2025: A Year in Leather Dissection

Tied between two Parisian brands, Le Tanneur’s small crossbody bag and Fleuron’s mini Swan bag each struck a balance across my five evaluation pillars: leather quality, construction, design, versatility, and value. Priced between €400 and €500, both bags deliver premium leather selection, smart construction, and practical elegance. They demonstrate that thoughtful design and quality can be accessible without compromising luxury.

The standout of 2025 was undoubtedly the Ferragamo Hug Bag. This is the first bag in my entire testing history to score perfect fives across all five pillars. Every detail, from the leather to the hardware, construction, and design, reflects true luxury. For me, this bag defines what heritage and craftsmanship should mean in 2025.

Luxury leather goods don’t exist in a vacuum. This year, I had the privilege of meeting some of the brilliant minds behind the products I dissected:

Songmont (China): Finally, Chinese craftsmanship leading rather than copying. Their Luna bag proved that innovation and technical skill can come from anywhere.

Strathberry (Scotland): Multiple impressive dissections led to meeting the founders in Edinburgh, revealing genuine passion and vision in contemporary leather fashion.

Manu Atelier (Turkey): My home country delivered a pleasant surprise. Manu Atelier’s vision and storytelling are compelling, and their journey deserves its own deep dive next year.

Ferragamo (Italy): Unlike many heritage houses, Ferragamo demonstrated the authenticity behind the legacy they claim, showing their craftsmanship first-hand.

Stow London (UK): After winning the best value award last year, Stow continues to embody the philosophy of what we call “sincere luxury”—products made with integrity, quality, and honest pricing.

In 2026, our journey goes deeper. I plan to explore the psychology of modern luxury, fashion, and lifestyle beyond leather. The goal is to help you discern real quality from expensive illusions, empowering conscious carriers in every decision they make.

So, my friends, thank you for your incredible support this year. Please share—which bag shocked you the most in 2025? Until next time, stay leathertained!