In the age of quiet luxury and conscious consumerism, more and more fashion lovers are asking: Is this designer bag really worth it? One man on TikTok and YouTube has taken it upon himself to answer that question—by quite literally taking bags apart.
Meet Tanner Leatherstein, the leather expert known for dissecting luxury handbags and exposing what lies beneath the branding.
Armed with a scalpel and decades of leatherworking experience, Tanner peels back the label (sometimes quite literally) to uncover whether the craftsmanship and materials truly live up to the sky-high price tags. And let’s just say… the results aren’t always flattering.
Here’s a closer look at some of Tanner Leatherstein’s most surprising (and controversial) bag reviews that had the fashion world talking.
1. Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires
Price: Around $1,290
Tanner’s Verdict: “You’re paying for marketing, not materials.”
One of his most viral videos was his dissection of the classic Louis Vuitton Pochette. While it’s long been a favourite among fashion girls and resale collectors, Tanner wasn’t impressed. He noted that the coated canvas was durable—but inexpensive to produce. The leather trim? Not full-grain, and certainly not luxurious enough to justify the price.
Why it shocked people: Fans were stunned to learn that the iconic monogram isn’t even leather, and that the actual leather content on the bag was minimal. It’s a harsh reality check for those used to equating brand prestige with quality.
2. Coach Pillow Tabby Bag
Price: Around $450
Tanner’s Verdict: “Surprisingly high-quality for the price.”
Not all reviews were roast sessions. In fact, Tanner was pleasantly surprised by this trendy Coach favourite. He praised its use of supple napa leather and thoughtful construction. In his own words, “This is how you do affordable luxury.”
Why it shocked people: At a fraction of the price of most designer bags, the Pillow Tabby passed the test with flying colours. Definitely putting some bigger luxury brands to shame.
3. Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie
Price: Around $2,650
Tanner’s Verdict: “Excellent leather, but minimal structure or reinforcement.”
This bag had Tanner feeling conflicted. While he applauded the use of high-quality lambskin and Bottega’s signature craftsmanship, he pointed out the lack of interior reinforcement. “You’re mostly paying for design and branding,” he said, “not necessarily technical construction.”
Why it shocked people: Many were surprised to hear that such an expensive, high-fashion piece had so little internal support. Tanner’s analysis made fans think twice about functionality versus aesthetics.
4. Hermes Herbag
Price: Around $2,825
Tanner’s Verdict: “Not Hermes-level construction.”
You’d think everything from Hermès would be untouchable in terms of quality. Unfortunately, the Herbag didn’t quite live up to expectations. Made mostly of canvas with leather trims, the Herbag is often marketed as an entry point into the Hermès world. Tanner criticized the materials used and pointed out it felt “mass-manufactured,” especially compared to icons like the Birkin or Kelly.
Why it shocked people: Viewers were stunned that even Hermès could produce something that didn’t meet their own gold standard. It’s a rare critique for a brand held in such high esteem.
5. Gucci Ophidia GG Mini Bag
Price: Around $1,250
Tanner’s Verdict: “Paying for logos, not leather.”
With its signature canvas and GG monogram, the Ophidia mini is a street-style favourite. But Tanner was quick to point out that the actual leather content was minimal. “It’s mostly fabric and branding,” he noted, “with just a small strip of leather trim.”
Why it shocked people: This was another eye-opener for fashion fans who assumed that designer = full leather. Tanner’s teardown reminded everyone that sometimes, you’re mostly paying for the logo.
So, What Does This Mean for Shoppers?
Tanner Leatherstein isn’t here to shame your favourite brands. Think of it this way: he is here to help you become a smarter shopper. His goal is to highlight the true value (or lack thereof) behind each piece. And his reviews are a wake-up call to many in the fashion world who may have blindly associated a high price tag with high quality.
If there’s one takeaway from his channel, it’s this: Know your materials. Know your craftsmanship. Know your worth.
The Rise of Leather Literacy
Thanks to creators like Tanner, terms like full-grain, split leather, and vegetable tanning are making their way into everyday fashion conversations. He’s inspiring a new generation of bag lovers to look beyond the label and truly understand what they’re buying.
For anyone building their dream collection, his content is a must-watch.
Whether you’re eyeing a Birkin or browsing the high street, one thing is clear: when it comes to handbags, knowledge is your most stylish accessory.
2 Comments