I’ve said before that this year, one of my goals is to feature more designers that aren’t as mainstream. Some of them will be brand new, some have been around for a little while but are currently gaining traction, and some are popular internationally but are just making their way to the US market. I think it’s so important to show a diverse look at the handbag world while still giving you all the classics, and we are always working on that balance. Today is about a brand that I found months ago and included in my bag brands to watch in 2018.
Enter Polène, a Parisian brand with one sister and two brothers at the helm, creating really beautiful bags at really reasonable prices. I first found this brand on Instagram and fell in love with its Numéro Un Bag. The design was different, the leather looked nice, and it intrigued me. I wasn’t alone. So many of you wanted to learn more about the brand, and I meant to share sooner, but I’ve been behind because of baby boy!
The Numéro Un Bag
The trio behind Polène is passionate about craftsmanship and fine products, which for them is a family legacy passed from their great-grandparents. The Polène bag that I love the most is the Numéro Un Bag, and the brand sent me one to check out for myself.
Guys, it’s REALLY good.
The packaging from Polène is beautiful, and I know some people don’t care about that as much, but I do. I want to have an experience with my handbags, and from opening the pearlescent box to tearing back the brand’s tissue paper, it was really enjoyable to get to my new bag. The leather—it smells SO good. A brand new leather bag should smell good, and I know I sound odd, but sometimes I forget how much I love smelling the leather of my bags. I find that different brands’ leathers have distinct smells—maybe it’s my more-sensitive sense of smell from pregnancy talking, but I swear I could tell the difference between a Chanel leather and Hermès leather right now.
And the bag itself did not disappoint. Sometimes a bag photographs better than it is in person, but this bag looks clean and cool in both pictures and real life. The Polène Numéro Un is feminine and boasts beautiful curves. Perfect for day use, this bag is just the right size to fit your everyday necessities (though it wouldn’t fit a laptop, it would fit an iPad).
Undeniably feminine for its sensual curves, “Number One” is Polène’s signature handbag. Designed as a day bag, I love its elegant yet easy-going style. The version I have offers a three-tone camel combination, all in full-grained calf leather. The top flap is a light, smooth leather, while the body of the bag is a rich caramel color in pebbled leather. The clasp that opens to the interior is a lighter nude color and has a magnetic closure underneath.
Getting into the bag itself is easy, and I actually love the cotton twill lining because it makes the bag lighter overall, and its light color makes it easy to find your items inside. My one complaint for this bag would be that to get a really good look at the interior, you need to unsnap the sides of the bag for the interior compartment to open up better. It’s not really a problem if you don’t carry tons of stuff with you, but if you have things floating around the bottom of the bag, you might need more access to see. There are side snaps on the left and right of the bag, along with two on the front, which allows the bag to open up a bit more. The best part is that it doesn’t make the bag look undone if you choose to carry it that way. The interior has a zippered pocket, as well as two flat pockets.
Each bag is handmade in Spain, and each piece is exceptionally crafted with unique lines and fine materials with a Parisian spirit. There are a ton of color options for the Numéro Un (my fav bag if you can’t tell), as well as tri-material and tri-color designs. Price is $400, and it’s a far better $400 spent than the majority of the other contemporary bags I see and review.
In fact, this bag easily looks and feels like it should be at least $1,500. I’m planning to wear the bag even more to add this to our Purseonals review, but let’s be honest: I love the bag so much that I already went a bit deeper here than I intended.
The Numéro Deux Bag
I was also sent a Numéro Deux but this bag is sold out in all styles on their site right now. I’ll check when they will restock and cover it more then!
I have a numero un in yellow and i’m obsessed with it. I’ve never gotten more compliments on a bag. No joke.
I was looking at the yellow. It’s good to hear your endorsement!
Would you say the shade of yellow it comes in would be good for fall?
Absolutely. It’s almost amber but has more of an orange base to it. Like yellow fall leaves. I’m definitely going to be wearing it year round.
The yellow looks stunning! So glad you love it too!
I am so happy to hear this about the yellow. I was gravitating towards the Kelly green, then remembered that I have several bags in that green, ditto the deeper blue (I am predictable). I have TWO orange bags, who’dathunkit? What I don’t have is a yellow bag – and I am convinced that I would carry the snot out of a yellow bag. This one is lovely!
Great feature! Thank you for sharing this brand. I have never heard of them, and the Deux bag looks gorgeous!
Looks beautiful. However I once had a handbag with a magnetic close and vowed Never Again. It took two hands to pull it apart to open and this mars the leather over time. Yet you said this one is easy to open. Perhaps the magnetic is not as strong as mine was. Love to hear about brands like this.
