Last year I shared a post on the bag brands to watch (I have another post I’ve been working on for this year which should come soon) and while I didn’t include Danse Lente, it too is a newer brand that has taken the handbag realm by storm. The Danse Lente Phoebe Bag has sold out many times and while it is now in stock at various retailers in a wide variety of colorways and sizes, it is still just as coveted.
And you know who loves this bag most right now? Me.
I am yearning for newness.
I’ve been carrying a smaller bag when I don’t need to lug my diaper bag out with me and though I have plenty of well-known designer bags, I’ve really been loving trying new designs (I have a purseonals coming soon!). The next bag I really want to try out is the Danse Lente Mini Phoebe Bag – a modern and unique design.
The standout design features of the bag include the oversized spiral hardware, the colorblocked color combinations, and the large circle sitting in the center of the front flap closure. From an aesthetic point of view, I think this bag is eye-catching. It’s clean yet artistic and still appears to be incredibly wearable for daily use. The crossbody strap makes for easy carrying and there are plenty of colorways to choose from.
[sc_ic_ad1]From a usability standpoint, I need to get this bag in my hands and see how it works on. While I love the spiral hardware that attaches the bag to the shoulder strap (they’re inspired by classical notebook bindings), I could see them sitting against my body awkwardly. The overall dimensions are 8″W x 5 ½”H x 4 ½”D and the interior is separated into two compartments (which I love).
If we were basing this mini review solely on appearance, I’m sold. And I am still fairly set on one of these bags as the price falls under $500 which at this time in the handbag world is very reasonable. I’m hoping to get a sample to review in person so I can return with a more in depth look at this bag. For now, what can I say other than the heart wants what it wants.
Buy via Nordstrom for $430.
I have to agree with you Megs, the bag is aesthetically pleasing. One thing that I am wondering is, will the rings cause the flap to fall forward every time someone attempts to open it? I hope you do get a sample so that we can see a more in depth review. Can’t wait for the purseonals!
I have the bag – it doesn’t! It stays quite balanced. The flaps just open upward on either side, and particularly the compartment on the front fits a lot. The rings haven’t warped at all in the 8+ months I’ve had the bag.
Ya, I have a lot of questions about the rings and how that will impact usability and functionality of the bag. From a visual perspective, it’s really cool and makes the bag stand out, but I’m not sure how that will translate into use.
I agree completely.
Too 1980s looking to me.
Yes! I have my eyes on this bag too. I hope you get back with a more in-depth feedback soon. I’m also interested if the quality is reasonable.
I bought the Phoebe Bis on a whim – it the first season it was released. I’m happy to report that I’ve been REALLY impressed with the quality so far – the leather still looks brand new with barely any creasing (I got the pebbled calf), the frame hasn’t warped, the colours are intact. It fits a lot, and the two compartments are really practical/secure especially for someone like me who takes the subway in NYC a whole bunch. I would say the quality is on par with a lot of the higher-end bag brands that I own (like the pebbled leather of Prada, Hermes), and beyond that of brands like Saint Laurent and Gucci. Couldn’t recommend this nifty little purse enough.
I like the bag, but was curious about the width. Is it too wide to wear as a crossbody? I like bags that are closer to my body and wide bags tend to stick out and look ridiculous on me.
Thank you so much for your feedback.
This might be a subjective preference but I have no issues with it sticking out too much! I would suggest going to a store and trying it on for yourself because the frame is quite stiff. It’s definitely not as close to the body as say, my Hermes Constance, but it’s not as broad as say, my Celine Trapezes or Benedetta Bruzziches which I also wore cross-body.
Yes! Will circle back!
It’s interesting but there is a little bit too much going on in this bag for my taste.
This looks like one of those bags that are cool to look at but not very functional.
Ya, I really want to see it in person to give it a better review! I’m reaching out to the brand to see!
Wow, I normally think hardware is gaudy or plain tacky but I LOVE these spiraled-ring hardware!!
Ok, when I first looked at this post there photos included pictures of jewelry, a necklace I think. What happened?
I didn’t put that in, not sure what showed up for you… weird!
This particular bag isn’t my favorite, but I love Danse Lente. Good quality and stylish, especially for its price point.
I feel the same as Master Green. Also, to me it’s a very pretty bag, but “difficult.” I prefer “easy” bags. With the spiral hardware, the flap front, the stiffness of the shape and the divided pockets, I think this bag would be difficult to manage. But it does make me want to look at other bags from this brand.
They are cute
I really like the colorway of the black and nude. So stunning!
I have this bag in black and I absolutely love it. The red lining is such a great touch. The leather is beautiful… the spiral rings are visually appealing. It is a all around beautiful
sophisticated, and elegant bag… one I’ve been eyeing for a very long time.
I ordered 3 styles to compare them. The new Biz model I got directly from the Danse Lente website, a Phoebe and a Mini Phoebe from Moda Operandi.
The Biz bag is slightly bigger than Mini Phoebe, but not by much. I tried putting my iPad and my notebook in, but they would not fit into any of these bags. So, I chose Mini Phoebe because it’s slightly smaller than the Biz, fits almost just as much, and not as bulky. Also, I got it in grained leather and the bag quality is just gorgeous. Subjectively speaking, it’s better than my Gucci for a fraction of the cost.
I am tall (5’7″) and slim, so anything bigger than the the Mini looks ridiculously large on me and sits awkwardly against my frame.
Also, I recommend ordering from a website that provides free returns, unless you really have your mind made up. The Danse Lente return window is 14 days and they don’t give free shipping back. Given that they are located in the UK, shipping costs can be considerable.
I have Mini Johny bag but for some reason I want to buy this one too but the same concern over the strap holders if they broke when it is too heavy.
http://alleygirl.com/danse-lente-mini-johnny-bucket-bag-review/