I
hate to be the bearer of bad news. So I’ll let the New York Times have that honor. Late last year, the paper declared that big-name luxury fashion is in a death spiral. And frankly, the fashion-conscious already knew.
We’ve grown weary of the ubiquitous bags draped over everyone’s shoulders, worn on repeat despite declining quality and ever-increasing prices. Our luxury bags are luxury in name only, and as the prestige slips, we find ourselves asking- where do we go from here?
RSVP Paris has an answer. As we turn away from mass-produced luxury bags, a quieter, more thoughtful wave of quality-focused fashion houses is emerging. RSVP Paris is one such brand. If you’re considering picking a bag from their collection, this review has everything you’ll want to know.
About RSVP Paris: Get to Know The Brand
RSVP Paris is a French leather goods brand that offers handcrafted bags in timeless silhouettes. I first encountered the brand when a creator mentioned it on a list of underrated quality bag brands to explore.
Then, a few months ago, the brand gifted me its Duo leather bag. So I decided to do some research.
Here’s what I learned:
Founded By: Jonathan Andrès, Cléo Charuet, Aurore de Chanaud and Thomas Cerkevic
Started In: 2015 in Paris
Production: Large goods are handcrafted in Italy or Spain. Small goods handcrafted in Paris,
Philosophy: Limited runs (max. 500 pieces), sustainability-first ethos
Remember those big-name luxury houses that are dipping in quality? RSVP Paris has taken a decidedly defiant approach since its inception, noting that “all our items are limited editions-we only ever manufacture 500 pieces of any one design.”
What Does RSVP Mean?
My Duo bag with the number 205 to note which of the 500 bags it is.
As a newer designer bag brand, RSVP Paris remains unknown to many. And perhaps that’s what lends the house some of its appeal. But where did the name come from?
RSVP is an abbreviation for “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “Please respond.” The name is a nod to the brand’s original model, in which shoppers had to pre-order to secure a bag. This reminds us that each piece is an invitation for a select group.
I’ve worn the Duo bag for the past 3 months and am ready to share my thoughts. Let’s begin!
RSVP Paris Craftsmanship Review
To make this RSVP Paris bag review helpful, I’ve separated my notes into core categories that I know you have questions about. Explore my take on quality, construction, and hardware below.
Leather Quality
If this is a true handbag review, we must discuss leather.
Let it be known- the quality does not disappoint. What struck me first upon unboxing was the unmistakable aroma of real leather– the same one that greets you when you set foot in a heritage boot store.
It’s earthy, rich, and honestly difficult to convey but immediately recognizable. If you know, you know.
RSVP sources its leather from the Drôme region of France, using the same tanneries as other high-end labels (which they tactfully refrain from naming on their site). Fortunately, internet sleuths have tracked it down- this leather is on par with the Hermes Epsom leather.
The best part? RSVP is a fraction of the price. My specific bag, the Duo, is crafted from grained calfskin leather, so it has a slightly textured feel compared to the smooth leather models.
Construction & Stitching
RSVP’s bags are made in either Spain or Italy, depending on the model. Wherever your bag comes from, you can feel the craftsmanship.
The stitching is clean, tight, and consistent throughout. No loose threads, no puckering, no shortcuts.
No Feet
One thing to note: unlike bags like the Polène Numéro Un or the Strathberry Midi Tote, the Duo doesn’t have metal feet at the base.
While it doesn’t technically need them (the structure and reinforced bottom keep it standing upright just fine), it’s something to consider if you prefer the extra protection or visual detail that feet provide.
For me, it’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s the kind of detail that some bag lovers care about.
Hardware
Bag enthusiasts understand that well-crafted hardware can elevate a brand, making it immediately recognizable. Strathberry has its signature bar, Toteme brings the distinctive T-Lock clasp, and RSVP Paris pieces showcase “two gold-tone pieces evocative of a face, playfully nicknamed ‘Golden Eyes’”.
The bag’s hardware is well-made with thoughtful, tiny details like the RSVP letters engraved in the tops of each ‘golden eye’ and alongside the clasp, which allows you to adjust the bag’s length.
My Experience with the RSVP Paris Duo Bag
I’ve had the Duo bag for three months and am thrilled with both the aesthetic and quality of the purse. If you’re like me and want a bag that looks polished, is built to last, and is not currently owned by everyone and their fashion-forward mother, keep reading.
Size & Capacity
While the Munchkin is adorable (I almost picked it), the Duo includes two compartments and a pouch in the center. Translation- there’s plenty of room for essentials.
I can easily fit my phone, wallet, sunglasses, the number on the napkin from the cute barista, and a small makeup pouch without stretching the bag.
Who will enjoy: If you like filling up your purse before heading out the door, you’ll appreciate the space in this model.
