Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is an iconic department store in Paris, and I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend that you visit the exquisite building when you’re in the City of Lights. Of course, the shops are full of beautiful fashion eye candy, but the 43-meter-high dome in the middle of the store is the complete show stopper that crystallizes it as a special Parisian landmark. The building is covered in ornate glass stained windows, and with its notable art deco décor, it’s truly a sight to behold. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve visited Paris two times previously and had never visited the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann on prior trips, so I made it a point to visit when I was last there in July. I had seen photos over the years and knew I needed to check it out, especially as a fashion lover. Even if it’s just to admire the architecture and grandness of the notable department store, the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a must-see.
While I was perusing the store and doing some literal window shopping, I noticed a small shopping bag featured prominently in a display window. It struck me as odd that an entire display was dedicated to a shopping bag, so I walked closer to investigate the bag more carefully. Once I got up against the glass, I peered in only to realize that the shopping bag was actually made of coral colored leather, obviously intended to be used as a handbag rather than a bag to hold newly purchased items. I snapped a picture of the bag, and was able to zoom in on the photo close enough to see that the tiny embossed gold logo read “Medea”. I was instantly intrigued and remembered when Kaitlin introduced the bag on PurseBlog back in April. It looked much more like an actual shopping bag versus a purse in real life than it had in the photos featured online, so I was surprised when I realized it was the same brand.
Medea was launched in 2018 by Italian twin sisters, Giulia and Camilla Venturini. The brand, named after a 1969 Italian film based on the ancient myth of the powerful sorceress Medea, is new to the fashion scene but has already made its mark on the handbag industry and has been seen on the arms of celebrities and influencers alike. The twins have created leather shopping bags that come in a rainbow array of colors, and range anywhere from oversized to micro-sized. Medea bags are priced at a contemporary brand price point, which is good news for budget-conscious shoppers looking to get in on the trend.
I haven’t been able to get that little bag off my mind since I spotted it, and I’ve been considering purchasing one to test it out. I didn’t have the opportunity to touch the leather or assess the craftsmanship of the bag, but through the display window, the bag looked impeccably well made. There are several Medea styles available, but despite being different sizes or shapes, they always resemble a shopping bag, giving the brand a tongue-in-cheek cool factor. I really like that many of the styles come with a crossbody strap for dual functionality, a major bonus for me when shopping for a new bag.
What do you think of these Medea bags? Yay or nay? I’m interested to hear your thoughts! They’re snagging a yay from me.
Medea Shopping Tote Bag ($600)
Medea Prima Hanna Tote Bag ($517)
Medea Mini Tote Bag ($574)
No.
I have to give it a big “NO” as well. The article was fun to read and I was excited to see the bags, but when I scrolled down I was hugely disappointed. The bags look cheap and from my vantage point the quality looks poor.
Maybe these are bags that have to be seen in real life to be appreciated because my reaction to these pictures is just no as well.
I think that is the case! I was underwhelmed from online photos but was totally impressed in person!! It’s a gorgeous bag in real life, promise!
I went online to review their entire collection and they all look like shopping bags. To me that’s not very creative. However, if the bag is “gorgeous” as you suggest then perhaps they will create designs that are more relatable.
A fun project idea: get glossy spray paint, a shopping bag and a stencil kit to monogram it.
I found these bags mediocre at best the first time PB wrote about them, and I still do today.
Love the idea but wonder how long the paperbag trend will stay on for. Although I’ve just got myself the Balenciaga xxs tote which mimicks a paperbag of their same brand. Was obsessed with the image and decided to go for it! Still love it to bits!