When it comes to materials used for handbags, I’m not super picky. My collection is comprised of handbags made of coated canvas, suede, goatskin, calfskin, and even deerskin. One material I don’t have in my collection at the moment? Patent leather. I have owned one patent leather handbag in the past, the Goldebleu Jordan satchel, seen here on Lauren Conrad some time around 2013. Mine was a gorgeous deep purple color and I adored it, but I ended up giving it to my sister-in-law when I did a mass closet clean out for one of my international moves.
I’ve been more intentional about the handbags I purchase lately, and I am trying to only buy bags that fill a void in my collection. For that reason, I have had my eyes peeled for a patent leather bag. I love the look of this ultra shiny leather, which is usually made from leather that has been treated with a polyurethane or a liquid acrylic. I personally love this material for its durability and waterproof nature, plus I think it’s absolutely gorgeous. Whether or not you are a fan of the patent leather aesthetic is up to you, but I’m a big fan myself.
I’ve rounded up my favorite patent leather bags available right now. Do you have a favorite? What do you think about patent leather?
Saint Laurent Mini Sac De Jour Patent Leather Satchel ($2,290)
Valentino Garavani Patent Bag ($2,445)
Saint Laurent Monogramme Quilted Patent WOC ($1,690)
Tory Burch Eleanor Small Patent Shoulder Bag ($658)
Burberry Lola Small Quilted Patent Shoulder Bag ($1,690)
Tod’s Micro D-Styling Tote Bag ($1,121)
Givenchy Mini Antigona Bag ($1,890)
Elleme Square Vague Bag ($291)
Chanel Patent Boy Bag ($3,600)
Jimmy Choo Emmie Patent Clutch ($750)
I love the look, but I’ve never purchased. I’m concerned that it can eventually deteriorate since if placed too close to another bag the patent will breakdown and become sticky. Does it require more care to prevent it from breaking down? Does it require climate control storage? Does anyone know about the longevity of patent leather? Thx!
I have a patent Fendi baguette and Chanel square mini flap. They are both low maintenance. I just make sure to keep them in their dustbag in a cool temp room.
I have the same concern. I have a patent leather Coach wallet that has started to look a little funny, like it has degraded and you can see the material underneath showing through. I didn’t use it much, but it’s probably 5 years old at least, so I think it’s just age that has done this. I think patent leather must need special care.
Patent leather feels very tricky to me, it’s very borderline on looking extremely sophisticated or extremely cheap. Normally I’m a big fan of the SDJ, but the patent version isn’t my favourite. That being said, the Antigona and the Vague bag are lovely!
I am not a big fan of smooth patent. Had a pair of off-white patent mules a while back and they started turning purplish along the seams over the course of a year or so in the closet. Weird. I do like the Vague bag in this listing. Also a big fan of vintage finishes that have a bit of patent shine but are crinkled or more broken-in looking.
I have the same experience. I had a metallic patent tory burch reva flats. I wasnt able to wear it for 3 months and it turned into black by just sitting in my closet. But i do have a chanel mademoiselle royal blue patent bag and its still in perfect condition 8 years already.
The two patent bag standouts IMO are both classic designs: the large Lady Dior in black patent and the LV Alma PM in Amarante. Both have proven they can stand the test of time and I would (most likely) be happy to carry them five or even 10 years down the road.
Zardosi Work embellished with Gemstones, looks stunning over Brown Leather Clutch
Black Patent Is One of My Favorite Own Colors.