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.
Advertiser Links
Dillard's - Brahmin | Dillards.comShop the Largest Selection and Exclusive Styles of Brahmin.http://www.dillards.com/Brahmin/
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The Brahmin Classic Kendall bag offers an interior organizational panel but not sure if it's also made of leather or man-made material.
Would
you know? Thanks
Posted on 11/20/2011 7:48:00 PM
by Anonymous
I just bought my 3rd Brahmin bag (still use my well made billfold that I bought years ago) and noted that it is now made in China.
I
had my suspicions when I purchased it at Dillards but the salesperson assured me it was still made in the USA.
Later
I found the well hidden tag.
Since
I haven't used it yet, I'll probably return it to the store.
I
won't be seeking them out in the future as the quality seems to be declining already compared to my previous bags.
Posted on 10/15/2011 9:28:00 PM
by Anonymous
Just looked at my Brahmin purses...made in China!
Both
are holding up fine so far. Brahmin Toasted Almond Collection "Dagny" Tote, and
Brahmin
Pecan
"Lacy"
Shoulder Bag.
I
will NOT be purchasing more Brahmin in the future....now that I see made in China inside.
We
don't need to create more jobs in USA...we need to bring the jobs back to USA.
We
don't need to give incentives to corporations to do this, we need to penalize those
that
don't do it.
It's
all politics and payoffs...the ruin of USA.
Posted on 10/10/2011 12:19:00 PM
by Anonymous
I have bought Brahmin products for years as I live in a town near to the factory.
I
am very distressed at learning their products are now made in China.
I
was looking at my purse and kept thinking the quality of the leather just is not the same and looked for a leather stamp; there was none.
Then
I saw the tag inside the bag noting "Made in China".
Given
the outsourcing and the poor quality of the leather, It will be the last Brahmin purse I purchase.
Posted on 10/4/2011 4:49:00 PM
by Anonymous
I have 2 Brahmin bags - and have had them since 90's.
I
love them.
I
will only ever carry Brahmin.
My
concern - am attempting to buy quality used Brahmin on E-Bay.
Is
there any knowledge that they are being 'knocked off' ...
I
would hate to get a fake.
The
one question I have:
do
any of the styles use "piping"... ?
I
see one on E-Bay - like it - but it has piping... didn't think they did that?
Thanks!
Posted on 10/2/2011 8:54:00 PM
by Anonymous
I think the quality has absolutely nothing to do with where the it is made from! There are so many luxury handbags made in all over the world! But the thing I am concerning with Brahmin is the "leather", I can not find any print saying it is genuine leather on the handbag! And I am not gonna pay $300 for a fake leather bag!
Posted on 9/7/2011 1:08:00 PM
by Anonymous
I have a Brahmin bag.
I
had to send it to the company the first month because the purse closure fell off.
They
sent it back to me "repaired" and it fell off again in 2 weeks. I sent it back and they put a new one on it.
In
3 months the strap broke off.
I
am thankful I did not lose my purse.
I
had to send it back to be repaired again.
I
paid twice for shipping.
It
turned out to really be an expensive purse.
I
think the purse is very pretty however I question the quality.
I
looked at my purse yesterday and noticed the "solid brass clasp" was peeling????
Jean
Tyree
Houston
Texas
Posted on 6/3/2011 1:48:00 PM
by Anonymous
I have 3 Brahmin's with matching accessories, all purchased from my local Dillard's.
The
quality for the price is phenomenal; I am hooked!
I
have Melbourne and the latest Alden.
Next
on my list is the Carmela in indigo...
Posted on 2/4/2011 11:14:00 PM
by Anonymous
I am planning to purchase a brahmin bag. I been thinking it for 3 months now what style and color I will buy. made in china or usa / whatever I still love the brahmin bag.
Posted on 1/29/2011 12:30:00 AM
by Anonymous
I purchased a Brahmin bag, from Macy's, in April 2010. It was my first time to purchase this name brand, $368.00. Because the color is red, no need to
carry
this bag on a regular bases, about 3 times. The strap was apparently glued and came apart.
Tried
to return to Macy's, they gave me such a difficult time, suggested that I take $99.00 for it or return the bag to Brahmin. for repair, why? ..Are you serious???? I am very displeased with the quality of the work on this very expensive bag....I am stuck with a bag that can not be used.......Very Very
Upset......Perhaps
a small claims court issue.....Lynnda Atascocita
Posted on 9/14/2010 12:51:00 PM
by Anonymous
I would like to clarify some points here since I have worked at a Customs brokerage firm for several years.
I
am also a shopper.
If
Brahmin bags are made in China because there is a label inside the bag that says that, then it means that the entire bag was made there, not just the lining. The only time a manufacturer needs to put the label of "made in China" (or any other country where the item has been manufactured), is when the ENTIRE item is manufactured in that particular country in which case it
becomes
"the finished product".
