Brahmin handbags review

The story of Brahmin handbags seems just as fascinating as the handbags themselves. A family-owned operation with headquarters in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, the company was started as Brahmin Leather Works in 1982 by husband-wife team Bill and Joan Martin. The two took the name from the early 19th century description used for those who were considered cultured and came from upper class families. According to the story on the company website, the Martins wanted a handbag that aspired to the same status.

Knowing this bit of history about the company makes it easy to understand the motivation behind the design styles of the Brahmin handbag. The look is classic, simple and elegant and made from the finest leathers available. The company also employs the best craftspeople across the country to ensure the kind of quality they guarantee.

Because the full line uses basic handbag shapes as its foundation, the Brahmin handbag has an appeal that will never likely go out of style. This is one of the plainest and smartest building blocks for design imaginable. No matter what century evolves, certain purse shapes will always be in demand. Designers and craftspeople can focus more of their attention on the quality of materials, stitching and durability rather than always having to come up with some dazzling new shape for buyers.

Brahmin leather handbags are organized by type. The entire stock is a mélange of totes, shoulder bags, satchels, hobo bags, drawstrings, zip tops, cross body and flap purses. A woman who cannot find something in one of those choices to suit her tastes probably does not enjoy carrying a purse. The types can be color customized in gray, gold, black, white, green, blue, red, pink, plum, purple or peach. There really is a color and shape to fit just about any preference.

Another smart marketing tactic used by Brahmin company owners is giving the purses the names of women. Within the shoulder bag type, for example, there is a distinctive shape of purse called the Olivia. This purse, which has been featured in both Lucky and Vogue magazines, is an 8.5 x 9.5 frame bag with a magnetic flap and a chain strap. It includes an interior zip organizer pocket and a key clip and is made of suede.

Giving purses names in this way provides a very savvy marketing tool for the company. Women who bear the same names as the purses, of course, will be immediately attracted to it. Purses that have the same names as celebrities will sell based on the name connection to someone famous. Gift givers are able to outfit an Olivia, Rosalyn, Jackie, or Danielle with an array of purses and accessories.

As if naming were not enough, Brahmin handbags are also organized by collection. All purses in the Melbourne collection have a snakeskin texture. The City Tote collection is the elongated tote that is ideal for carrying many items. Jackie Totes all keep the same bucket purse appeal, but come in different colors and leather types.

Some of this smart marketing carries over to the accessory line. Brahmin offers checkbook wallets, coin purses, key rings, cosmetic cases, lipstick holders,leather protector cream, handbags and wallets.

Prices for Brahmin handbags are nothing to sneeze at. Purses range from about $225 to $295 - not an outrageous price tag for the quality, but one that may be out of reach for budget conscious buyers who are pressed in a down economy. Accessories range from about $75 to $195. Discounted Brahmin bags can be found online for about $199. Dillards and Nordstrom carry the brand. Nordstrom even have a Cush-Croc quilted tote that retails for $395 - about $100 more than most of the purses found on the company site. Readying your wallet for a Brahmin handbag will take careful, diligent stashing (or a small sacrifice), no matter how much income you have.