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What luxury means today by Tanner Leatherstein

Ranking Luxury Handbag Brands: What “Luxury” Really Means Today

This article reexamines what luxury truly means today by ranking major handbag brands beyond hype and marketing. Using four pillars—shopping experience, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and signal...
brand score by tanner leaterstein

Brand Scores

SUMMARY OF BRAND SCORES Brands Product Name Product Category Score Salvatore Ferragamo Hug Bag Bag 5 Louis Vuitton Pico GO-14 Bag 4.9 Peter Nitz Mini...
“Tanner Leatherstein discussing a Louis Vuitton investigation, with LV bags and boxes in the background and text reading ‘Louis Vuitton Journey.’”

Louis Vuitton: A $15,000 Autopsy on Status, Craftsmanship, and Desire

After dissecting eight Louis Vuitton products worth $15,000, this investigation exposes how the brand balances status signaling with real craftsmanship. From coated canvas icons to...
Tanner Leatherstein thumbnail discussing the illusion of luxury, with designer bag and investigation board behind him.

The Illusion of Luxury: How I Spent $1 Million to Expose the Truth

Discover the hidden truth behind designer bags and luxury brands. This investigation reveals what you really pay for—and how to identify authentic craftsmanship. ...
Tanner Leatherstein thinking with crocodile and cow leather textures behind him. Text reads ‘A New Leather Investigation — Crocodile Leather vs Cow Leather.

Crocodile Leather: Price, Ethics, and Alternatives

A deep dive into the world of exotic skins, this piece explores why crocodile leather is so expensive, how its supply chain operates, and the...
Tanner Leatherstein explains the 5-pillar system for judging leather quality, with a star chart and handwritten notes in the background.

How to Tell the Quality of a Leather Product: A Deep Dive into the Leatherverse

A quick guide to evaluating leather goods using the five Leatherverse pillars—leather, hardware, craftsmanship, structure, and design—to understand true quality and fair value. ...
Tanner Leatherstein Tanner Leatherstein Discover how luxury bag hardware—like zippers, buckles, and clasps—can drive prices to $10,000. The details might surprise you.

How One Miserable Dinner Pushed Me Toward My True Calling

How a miserable corporate dinner pushed me to leave a $100K job, return to my roots in leather, and build Pegai from one meaningful order....
Tanner Leatherstein holding the pleated red Thaden bag with text “Rip My Bag Challenge: featuring the Thaden’s The Whole Red.” A bold

Why Black Friday Isn’t the Deal You Think It Is

Uncover the real story behind Black Friday, how overproduction created endless discount cycles, and why many “deals” are actually inflated prices in disguise. It explains...
Tanner Leatherstein analyzing a $79 knockoff Birkin bag, showcasing its design and craftsmanship, and discussing its role in Hermès' luxury brand strategy.

Birkin on a Budget: How a $79 Knockoff Played Into Hermès’ Luxury Strategy

Explore how a $79 Walmart Birkin knockoff highlights Hermès’ genius in luxury marketing, tapping into psychology, exclusivity, and desire for status. ...
Tanner Leatherstein shares his journey to 100K sales with personalized rugged leather goods on Etsy, highlighting craftsmanship, branding, and success.

The Leather Leap: How Leather Became My Calling

From quitting a six-figure job to 100K sales, Tanner Leatherstein shares his leap into leathercraft, PEGAI's evolution, and the truth behind luxury leather. ...
Collage showcasing leather bag reviews with a central focus on Tanner Leatherstein discussing the 'Best and Worst Bags 2024.' Highlights craftsmanship and material insights.

Leather & Lies: The Best and Worst Bags of 2024

Discover the best and worst leather bags of 2024! From hidden gems like Stow London to letdowns like Prada Mini Cleo, see which bags made...
Image showing an in-depth review of a Prada Cleo bag, featuring a thoughtful dissection of materials and craftsmanship. Highlights the realities of luxury fashion ideals.

Promises, Pitfalls, and Prada: How a $3,000 Prada Bag Shattered My Luxury Ideals?

Discover the surprising flaws in a $3,000 Prada handbag. A deep dive into craftsmanship, authenticity, and the true value of luxury fashion. ...
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