Mansur Gavriel: The Hottest Bag You Haven’t Heard About

Mansur Gavriel Large Tote

Mansur Gavriel Large Tote

Mansur Gavriel was so hot in 2013 that we had to include the brand in our It-Bags of 2013. Since the brand’s debut back in June, women across the country have been scrambling to get their hands on one of the brand’s totes or bucket bags (or, both). It hasn’t been easy, however, because huge retailers and small boutiques alike haven’t been able to keep any of the brand’s goods in stock. Net-a-Porter, a go-to for the shopping savvy, is constantly sold out and stores such as Steven Alan have wait lists for the most popular styles and colors. How is someone supposed to have the It-Bag of 2014 swinging from their arm if they’re facing a Birkin-caliber waitlist? We’ve got the scoop.

Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel

Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel

Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel started their label (which takes its name from the designers’ last names) when they realized that there weren’t any great bags at the contemporary price point. It was as if all the great design was at the upper echelons of price — Celiné bags are no stranger to quadruple-digit price tags and the brethren of Trapeze bags and Luggage totes didn’t often associate with anything under $1000.

So the two designers conceived the line via e-mail (at the time, Floriana was based in Berlin and Rachel called L.A. home) before the duo decided to come together in New York. The bags were sourced and produced and then almost overnight, Mansur Gavriel was a success. At first, the bags were being produced in China and finished in Italy, but the designers are moving both production and finishing to Italy for the upcoming Spring 2014 collection.

Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag

Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag

The brand is built on clean design, with just a few styles on offer. The Bucket Bag ($460-495), which is the most hard to come by according to stores such as Mohawk General Store in Los Angeles and Steven Alan locations, has become a blogger staple. Fashion editors have fallen for the Large Tote ($435-485), which looks luxe from the outside but boasts a playful contrasting lining. And while we hailed the second coming of the instantly recognizable It-Bag such as the Fendi 2Jours bag and the Michael Michael Kors Selma, those in the know can instantly spot a Mansur Gavriel — just look for the smooth leather, the signature bucket shape or the tiny gilt logo.

The most exciting news for the brand right now might just be its foray into e-commerce, making it easier for everyone to bag a bucket. It won’t be live until summertime, but if you’re patient, the brand’s official web site is sure to have the largest selection of sizes and colors.

All isn’t lost if you’re on the prowl, because we’ve got intel on who to contact at stores across the country. Just make sure you know what you’re looking for. For spring, the line’s got totes (in two sizes) on offer with raw interiors and the brand’s signature colors — including a new silver or gold metallic finish that’s sure to be the most coveted — and the same goes for those impossible-to-find bucket bags.

If you’re in New York, head to Bergdorf Goodman. They don’t take pre-orders, but make a few friends on the sales floor and you’ll be the first to know when these hot commodities hit the shelves. Try your luck by calling 212-753-7300.

If you’re in Los Angeles, your best bet is Mohawk General Store. Head to Silverlake or Pasadena if you’re feeling lucky, but we recommend E-mailing mimi@mohawkgeneralstore.com or calling 323-669-1601 to be put on the wait list.

Theory locations in both New York and Los Angeles are also getting shipments in. In New York, call the Gansevoort Street location at 212-524-6790. In Los Angeles, call the Melrose location at 323-782-0163.

Steven Alan stores across the country are your best bet if you’re not living on either coast. Contact orders@stevenalan.com or call 877-978-2526.

Jenni Kayne is getting the largest selection of styles and colors, to put in an order, contact retail@jennikayne.com. Jenni Kayne and Steven Alan stores are the largest retailers that will stock the gold and silver metallic interior bags.

And if you’re an online shopping devotee, Net-a-Porter is still your best bet. The site doesn’t take pre-orders, but put the bag on your wish list and you’ll get an e-mail telling you when they arrive. A few words of wisdom: act fast as soon as you get that message in your inbox.

For more information, visit www.mansurgavriel.com.

Images courtesy Mansur Gavriel

 

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Author:Fashion Trends Daily Staff

Fashion Trends Daily Editors deliver the scoop on fashion, beauty, celebrity and runway trends.