First Impression Review, The Marc Jacobs Tote Bag Without A Big Logo
Can you believe it? The Marc Jacobs Tote without a big logo is finally here after years of high customer demand. I get why he decided to put a large text telling you it is a tote as if it might not be obvious for some. The idea is playful, and it challenges what we think when it comes to labels. Some may argue that the big wordings made the bag famous, but honestly, I think the tote has been an extremely successful product for Marc Jacobs because of its practicality and price point. Understanding the concept doesn't mean everyone loves it. Whenever I review a Marc Jacobs tote bag, I most likely get comments wishing it would come without the text. I love the concept and the functionality of the tote, but I do understand that once in a while, we want to be a little lowkey and not shout, "I'm using a Marc Jacobs tote!"
Now, the bag is finally here, but not quite. Marc Jacobs has released a few new tote bags without the big logo, but not exactly like their regular totes. For example, the Marc Jacobs tote I am going through with you today is their lamb leather version, The Shiny Crinkle Small Tote. In addition, they also released a new sherpa tote, a bandana version, and the canvas one with studs all over the bag.
Since this is a lamb leather version, I will mainly compare it to their regular leather one. I am not sure the changes were made to the other new bags. First of all, the magnet on the outside loop is gone. So if you keep the zipper end hanging outside the tote, it will likely not stay in place. But, somehow, they kept the mysterious loop around. We really need an official statement from Marc Jacobs on why he loves that loop for unknown purposes.
Secondly, and a significant one for me, is he got rid of the glazing on the handles. Also, the handle fold is now facing inside instead of out. The only place I see glazing is the zipper pull. All bag lovers have heard stories of melting and cracking glazing on Louis Vuitton bags. Those issues are not limited to LV bags; I have also seen them on other brands. Therefore, I try to avoid designer bags with a lot of glazing on the edges. I know you can reglaze a bag, but I am too busy to learn another new skill.
Open up the tote, and I noticed another huge change! Instead of coating on the inside, we now have canvas lining. I prefer a canvas lining because I have seen the lining on older Marc Jacobs bags have cracking and peeling issues. Even though I am not exactly sure about the ingredients of the coating, peeling is expected after a few years of frequent usage due to temperature and humidity. But, on the other hand, I have seen canvas material last more than ten years with care.
Next, instead of a pocket flap, the zip and slip pockets are now built into the lining. No more pocket flap accidentally getting bent or stuck with a bag organizer. It is a cleaner look, and bags tend to last longer when they have fewer moving parts.
All changes I mentioned are favorable, but one big issue I have with the tote is the craftsmanship. The lamb leather is slightly padded like some puffy bags you see from Coach. Maybe because of the more challenging material to handle, the dimension is off on certain parts of the tote. Fortunately, it is a black color bag, so the issue is not noticeable. However, with brighter color ones, you may want to check it closer in-store before purchasing it.
Overall, I love the changes, and it is great knowing now we have options as Marc Jacobs is still releasing new colors and materials for their regular version. The other improvement I love to see is the crossbody strap. It would be nice if the bag would come with a broader strap. Instead, we have to pay more and buy extra straps for the bag. Finally, removing the big logo is a good step forward, as a design like that could look dated after a few years, especially since Marc Jacobs hasn't been able to come up with another hit bag in the last few years. So what are your thoughts? Do you like any of the new totes with the big logo?