Yes it is very easy to open and close with one hand.
is this bag convertible to be a backpack? or is it just shoulder bag? hard to tell from photo…
It only functions as a shoulder bag!
I am sooo thrilled to see this bag featured today.
It is the next bag I want to purchase and this only makes me want it sooner. My only dilemma is which color to buy because there are a lot of options. It is such a feminine and beautiful silhouette that I want to showcase it in a gorgeous shade.
Agreed!! I’ve been eyeballing this bag since I saw it featured in one of Meg’s posts almost a year ago. I plan to get one early next year (when I get my bonus from work) in the pink color and I can’t wait!!! Any color you choose will be great, they are all beautiful!
I’m leaning towards pink too! So subtle and feminine. I think that color will look lovely with the pleats and overall shape of this bag.
Enjoy
What colors are you narrowed down to?!
After my going on and in about pink, I decided on Trio “Beige” and just ordered it. I watched a YouTube video of a Polène fan, unboxing her second Numéro Un in this “beige” and it swayed me. Can’t wait for it to arrive!
Congratulations on your choice!!! So pretty!! I’ve debated that color combo as well. I hope you’ll share pictures on the forum if you’re a member!!
Thank you,
Yes, I will share some photos. Pictures and videos always help me when I’m trying to decide on a style or color of bag.
I keep gravitating toward that beautiful pink. I’ve visited the site several times and viewed all the colors featured on the models. I think with the silhouette and pleats in the bag, the pink is gorgeous and girly. 🙂
Looking good. I wish the bags didn’t have the brand stamped on the front. They don’t need such obvious branding.
To be fair, you really couldn’t see it unless you are very close from the bag. I have the exact bag Megs has and although I do not like logos nor branding, it never bothered. They are very small delicate letters.
So many brands do this exact style of branding… it’s not particularly discreet (IMO) and it’s also totally unoriginal.
There are only so many way you can type out a name on a bag…
not many fonts look professional and classy enough to print on a bag
Ya, I see what you’re saying, but it is so small and subtle – you wouldn’t even really know it’s there!
Perfect !!!!!!!!!!!!
If I order one from the US, what will it cost me in duty/additional fees? Thx!
You only pay duties for purchases totaling over $800, so no. And I heard the shipping is $20, so getting the numero Un will cost you a total of $420!
I love the price!!!!!!
Thank you!!!
Wondering the same thing!
It’s really a beautiful bag- I really enjoy the contemporary designer posts. The designs are refreshing break from seeing Birkins day in and day out.
We are always working on sharing more designers!
I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ve certianly noticed and it’s much appreciated! Thanks!
So glad to hear!
These are great bags at a perfect price. I love the the Numero Deux and will be purchasing the green and the black moc croc (shown in the photo above) as soon as they are back in stock. My husband and I are giving ourselves the month of December in Paris as a Christmas present and high on my “must see” list is a visit to the Polene store!
The black moc croc is really beautiful – you will love it!
FYI, Polene wrote me today to say the Numero Deux will be back in stock in about a month.
Good to know!! I’ll review it closer to that date then for everyone!
Just an update: The Numero Deux bag is still out of stock in all colors. They told me they don’t know when they’ll have it back in. I did order a Numero Six in the Terre de Sienne color and will be picking it up in a few weeks in Paris…fingers crossed the Numero Deux will be back in stock!!
The dimples put me off
I have this exact bag/color combo and I love it. I have used it more than all my more expensive bags. I also receive lots of compliments when I carry. It’s such a perfect size!
So glad to hear that! It is seriously a stunning bag and more importantly, the cost is really really really reasonable. I can’t get over price for what you get 🙂
Anyone bought the Number 4? Can’t find reviews anywhere, wondering about quality & weight…
I didn’t see the number 4 in person, I can ask to be sent one to review!
Really?! Oh wow that’d be fabulous! xx
Does the leather scratch? I cannot tell if it is pebbled or sugared. Also, have you noticed any denim transfer or anything like that.
It looks so beautiful pristine like that! How does the leather look and hold up over time?
I purchased a full grain black one and full grain red one. LOVE the red one, the color is gorgeous and the leather has some sheen to it. but the black one is really dull, i’ve tried cleaning with Coach leather cleaner, and then leather conditioner….for some reason it just isn’t as pretty as the red one. i probably should have bought the grey one, it looks really pretty in the pictures
I looked on their website and fell in love with the leathers. They look like they feel and smell amazing. The Numéro Deux looks like a nicer, bigger version of the Céline trio. Very well priced. I hope they turn out to be very successful.
I really like these bags.
I am loving the Numéro Deux bag. I’ll be in Paris in two weeks so I may stop by their store, hopefully they have it back in stock then.
