, the value proposition is strong for several key reasons:
Transparency & Quality
The brand is transparent about its “Paris-designed, Italy-made” process and its commitment to using high-quality, LWG-certified leathers. The meticulous construction and durable materials deliver on the promise of a long-lasting investment piece.
Timeless Design
The minimalist, architectural aesthetic translates to longevity. You can wear it for years, which significantly increases its cost-per-wear value.
Understated Exclusivity
Unlike more ubiquitous “it bags,” an Ateliers Auguste piece feels special and discovered. It’s a statement of personal style, not a declaration of a trend.
I do notice that Ateliers Auguste is priced slightly higher than other emerging luxury handbag brands on the scene. You may have spotted these brands in my list of quiet luxury bags.
So, who is this brand best for? I would say Ateliers Auguste is a solid choice for the discerning minimalist who is ready to invest in a quality bag that will last.
The Heritage
When you invest in a handbag, you’re often buying into its story. So, what is the heritage behind Ateliers Auguste?
Let’s be clear: this is not a historic Parisian house with a century-long history. Ateliers Auguste is a modern brand, founded in 2018. There is no deep, multi-generational archive to connect to here.
Instead, the brand’s identity is built on a very contemporary foundation: a clear design philosophy inspired by architecture and a commitment to high-quality Italian craftsmanship.
My Leather Bag Review Process
I believe you can only understand a handbag’s true character by wearing it, taking it from errands to events to see how it functions out and about.
My passion for discovering beautifully crafted, understated French leather bags began a few years ago. I’ve since learned much about the nuances of leather craftsmanship and bring that focus on quality over hype in all my luxury bag guides.
My goal is always to help you choose smart, exquisite additions for your own wardrobe.
Your Ateliers Auguste Questions, Answered
Ateliers Auguste’s design philosophy is rooted in the world of modern architecture. The brand was founded by two brothers who draw inspiration from legendary designers like Le Corbusier and Eames. Their focus is on creating pieces that blend clean lines and structured shapes with modern functionality, resulting in bags that are both timelessly elegant and perfectly suited for everyday life.
Ateliers Auguste bags have a dual heritage. Each piece is designed in their Parisian studio in the Marais district. The bags are then meticulously handcrafted in Italy by skilled artisans in small, family-owned workshops.
