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Original poster

Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Bag

41 replies

GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 16:10

This bag pretty much ticks all the boxes of the bag I want. Tote, ethical, leather, not too heavy, will wear beautifully, decent price point, interesting, no showy label (but if you know, you’ll know kinda thing), lovely design etc.

Just wonder if anyone has experience of them and how they fare when it comes to quality? Stitching good? Doesn’t unravel etc? Will be buying online so caveat emptor and all that…Dragon Diffusion Nantucket

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betsyannegrey · 29/10/2023 17:23

I have a Dagon Diffusion bag that's years old and is still in great shape. It's more of a basket style than your but I use it a lot.

There are lots of similar bags on Etsy, search for woven leather bag, they are considerably less expensive, but they come from India and you will have to pay duty.

Original poster
GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 17:49

Thanks @betsyannegrey. Appreciate the review! I’m going to buy directly from the company - they have a repair policy.

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botemp · 29/10/2023 18:20

I'd warn that the densely woven ones like the one you've linked are quite heavy without anything in it, I'd personally only ever get the more open weave styles from this brand. They're also more summer/holiday bags, both in style and functionality. Considering the weight plus contents, the woven style strap can also be uncomfortable on the shoulder if there's not much material between it to cushion it.

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GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 18:34

@botemp that’s really helpful, thank you. Dammit! I want it as a chuck around and it sounds like this is not that.

What I’m really after is a LV Neverfull that
a) isn’t covered in logos and
b) isn’t over a grand for a canvas bag!

Cannot be Michael Kors, Longchamp (the nylon one), Radley or any similar.

Urgh. WHY SO HARD TO FIND!

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bunnybunnybunnybunny · 29/10/2023 18:42

Have a Nantucket in white and it's about a decade old now and still in great condition. Contrary to what a PP has said, have put lots in it and it has not lost its shape.

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GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 18:43

Basically, want ‘quiet’, mid-range luxury. The kind of brand that of you know, you know but not one that shouts its maker. Budget up to £500. Tan in colour. Can fit a MacBook, gym kit and a mini make up bag.

The actual Holy Grail it seems.

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bunnybunnybunnybunny · 29/10/2023 18:44

It's not a heavy bag when empty either. Surprisingly light, lighter than Bottega Veneta intrecciato and Anya Hindmarch's Neeson tote.

Have worn it on my shoulder without issue too.

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GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 18:45

Oooh, cross post @bunnybunnybunnybunny !

Back to feeling more hopeful and less stampy of foot.

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bunnybunnybunnybunny · 29/10/2023 18:45

A Mansur Gavriel tote might fit your brief. It's something I considered for similar reasons but am waiting to see what Phoebe Philo has to offer when her new brand launches any day now.

bunnybunnybunnybunny · 29/10/2023 18:47

@GonnaNeedABiggerBag It is always worth trying a bag for yourself to see if it works for you - we are all individuals and while opinions and reviews from randoms online might be helpful, they're also not helpful,and could see you discount a bag that is actually perfect for you.

botemp · 29/10/2023 19:01

Yes, sorry, I probably should have mentioned I do tend to find a lot of bags heavier than I'd like and tend to be extra picky with shoulder bags, so it will differ from person to person.

Goyard would be an over budget possibly, although that's getting a lot less quiet than it used to be. If you're headed to the US by any chance, Cuyana does a really nice basic leather tote in a variety of colours at the price point of Dragon Diffusion.

The old Céline tote bags definitely would have fit the bill, so Phoebe Philo might have something similar to offer when she launches tomorrow but whether it'll be in budget is another matter.

botemp · 29/10/2023 19:03

Oh and Frenzlauer has some nice totes too, and a touch more contemporary in design, aesther ekme.

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GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 19:11

@bunnybunnybunnybunny oooooh. Their Everyday Soft Tote is a strong contender. Love it in the burgundy. Thank you!

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Original poster
GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 19:13

Thanks @Calypsocuckoo but that’s not what I’m after - want more of a tote. I’ve got a Marc Jacobs that I rarely use so not keen on getting another. But appreciate the suggestion.

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Original poster
GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 19:16

@bunnybunnybunnybunny and @botemp bloody good shout to see the Phoebe launch tomorrow. For the ABSOLUTE right back, I would go to £1000. Just not, never and no way coated bloody canvass!

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Original poster
GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 19:21

The Frenzlauer are beautiful, but a tad more ‘hamdbag-y’ and formal for my needs from this purchase. Lovely bags though. Good to have on my addiction list radar.

Goyard are too branded for me. Nothing quiet about their presence; they declare their value very loudly! I do actually like the design but not what I'm after.

Do really appreciate the ideas though, thank you.

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Lovethatforyouhun · 29/10/2023 19:21

Love that bag but it is a summer/beach bag for me. No interior pockets and would result in a very wet laptop. Bloody gorgeous though! I really want one to replace my tattered straw tote.

bunnybunnybunnybunny · 29/10/2023 19:21

Aside from being expensive coated canvas, Goyard is possibly even more faked than LV these days, so on that note alone, I would not consider a St Louis PM tote.

@GonnaNeedABiggerBag The MG soft tote is gorgeous. So understated and perfectly sized. Do report back if you succumb, or to anything Phoebe Philo does...

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GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 19:23

The MG is the current front runner. It’s exactly what I’m after (although I do love the weave design of the DD. Maybe I’ll save it for the summer. Two bags!!).

Lets see what PP delivers tomorrow!!

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Original poster
GonnaNeedABiggerBag · 29/10/2023 19:23

Lovethatforyouhun · 29/10/2023 19:21

Love that bag but it is a summer/beach bag for me. No interior pockets and would result in a very wet laptop. Bloody gorgeous though! I really want one to replace my tattered straw tote.

Wet laptop is a very good point.

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bunnybunnybunnybunny · 29/10/2023 19:37

Just to say that I do not put my MacBook in my Nantucket bag. Everything else, however, yes!

I tend to use a variety of pouches that I move from bag to bag, so the lack of inside pocket isn't an issue for me. I have a PP Céline cabas that does accommodate my MacBook, and also a Vanessa Bruno suede bag. However, it's rare I need to take it with me these days as I mostly wfh, and these days, am more likely to use a roomy canvas tote.

friskybivalves · 29/10/2023 22:32

Have you come across Polène? Nice styles and colours (example below...)

uk.polene-paris.com/products/numero-douze-camel-graine

Or something by Maison Guibert?

guibert.fr/en/263-pretty-grooming-bag

CokeZeroForBreakfast · 29/10/2023 22:54

friskybivalves · 29/10/2023 22:32

Have you come across Polène? Nice styles and colours (example below...)

uk.polene-paris.com/products/numero-douze-camel-graine

Or something by Maison Guibert?

guibert.fr/en/263-pretty-grooming-bag

I was just going to suggest the Polène Cyme, but friskybivalves beat me to it. It's the perfect lightweight chuck around, really nice quality and beautifully understated. I use mine all the time and have pretty much abandoned most of my other bags.

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