Let’s take a moment for the adjustable strap. This allows you to wear the bag at multiple lengths. Many high-end bags (looking at you, Hermès) skip adjustability entirely, but RSVP thankfully didn’t. Whether worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag, it sits where you want it to.
Comfort
For a full-leather bag, the Duo is surprisingly lightweight. The grain calfskin adds structure but stays soft enough to rest comfortably against the body, sans awkward digging or stiff edges.
I also appreciate the flat base, which helps the bag sit upright when you set it down, rather than collapsing into itself like softer leather styles often do.
Versatility
Now, the statement-making bag lovers will likely not be wowed by the models at RSVP Paris. The leather house is consciously understated in its designs.
But the beauty in this is that the bags work for so many occasions. I wore my Duo to a morning brunch date and a high-end hotel on the same day.
It’s equally flawless with a cardigan and flats as it is with heels and a mini dress. Needless to say, it earns a spot in my French capsule wardrobe.
Is the Duo worth the price?
For under $500, the Duo combines impressive craftsmanship, quality leather, and thoughtful design, especially compared to many bags in the same price range.
The limited production makes it feel special, and the materials and construction reflect a level of care that’s increasingly rare, even among more expensive brands. It’s a strong value for those seeking timeless style without paying a premium for logos.
RSVP Paris Pricing Review
RSVP Paris bags fall in the $400–$600 range, with many styles sitting at the $495 mark. Considering the quality of the bag, this is a piece you’ll have for years to come.
Here’s how RSVP Paris stacks up against other luxury leather bag brands.
Brand | Leather Quality | Made In | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
RSVP Paris | Grained French calfskin | Spain/Italy | $400–$600 | Limited runs (max 500 per style) |
Polène | Smooth/grained leather | Spain | $380–$490 | Good quality but mass-produced |
Strathberry | Calf leather | Spain | $450–$825 | Signature bar hardware, logo visible |
Hermès | Epsom, Togo, etc. | France | $9,000+ | Iconic, but not accessible |
The pricing above is a general range for each luxury bag brand. Some bags fall under these ranges, while others are at higher price points. I pulled ranges that encompass the majority of purses.
Is RSVP Paris of Good Quality?
You can completely remove the adjustable strap for a chic under-the-arm carry look.
Yes, you’re getting grained calfskin leather from French tanneries, meticulous European craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and limited-edition exclusivity-all without crossing into four-digit territory.
In a market where many “entry luxury” bags are hitting $800+ and still skimping on materials or construction, RSVP holds its own.
RSVP Paris Sustainability
Now l know many of you consider both quality and sustainability when searching for a quality designer bag. So let’s discuss how RSVP Paris approaches their production.
The brand began with a limited production mindset and holds to that principle today. In practice, this means that every design is capped at 500 pieces.
Also noteworthy- RSVP backs each bag up with a 1-year warranty. As bags age, you can take advantage of the repair services through their Parisian workshop. Whether you’re in France or abroad, you can ship your bag in for care and maintenance, a rare offering that shows they’re in this for the long haul.
Why Trust My RSVP Paris Review
Before writing this RSVP Paris bag review, I tested the Duo consistently for the past few months. I wore it to events, errands, and social outings to get a sense of how it performs in the wild. Then I compiled my thoughts to help you decide if the bag aligns with your style and preferences.
I aim to spotlight brands that prioritize craftsmanship over logos and markups. I also cross-reference my own experience with feedback from the fashion community—Reddit threads, customer reviews, and other informed voices.
If I recommend something, it’s because I genuinely believe it delivers on quality, value, and design.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions you have.
Your RSVP Paris Questions, Answered
In my opinion, yes. The brand is a stellar pick if you enjoy quality, timeless pieces that not everyone else has.
The Duo bag, in particular, feels like a smart foundational piece. It’s elegant without being flashy and versatile enough to wear across seasons and settings. I find myself reaching for it constantly, because it is understated enough to go with most items and elegant enough that I don’t have to think twice about how to style it.
RSVP Paris is best suited for the woman who wants a timeless bag she can put on repeat—the kind that plays nicely with most of her closet and doesn’t scream for attention, but still communicates polish.
If you’re after longevity, quality materials, and thoughtful details but you’re not trying to spend thousands, RSVP delivers.
Yes, in the true sense of the term luxury. With RSVP Paris, you get handcrafted pieces and top-tier materials. I’d consider it part of that new wave of rising luxury brands that rely less on logo and recognition and more on high-caliber pieces that last.
I asked the RSVP Paris team what the shipping times look like for US-based shoppers. If a bag is in stock and ordered on a business day, it will take up to 72 hours to be shipped out. If ordered on a weekend or holiday, add a couple of extra days for processing.