Thank you SO much for this introduction, Megs! I read this and immediately jumped over to the Polène website and ordered the Numéro Un in red! What an AMAZING deal and to get shipping for just $25!! WHAT?!? I’m am excited to get this gorgeous bag in my hands!! ?
I have two of these bags in navy blue and olive green. They are so beautifully made and the price point is so incredible for the quality. Also, are very lightweight and can be carried both on the shoulder or crossbody very comfortably.
The numero three reminds me the LV Sofia Coppola bags
same – but literally at a fraction….
Is there a way to remove/hide the strap on the Un bag? I would never use the long strap.
yes, it can be removed
Can’t wait to see more pics and details of the Numero Deux!
What color is shown in the Numero Uno? The Tri-Camel is out of stock and also looks lighter than the one shown here. Is it just the lighting on the website? Is this the Tri-Camel?
Yes – Tri Camel. The lighting Vlad shot with was a little harsh which makes it appear a bit darker. The image on site I would say is a little lighter than it is in person and ours is a little darker – so it’s right in the middle!
I just ordered the Numero Un in sand trio. Can’t wait for it to get here! So glad you guys finally reviewed it. I think I’m going to order another in red, since the price is so good.
Price is so good right? And I love how the bag looks – it’s different from anything else out there and I really appreciate that!
These bags look beautiful! Megs (or anyone else who has one), is the leather soft, or is it a stiffer feel? TIA!
Super soft!!! The top flap is more structured but the rest of the leather is soft – it’s really nice to touch
Um, there’s just one problem – how am I supposed to decide on a color?! The tri-green, the tri-rust, the tri-burgundy, the black croc and the currently sold out tri-camel…???
HAHA, I know – the colors are all so good!!! I don’t even usually like camel bags and this tri-camel is REALLY good
Oh boy – well that pretty much does it, I think I have to get one!
I have already amassed a collection of Polene bags – two Numero Un, one Numero Un Mini, one Numero Six (their cool bracelet style bag) plus two SLGs – I am literally obsessed with their brand. They will release wallets now – their style is timeless but with a quirk, so I am all up for that. and their prices are out of this world – while they could charge more, I really hope they don’t. I still want to add another rose and light grey bag. personally the poppers are a real selling point for me 🙂
how is the Numero Un mini? do you prefer the Numero Un? i’m looking into the Numero Un mini in Terre de Siene, but curious about the shape and functionality.
I love the Numero Un – it is so amazing. the mini is cute but not my favourite choice – it won’t be a go to like the Numero Un but because it is quite affordable I don’t mind having it. You can fit quite a bit in it and I like the shape but it is too small in some cases and too big in others – probably just me though…
I love this bag since i saw it in some blog post. Getting myself d mustard yellow. Another brand to watch out for is The Bridge. I just got back from Milan and i got one. Beautiful sturdy italian leather! At great price too.
Let me look into The Bridge!
hi Megs Im still waiting for your review on the Bridge . Thanks!
I cannot decide between the Trio Khaki or the Trio Green. HELP!! Which one should I get?
Ah both are good!! So I haven’t seen either of those colors in person, but I do think both are really wearable. So I am about zero help right now 🙂
I just purchased the Khaki trio!
Decisions, decisions!
After reading your article, I ordered the bag. It came today, and it is everything you said. I’m already obsessed. I immediately moved my necessities from my goyard to this. Now I’m going to shop for additional outfits to wear to match the bag! Leather is amazing. It’s very light. The strap feels good on my shoulder. And I’m excited that the strap is detachable. It holds plenty, but it’s not overwhelming big (unlike my medium Givenchy Antigone. I love it, but it’s huge and heavy). This bag is delicate in a wonderful way. There are a great assortment of pockets. I literally haven’t carried a bag that cost less than $2000 in probably 10 years, and I’m already thinking about which Polene bag I’ll order next! Thank you for the amazing recommendation!!
We’re in Paris for the holidays and visited the Polene store (in its new location) yesterday. The bags are even better in person! I left with a Numero Six in Terre de Sienne and a Numero Un in Trio Vert. Love them!! Will be doing a full reveal with store and bag photos soon on TPF.
Anyone purchase from the US with a credit card? What’s the trick, it doesn’t seem to take my Amex?
Thanks for this amazing post! My only question is does the tri camel colours look the same in person as they do in your photos?
Thanks for this amazing post! My only question is does the tri camel colours look the same in person as they do in your photos?
I ordered this bag in the Trio Bordeaux. The dye from the leather rubbed onto my white blazer and completely ruined it. I contacted Polene about the issue with pictures of the blazer. I was extremely disappointed in their customer care. The bag was clearly defected. Their dying and tanning process is not comparable to a luxury brand (just to keep mind when considering this brand).