When you envision your ideal handbag what comes to mind? Does it come in a striking color, have a distinct shape, shine with perfectly polished hardware?
The search for the right handbag is personal- we each have boxes that must be checked. In this LeParmentier Bag review, I’m showing you exactly which ones this promising new label does.
Get to Know LeParmentier
Every handbag has an origin story. In the case of a LeParmentier handbag, that story began rather recently.
Founded in 2016, LeParmentier is a fresh face in the landscape of French leather handbags. While the brand is new, the techniques used to craft each bag in renowned Florence leather factories date back centuries.
This contrast between old and new is one of many sitting at the core of LeParementier. We’ll explore more throughout this review. But first, get to know the brand at a glance:
- Founded: 2016
- Based In: Paris, France
- Crafted In: Florence, Italy
- Known For: Timeless silhouettes, Italian leather, Accessible price points
- Pricing: $250-$400
Of course, the best way to understand LeParmentier is to examine its creations. Scroll on for a look at LeParmentier.
My LeParmentier Bag Review
I selected this Bombo bag for its clean, understated design.
The Bombo bag arrived, courtesy of LeParmentier, in a black dustbag emblazoned with the brand name in white block letters. I eagerly unboxed it and have been wearing it for the past few months.
Here’s what I’ve noticed:
Leather & Materials
Let’s start with the leather. Specifically, the buttery smooth Italian calf leather that makes up the Bombo.
The leather itself is supple to the touch and has a subtle luster as it catches the light, which you can just detect in this photo.
The brand says it sources premium Italian leather and this is evident from the structured yet not stiff feel to the authentic aroma. Ah, I love the smell of genuine leather.
But onto the next test in this LeParmentier bag review – bag construction.
Construction & Craftsmanship
I’ve attached the leather shoulder strap that comes with the purse.
Another hallmark of a well made handbag is clean, consistent stitching.
Here, again the LeParmentier handbag excels. Attention to detail is at the heart of Florentine craftsmanship and I’m pleased to see it manifest in this bag.
The stitching is done well—perfectly straight, tight, and consistent throughout the entire bag, with a thread color that beautifully matches the leather.
I was particularly pleased with the clean edge painting, which seals the leather for durability and provides a polished, professional finish.
Bag Shape
The shape of The Bombo bag is not striking; it is clean and understated. I found myself reaching for it when I wanted to polish off an outfit, since it plays well with lots of looks.
And the four feet allow the bag to stand slightly above a surface, an added touch of protection I appreciate.
Hardware & Details
I figured Le Colonial would be a fitting dinner destination for this leather handbag.
The focal hardware on this LeParmentier bag is the circular gold clasp that secures the front flap.
The clasp closure is a simple button that easily opens and closes with a satisfying little click to keep my sunglasses, kindle, and an inordinate amount of lip products safely in tow.
While the hardware serves its purpose, I can’t help feeling underwhelmed by it.
There’s no subtle engraving, no striking shape or intricate detail. I think of the elegant ‘T’ clasp on a Le Tanneur bag, which feels integrated into the design, or even the chunky, distinctive hardware on a Chloé, which adds another dimension.
My Le P (can I call it Le P now that we’re familiar?) hardware gets the job done and adds a central point to the understated piece. That’s all there is to say.
Now that we’ve examined the bag from handle to foot, it’s time to discuss how it wears.
My Experience Wearing a LeParmentier Handbag
I prefer to test a bag in multiple environments before giving my thoughts. So I’ve spent the last few months truly living with the Bombo– carrying it as a top-handle to brunch, slinging it over my shoulder for errands, and styling it for evenings out.
Now, I’m ready to share my hands-on LeParmentier bag review.
H3: Size & Capacity: What Really Fits Inside?
The Made in Italy label, stitched quietly inside the bag, is another detail you’ll spot.
Despite the persistence of the micro bag trend, I believe a handbag should actually be able to hold your belongings. For those who appreciate practical dimensions, the Bombo delivers.
The Official Dimensions:
- Width: 9.84″ | 25 cm
- Height: 7.87″ | 20 cm
- Depth: 3.94″ | 10 cm
But what does that look like in practice? In short, it’s a spacious bag with enough room for daily essentials, and then some. For months, I’d been using a slightly smaller handbag which, though adorable, forced me to be a ruthless minimalist when deciding what to bring. The Bombo, by contrast, feels like a breath of fresh air.