In
following with import regulations, the manufacturer must put the appropriate label that shows where the finished item was made. This is due to import tariffs and the agreements nations have with each other.
Those
of you who think that only the lining is made in China are mistaken because fabric for lining (category textiles to finish a certain product), would not bear the small label individually - it would not apply.
When
bags are made in the USA, the individual labels inside the bags will state so.
Every
country has that regulation. In reading the posts here, it does not seem to be the case for Brahmin bags. It seems that they are indeed being made in China. Please do yourselves a favor: when you buy a handbag (piece of clothing, etc.), look for a small label showing country or origin.
Regulations
are very strict all over the world and country of manufacture/origin for finished product has to be placed somewhere within the product. For handbags made in China this is usually found inside the bag attached to the lining at the base in a somewhat hidden corner.
Products
that are not made in China tend to place these labels more prominently, easy to find.
As
a consumer, one has to make the decision of whether the country of origin matters in terms of quality and the price being charged for the item.
Manufacturing
in China is inexpensive compared to other markets.
Labor
costs are cheap there and workers are more than abundant which means massive manufacturing with a very quick turnover.
To
that add the fact that import duties from China are lower than imports from other countries and companies have the perfect recipe to maximize their profits very nicely.
Do
I buy "made in China" handbags?
You
bet I don't !
Posted on 9/14/2010 12:28:00 PM
by Anonymous
I bought a Brahmin bag last spring and think it is beautiful.
However,
as I was preparing to purchase my next bag, I found out (from the director of customer services at Brahmin) that some of their handbags are made in the Massachusetts plant but that now they are also being made in China.
I
was extremely dissappointed because I support companies which make their products in the US.
(The
Brahmin rep. said nothing about just the linings being made in China; I inferred that the entire bag is made there.)
If
Brahmin charges $200 - $400 dollars a handbag, they are making a "killing" compared to what their production costs in China are.
The
rep. said that "labor costs in the US make it prohibitive to have all their bags made here."
I
support companies that pay their workers a living wage and provide healthcare.
Shopping
with a conscience is inconvenient, but it really does matter.
I'm
passing on a second Brahmin.
Posted on 9/13/2010 11:01:00 PM
by Anonymous
I have bought several bags from China - Banana Republic, Philip Lim, etc.
They
do not hold up at all, stitches were coming out after a few or less months of use.
I
will never buy another bag made in China again, that includes Brahmin.
I
rather pay more to get something from Italy, USA, and France.
In
the long run, you get more for your money and save the planet at the same time.
China
bags goes to the landfill very fast!!!
Posted on 8/13/2010 1:38:00 PM
by Anonymous
I love my Melbourne Pleat Brahmin bag, zip wallet and cosmetic bag. I also have a Harbor bag for summer.
They are far superior in quality and construction than either my Coach bags, with their tarnished brass hardware, or my Dooney and Bourke bags that are so heavy they inflict pain whenever I carry them.
Brahmin bags are smart and timeless.
I plan to add more to my purse wardrobe.
Terry in Savannah
Posted on 7/10/2010 11:07:00 AM
by
I have to agree with post "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.".
I was interested in Brahmin when they were made in USA but after finding out that they now manufacture in China..forget it.
Also with Rebecca Minkoff's handbags..they were made in New York but now in China...forget hers too.
I now only buy Prada and Alto collection of Dooney & Bourke (Altos are made in Italy).
Much better quality and they last forever!!
You can definitely tell the difference in the detail workmanship.
If I'm going to pay that much for a handbag, it has to be in outstanding workmanship!
Posted on 2/26/2010 6:49:00 PM
by
Brahmin is using the reputaton of the past products to squeeze extra profits from the low cost made in China bags.
Over time it will lower their brand status and resale since they are now basically just like any other store brand.
May as well buy a made in China Chanel copy for $20 and try to fool people.
Posted on 12/3/2009 2:18:00 AM
by
I just bought a Brahmin for myself. I was really excited when I saw it was on sale for half off. It was beside alot of Dooneys so I thought it was a Dooney at first. I had heard nothing about Brahmin before. So....I was kinda dissapointed when I got up at 4am to go buy it the day after Thanksgiving,thinking it was a half off Dooney. I bought it anyways because I think its really cute and can return it if I decide Im not happy with it. Tell me.....Do you all really think that Brahmin is just as good as Dooney?
Posted on 11/27/2009 6:11:00 AM
by
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
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
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
Don't care where it's made I love my Brahmin.
Posted on 8/25/2009 2:05:00 PM
by
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
What are you talking about? these hadnbags are made in Massachusetts in their factory.
Posted on 12/24/2007 9:34:00 PM
by
I have 2 Brahmin handbags and I prefer them over Dooney.
Posted on 9/30/2007 7:20:00 PM
by
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
