Review: The Le Tanneur Emie Bag

Much to Vlad’s annoyance, it’s been a while since I published a bag review. He has often reminded me how integral bag reviews are, so I am coming back with an in-depth bag review for you!

This time, I opted for a brand that we don’t discuss as much, and that could be a good thing. In a sea of recurring designs, it’s nice to be a lesser-known but equally worth option, which is what this Le Tanneur bag is.

I first introduced Le Tanneur to you a few weeks back and have since become more drawn to the brand and its wares. The team at Le Tanneur generously sent me a bag to try out, and after using it for a bit, I wanted to share it with you.

I’ve talked to a few friends who live in France, and they told me that the brand is one you will see carried in the wild, which was exciting to hear. Americans are pretty obsessed with French style, and if this brand has the French nod of approval, it means we will all become fans soon, too.

I find myself searching high and low for a design like this. An East/West design that isn’t too deep has a center zip partition and plenty of interior pockets for separation. The Le Tanneur Emie checks off all these boxes, with an exterior back open pocket to boot.

Of course, I was also drawn to the leather and suede combo. The front and back panels of the bag feature full-grain calfskin leather. The sides have Nubuck (suede) in a tonal color to give extra dimensionality.

Le Tanneur utilizes T hardware that ties back to the brand without being a distraction. I really like how the hardware brings the front straps together. It’s interesting, unique, and stands apart.

This bag soars in this category. While I fall in love with plenty of bags based on aesthetics alone, like people, it’s what’s inside that matters.

When I choose a bag for a more substantial rotation, functionality and usability must be top priorities.

As I mentioned earlier, this bag’s pockets and separation are absolutely outstanding. Starting on the exterior, there is a back open pocket that spreads the length of the bag and is deep enough to slide your phone in. I like for my phone to be handy to access, so this is how I foresee using this pocket most.

If you are unsure of the stability of a pocket that only extends half the width of the bag, the front of the bag offers a pretty handy and somewhat hidden (or more of once you see it, you know it’s there, but it’s not overly in-your-face) slip pocket as well. This one is as tall and deep as the longest panel of the bag and is lined with Nubuck. It’s ideal for items you want to find quickly and also want to have their own area.

Moving to the interior, you will find a center zip compartment that separates the bag into two distinct areas. The front and back compartments have open slip pockets. Clearly, organization was top of mind when designing this bag, and I am so thankful.

There is an adjustable and removable shoulder strap that attaches to hooks alongside the interior of the bag. While all the pockets I mentioned exist, the top of the bag can not be fully zipped shut.

One of the first things I noted when I received this bag was how divine the leather smelled upon opening the package. Bags can have that new car smell, and this bag was no different.

It lured me in immediately, and I really love how supple and malleable the leather is. The Nubuck is just as luscious.

The only material area I wish was different is the main compartment lining. The bag uses Jacquard anniversary lining from the brand, and while it is totally fine and keeps the weight down, I would have loved something a bit more luscious to finish it off.

Granted, this bag is not in the premiere designer category, but for the price, you are getting great materials and design.

The bottom has four metal feet to protect the bag from wear and a sturdy bottom panel to hold its shape. I’ve been really impressed with the bag’s design and how it’s been holding up so far.

As I shared, this bag was a gift.

However, it is priced at $640, which is incredibly reasonable in the current handbag market. At its price, it also doesn’t lack size, functionality, material, or style.

I would gladly suggest this bag to someone looking for a luxe bag under $700.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find other similar options.

While the Le Tanneur brand is not new, it’s been around since 1898 and is still not a household name in the bag world. However, the bag’s overall design is basic yet interesting and relatively timeless as far as bag shapes go.

There are three colorways, black, blue clay, and brown tan. Price is $640 via LeTanneur.com.

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Le Tanneur Emie

$640 via Le Tanneur