Instyle Handbag
Designer Handbags 101

Brahmin Handbags

The history of the name Brahmin is interesting, as is the vision behind Brahmin handbags. On the east coast in the late 1800's the term Boston Brahmin referred to a sophisticated socialite from a well-bred family. In 1982, Bill and Joan Martin established their company, Brahmin Leather Works, Inc., with the vision of designing handbags that the modern sophisticated woman would appreciate and desire. Bill Martin's Boston ancestry plays a role in the Brahmin Leather story and its logo.

Founder Bill Martin's many-times-great grandfather, Ambrose Martin, was the captain of a schooner sailing out of Massachusetts. In honor of his ancestry, Ambrose Martin's schooner graces the silver metal logo on each Brahmin handbag. Bill and Joan started the Brahmin line from their home in Massachusetts, but quickly outgrew their home based operation when the Brahmin name took off.

Among handbag connoisseurs, Brahmin means craftsmanship. All handbags are crafted from the highest quality Italian leather and feature a unique aniline finish. Aniline means that the finish and coloring technique teases out the natural beauty of the texture and grain of the leather. Brahmin boasts solid brass hardware, from grommets to studs to D-rings and clips; the hardware is the most long-lasting in the handbag industry. Along with the long lasting hardware and fine leather, the stitching and straps maintain a high standard of strength.

Brahmin Handbags have 208 styles to choose from. Brahmin has one of the most extensive collections in the handbag game. The Brahmin handbag collection is gigantic, but has an interesting system by which to identify and choose your handbag. The specific shape and styles of the handbags range from satchels to totes and are given women's names such as Tera, Kendall, and Emilia. The numerous different and distinct finishes-with names like Burchelli which is a chic tiger stripe design-are used in many different styles. You can order the Sophie bag in the Classic Tuscan finish or a Metallic Toasted Almond finish, depending on what you think is beautiful. The possibilities are endless. Check out the website to find your perfect marriage between style and finish. You'll spend hours matching shapes and colors and coming up with your prefect purse.

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Brahmin bags are among the best quality-wise I have. They are so light weight, too, which is nice when you buy a big bag and load it down, you're not carrying twice the weight due to a heavy bag. And they last. I bought one years ago and threw it around as my 'everyday' bag and found it in a box (after moving) the other day and it still looks new.For the price, none better! Even for twice the price!
Posted on 10/9/2009 3:06:00 PM by Anonymous
I am SO glad I read these comments before buying, because it DOES matter to me that Brahmin bags are no longer made in the US, but rather China. No thanks. Same disappointment I felt when I learned Vera Bradley outsources overseas now rather than made in USA. No longer interested.
Posted on 9/26/2009 3:46:00 AM by Anonymous
Ladies, for your info. Louis Vuitton is also made in China, so what! what today isn't??? I enjoy my Brahmin, people who know quality when they see notice and I get compliments on my Megatote all the time, so enjoy it Ladies because the quality of the leather is what it is you can't take that away no matter where it is made! oh and that last comment on TJ Maxx, and the shame on you Brahmin! must be a man that wrote that, hahahahahaa xx
Posted on 8/25/2009 2:14:00 PM by Anonymous
Don't care where it's made I love my Brahmin.
Posted on 8/25/2009 2:05:00 PM by Anonymous
hi all - does anybody happen to know the name of the brahmin bag/collection with all the different flags on it? colors are red white blue and tan, done in the tapestry style with leather accents. thanks!
Posted on 7/25/2009 5:05:00 PM by Anonymous
I bought my first Brahmin bag many years ago and loved it so much because of it's craftmanship, AND because it was made in the USA. I remember the saleslady making that a major selling point. I recently bought two more and couldn't wait to use them..until I saw the tag on the lining (tucked at the very bottom of the bag making it difficult to find while searching for it at the store), and have become so disappointed. I'm thinking I will return them for my money back. Come on Brahmin, couldn't you keep it in America? Bring it back home and you might be surprised to see a big increase in sales, and PRIDE.
Posted on 7/6/2009 2:23:00 PM by Anonymous
I saw my first Brahmin handbag in a locked dsplay case in the Dillard's at Oak Part Mall in Kansas City two days ago. It was so pretty...but out of my budget range at this time. I just told a friend of mine that I gravitate right to the most expensive ones in any line. That leaves me looking at the rest that look they were made by kindergarteners and trying to decide which one of them I will settle for. One of these days I will get one, I won't give up hope.
Posted on 6/19/2009 3:23:00 PM by Anonymous
Love Brahmin handbags - am looking for the Brahmin Nuances Collection "Ester" Hobo Bag. Thanks so much for making such beautiful bags. Glenda Tongate
Posted on 4/24/2009 1:43:00 AM by Anonymous
I prefer they are made in the USA but if not we buy other things made in China. I have two bags and accessories, wallet, etc. They are well made and I definately have never had such a quality handbag in the coach, Dooney and Bourkes or others. I just love these bags, and for the quality they are reasonable, even though they are quite expensive. No, some won't pay the prices, but we all spend on things that we like, and ladies we deserve it. Buy it for you and not to impress! LOL
Posted on 8/28/2008 7:22:00 PM by Anonymous
Why would they put a made in China lining in an expensive bag ? If only the lining is made in China surely they can buy made in America lining !
Posted on 6/16/2008 11:25:00 PM by Anonymous
I have two Brahmin handbags, the Flower in Toasted Almond, and the Elizabeth from the Grotto Collection in white, and I always receive compliment after compliment on them. I also have a Tuscan wallet. They are extremely well made IN MASSACHUSETTS, with excellent details and craftsmanship. I have a career and so especially appreciate the first class pockets, including the removable center pocket. It's true, the lining is made in China, and I have strong issues with China, the lining is neat and well made. I have other designer bags and none gives the attention to interior detail that Brahmin does, and none surpasses Brahmin's attention to craftsmanship and quality so even at $395 for the Elizabeth I feel I got more for my money than with other more expensive designer bags. Know your facts before you post a comment.
Posted on 4/22/2008 9:09:00 PM by Anonymous
I called the factory and it is the lining that is made in China. I love Brahmin bags. They make a quality bag without being "trendy" and seeing them every place you go. A classic!
Posted on 4/15/2008 9:52:00 PM by Anonymous
I just bought a Brahmin bag at Dillard's yesterday. The label stitched inside the bag states "Made in China."
Posted on 1/21/2008 12:25:00 PM by Anonymous
I believe all the high end bags - Coach, LV, Chanel - are made in China. Brahmin is made in Massachusetts -- the only bag that Macy's carries that is made in the USA. My husband has a wallet and I have the Brick Melbourne. The SAs at Macy's tell me they never have returns on Brahmin because of quality.
Posted on 1/1/2008 8:28:00 PM by Anonymous
What are you talking about? these hadnbags are made in Massachusetts in their factory.
Posted on 12/24/2007 9:34:00 PM by Anonymous
I have 2 Brahmin handbags and I prefer them over Dooney.
Posted on 9/30/2007 7:20:00 PM by Anonymous
How about the prices they charge for them? They are made in China! Unless their followers don't care about this "little" detail, but I do. Come on ladies, if I want a bag made in China I buy one at any TJ Maxx and pay a fraction of what they are charging. Let's get real. Luxury made in China? I don't think so. Brahmin, shame on you.
Posted on 9/26/2007 3:23:00 PM by Anonymous