There are two Reed Krakoff bags that have stood out since the brand launched several years ago: the Boxer Tote and the Atlantique. Both have done well for the brand, combining the best of the tailored aesthetic that Reed brought to Coach during his time there with the high-brow finish needed to stand apart.
Since those debuts, there hasn’t been a new bag from Krakoff that has gotten people talking very much–until now. The new Reed Krakoff RK40 is simple and pretty. For those that loved the Boxer but didn’t want the additional design elements, the RK40 is for you.
I’m thinking some people will say there are elements of the Hermès Birkin in this bag, but for me, that isn’t the case. Reed Krakoff gave his signature touches to this design: a clean aesthetic with an easy shape, combined with a bit of a modern finish in the leather bridge-and-snap closure. There is a back slide pocket on the outside of the bag, which comes in handy for a cell phone, and the handles have plenty of space in the medium and larger sizes to have the bag fit nicely in the crook or your arm, or even over your shoulder.
The RK40 is a big push for the brand, which is why there are already a wide variety of sizes, including a tiny version with a shoulder strap, a solid everyday tote and a more East-West shaped version as well. The leather is sturdy and soft all at once, which fits well with Reed’s design. There are also plenty of color and texture options, virtually guaranteeing a combination that you’d like.
Me? I have a soft spot for bright blue bags, and the cobalt alligator version of the RK40 is stunning. It also costs $25,000. The smallest size starts at $1,290, and prices for the leather options go up to $2,690. More options, including alligator and snakeskin, are available as well. Shop the entire lineup via Reed Krakoff.
Wow, how incredibly unimaginative. There have been plenty of very similar bags around for years, I really don’t see anything exiting in this particular design.
Wow, how incredibly unimaginative. There have been plenty of very similar bags around for years, I really don’t see anything exiting in this particular design.
Well said!
I think this is a beautiful bag I was tempted by the boxer but never would have bought it, I like how simple this is
I don’t think the Boxer and Atlantique were the only great bags by RK – the Gym bag was awesome – I had two: one perforated and one bicolor and I LOVED those bags. Emily Weiss on her ITG blog said it was kind of a magic bag that looked good stuffed or empty – and she was so right. Just saw this new RK bag last month in the store – surprisingly lighter than I thought it would be! It looks great!
I forgot about the Gym bag to be honest, and love that bag!
Something about this bag looks off to me. I can’t quite put my finger on it. When I saw the first picture, the first thing that came to mind was that this looked like a big mess. I may just need to see them in person. I am not one who was drawn to the brand as I always thought that the bags looked too much like Coach only at 10 times the price. It’s nice to see Reed finally getting away from that aesthetic.
The shape is nice, but the belt puts me off. It literally looks like a belt with that buckle.
Looks like the “new” Hermes bag
I honestly wasn’t too impressed with them from the pictures, but was struck when I saw them in person. It’s more slouchy than Hermes, but still has good structure to it, wears well, and feels like it will wear even better with time. The hardware and interior are wonderful as well. Most have a blue suede lining.