This bag is another rockin’ design from Belen Echandia. I wrote about my love for the Love Me style a few months ago, and BE has done it again with Hug Me.
Hug Me isn’t as large as Love Me, but still measures a healthy 8″ tall x 14″ long x 7″ deep. When I don’t fill it up all the way it slouches nicely, but it will hold quite a bit when needed. The short handles are perfect (and very comfortable) for hand- or arm-carrying, but it also comes with a detachable long strap. The rounded shape really does make me want to hug it, and I have in fact done so a few times.
The most impressive thing about this bag is the leather. Designer Jackie Cawthra buys BE leather at the same Italian source as Miu Miu, and the black glossy variety is simply ideal. It’s thick and chewy and slightly pebbled, and reminds me of early Chloe Paddington leather. But it has a slight shine to it that gives it a bit of a rocker edge, which I just love. It also smells heavenly. The thick leather does make the bag a little on the heavy side when carrying for long periods of time, but the optional shoulder strap helps a great deal.
Equally as impressive is the overall quality. This is a really substantial bag, there’s nothing wimpy or flimsy about it. One reason I love BE bags is that they are individually crafted by hand, and this personal attention to detail really shines through in this bag. The silver hardware is chunky and solid but not oversized. Like all BE bags, it has a cheery bright-pink lining and a plethora of pockets (including two that run the fill length of the bag) to keep things organized. It’s finished off with two signature BE tags accented with little pink crystals that make me smile every time I carry it.
I can’t write about Belen Echandia without mentioning the customer service. My questions have been answered personally by the designer via email, and Jackie and her staff go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that all clients are completely satisfied with their orders. In this mass-market world, true customer service is a rare and beautiful feature, and I think it will enable BE to keep and grow their loyal following for years to come.
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