What I Can Comfortably Fit Inside:
- My iPhone
- A slim wallet
- Sunglasses in a soft case
- A small makeup pouch with essentials
- My Kindle
Versatility & Wearability
Styling The Bag
Because the simple shape and cognac color are unobtrusive, it’s seamless to style. When I want it to be more casual, I add the leather strap. For dressier occasions, I hold it by the top handle.
On the body, it rests comfortably. Accessing bag contents is easy, though the central clasp needs to be exactly aligned (it’s not magnetic) for the bag to close so you do have to line it up perfectly.
I was initially worried that the leather might scuff because it is thinner than a pebbled leather handbag I’ve been wearing often. But the bag is still pristine after lots of outings.
All in all, I’m impressed with the quality of the bag and believe that this LeParmentier bag will be true to its “built to last” promise.
Your LeParmentier Discount Code
I have something sweet for you in this LeParmentier Bag review.
As a special offer for The Elegance Edit readers, LeParmentier has provided an exclusive discount. Use the code CELESTE15 at checkout for15% off your entire order.
So if you’re considering a purse, feel free to use this and to send me a pic of how you style the bag. I’d love to see!
Is LeParmentier a Good Brand?
The Yucca bag pictured here is one of the brands most popular pieces.
Overall, I admire the craftsmanship and quality of my LeParmentier bag.
The cost to quality ratio is undeniable, with each piece feeling far more luxurious and thoughtfully crafted than its sub-$500 price tag would suggest.
We’ve covered materials, consruction, and a myriad of other details that sit on a dream handbag checklist. Now, let’s zoom out for one final look at the mid luxury leather bag landscape.
How LeParmentier Pricing Compares
To give you a better sense of where LeParmentier sits in the market, here’s how it stacks up against a few other beloved mid-range luxury brands.
Brand | Craftsmanship | Price Range (USD) | Key Differentiator |
LeParmentier | Handmade in Florence, Italy | ~$250−$450 | Parisian design meets Florentine craftsmanship. |
Polène | Handmade in Ubrique, Spain | ~$350−$650 | Unique, sculptural and often trend-setting silhouettes. |
Cuyana | Made in Italy & Turkey | ~$300−$600 | A focus on a “fewer, better things” philosophy. |
Strathberry | Handmade in Spain | ~$450−$800 | Recognizable by its signature, elegant metal bar hardware. |
As you can see, LeParmentier offers handbags at a truly accessible price point. After experiencing the brand hands on, I’m pleasantly surprised by the quality and thoughtful craftsmanship they deliver for that price.
Do the brands look familiar? You may have spotted them in my list of quiet luxury bags.
The Heritage
Often, when selecting a handbag, we look beyond the bag itself to the intangible elements that surround it.
The story, the design philosophy, the history all influence whether we are drawn to it over another bag. For LeParmentier handbags, this story is a blank page.
The brand is so new and the origins of the designer so hush hush (the brand shares it’s a Paris-based designer with eight years of experience at an iconic house, but not much else), that there’s not a deep heritage to connect to.
Some enjoy the heritage of established brands. Others like the idea of an emerging brand, a clean slate. This brings me back to my initial observation about how personal “the perfect handbag” is.
Here’s to finding yours!
My Handbag Review Process
Before I recommend any piece, especially an investment like a handbag, I believe in a thoughtful and thorough review process. That’s why I spent three months wearing the Bombo, testing its durability and versatility in my life.
My own journey into appreciating the nuances of fine leather and meticulous construction is something I love sharing with you. It’s the same passion for quality that I bring to my luxury bag guides, and my goal is always to help you choose smart, beautiful additions in your own wardrobe.
Your LeParmentier Questions, Answered (FAQ)
Have lingering questions after reading this LeParmentier Bag review? I answer some below.
Le Parmentier bags are designed in Paris and handcrafted in Florence, Italy, in workshops renowned for their generations of leather expertise.
Le Parmentier’s philosophy is to offer their bags at an already accessible price point, so they don’t typically run the large seasonal sales. In my time following the brand, I haven’t seen them offer major public discounts. However, readers of The Elegance Edit can use code CELESTE15 at checkout for 15% off your order.
