Without the braided detail on the front, the Monserat de Lucca Trenza Hobo would just be another neutral, simple shoulder bag. Sure, it would be made of real leather and the color would still be nice, but I doubt most people would think to look at it twice. Something as simple as a braid changes everything.
It’s still neutral and simple, of course, but the bag has something to make it special and set it apart from all the other neutral, simple bags that are vying for your attention. What’s even better is the detail where the braid and handle attachment meet – they don’t just end up next to each other, but they actually loop together, which makes the braid detail a part of the bag’s structure. Now that is how you successfully decorate a boring bag.
Also, a note on texture: there was a much better photo of this bag on Bluefly’s front page where the leather looked gorgeous. It looks a little weird here, but that’s likely a result of the site photographing a bag that was fresh out of its packaging. In person, I’m betting it’s very luxurious. Buy through Bluefly for $297.
It’s true, the braid makes the bag. Just the touch that it needed.