Gracious Aires

[bellesum]

I own one Gracious Aires bag bought about a year ago from the Raffles City branch. I was walking past, saw a bag that I liked and on impulse bought it, knowing nothing about this brand. It was in watermelon red leather and cost about $300 plus. Later I went online and found some negative comments here and got really worried.

I have used it almost exclusively since I liked the many compartments and external pocket in the design. I found it more convenient for work as I can reach for my entry passes or car key very easily from the front flap pocket. The bag is divided into 2 big compartments with a centre zipped compartment for wallet and is very roomy without looking too big. It can be opened very wide for easy reach of things. It was so practical that I stopped using other branded bags that were less user friendly for work.

Maintenance wise, it was very easy. I didn't maintain it at all and even got it slightly wet when there is a slight drizzle. Amazingly, there were no water marks and perhaps it was the colour, it didn't show dirt compared to my dusty pink Miu Miu bag.

Of course, it is not the same workmanship and does not use the same grade of materials as the premium branded bags made in Europe. But so far so good. It has worked out well from a price versus utility analysis. It may be worth considering if the comparison is with mid range China made designer bags like Coach, Kate Spade etc. and if a particular design is suitable for a purpose. While I do enjoy European branded bags, I sometimes cannot find work friendly designs or do not want to spend much effort taking care of a bag. And I do find it annoying that the European premium brands charge so much and may not make the bags anymore in their traditional European factories. Like the Miu Miu bag I own, I read somewhere it is made in Turkey! Any other mid priced suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

[ixorie]

I have 5 bags from Gracious Aires, 3 spoilt within 6 months. The other 2 were aged ok saved for the seams because the bags are real leather. Paid close to a bottega venetta wallet each for two bags and more than $100 for 3 bags (even after discount).

The 3 spoilt ones were so because, I was told, I put heavy things in it. I was quite amazed because its the first time I know zips can be spoilt because my bags are heavy (which were not really the case). Before I paid for the bags, the staff were raving about their durability, quality etc (misrep?) and how good it looks on me. (ok maybe this is the real reason why i bought it! lol) My 3 $12 argyle center bags which were subjected to the same "treatment" and were equally stylish, lasted for 3 years?

They promised they will replace the zip, but they did not. I paid for replacing the zip, not repairing fyi. "Repaired" my bag 2-3 times in 6 months.

My friend's bag took 1 year to repair, only to realised (horror of horrors!) they have no idea where the bag went (supposedly it was flown across various continents for the zip repair) and finally returned to her with a zip repaired but with a big (palm-sized) hole in the inner lining. So annoying.

I was so embarrassed when my friend told me about her ordeal with them - she had to beg them to return her her bag for more than a year. I was raving about their bags to her initially then we went and promptly got 2 bags. And she recommended her friend. Friend also faced similar zip/quality issues after that.

I think if the bags are of "not-so-good" quality, then just admit it la, not push the blame to consumers and say they did not use the bag properly etc. If we had paid a premium for it, and/or you made us feel that we had to pay a premium for it, then you had better make sure you deliver the premium and not find excuses.

Well, that being said, bad business practices / poor customer service should not be supported. So GA is scratched off my list, for good. Rather buy a really good branded bag or its knock off than this. It is a complete waste of money and time. I can't help but to find dhgirl's testimony a bit suspicious.

Bellesum, even it is made in turkey, i would think its worth it, at least they are truthful and the label will say "Made in Turkey" and would have gone through the whole QC process. Don't think GA bags have a "Made in" label and with all the bullshit they gave us.. I'm relunctant to believe they actually come from Korea.