Since I arrived in Paris 10 days ago, I’ve become obsessed with Gerard Darel. I bought this almost the minute I landed. Amidst my dozens of serious bags, the casually hip and slouchy “24 hour” Barcelona in python feels so light and fresh – it is literally the lightest bag I have right now! The python skin is delicious in a metallic gunmetal gray (new for Fall) and is so incredibly soft not to mention it curves to the body perfectly (it’s around 14″ wide but slouches and molds to the body so it doesn’t look big on me!). The little ties on the side also may be adjusted. It makes the bag more feminine when tied tightly to create a bigger ruche.
There is a Gerard Darel boutique around the corner from where I am staying in Paris, and I’ve been stopping by regularly just in case a new bag comes in. I was super excited to find such great bags at low prices although my metallic python will be $3,400 retail when it hits the US, one of the priciest bags in the line. They told me it was the skin and the special way it was treated. So now I am contemplating the ivory with light brown details though I really don’t want to repeat, but the colors are so unique they look completely different. I have another week to decide and may end up grabbing it since it’s nearly impossible to find Gerard Darel stateside for some reason. I asked the boutique manager if she would be willing to ship to my readers and her facial expression was like “Quelle horreur, ship to America? Non!” Oh well, I tried. Those of you living in Europe can hop over to a GD boutique or to a department store to grab one. More photos after the jump!
ooh Tina would love to see the purple…..is this a bga that Eva Longoria has been carryi9ng around Paris this week?! You havent been shopping together? =)
Gorgeous bag, will they ship to the UK do you know?
L.xo
There is something odd in this bag; it´s the proportions that look funny and I don´t like the baggy look of it either. Glad you are so thrilled about your bag though!
I was in Paris last weekend and had a look at GD whilst I was in the Marais but I was put off because even from the window I could see that a leather bag in this style had visibly poor stitching with loose thread. This tallies with what my French friends have said about GD’s quality issues, which are apparently variable. Maybe you just have to persevere and make sure that the one you get is sound. Having said that, although your bag is a bit slouchy for me, that metallic python does look luscious.
Wish I was still in Paris. Make sure you have a Pierre Hermé macaroon or three. Mogador, the passionfruit ones are the best. They beat Ladurée into a cocked hat and no messing.
Hi girls,
Lottie- I am certain she won’t ship to UK. But the purple one is divine… it was actually my first choice before I saw this one. Price is quite reasonable for a python, don’t you think? I am on my way to London next week– do they not have Gerard Darel in London either?
Mette- the slouchy-ness is what I love about it! Totally boho-chic. It does look odd in the photos but in person, it’s purely fabulous!
xoxo
mq, cb
I agree with you on the leather bags. But the python skin is incredible and the stitching is fine– no loose threads as I checked and checked because I too saw the loose stitch on a tan leather version. I wonder why the leather bags don’t have the same quality as the exotic?
And yes, macaroons from Pierre Hermes- my friend just told me to go, will go tomorrow! xo
I purchased a GD last summer at the only GD boutique in London while on vacation. It was hard to find and out of the way from all other major attractions, but worth the trip. I purchased one the same color and styles as Tina’s above but it is in regular leather. There is nothing like the thrill of the hunt to get the bag that you desire so badly. I used it for about three months and then put it up. Here is why: (i) the top is so open (there is only one snap closure)and I don’t feel that the items in the bag are safe, and (ii) when you sit it down it falls all over the place and again items inside the bag could fall out. It’s a beautiful bag but not the safest bag to put your stuff in.
Stacey, I do not have that problem! I tied the side strings really tight and double knotted it. Try it and see, nothing falls out of mine and I shove everything in it.
Ok, I keep going back and forth with the Darel bags. I live in St. Germain en Laye, have a boutique two blocks away and am very tempted by the gunmetal 24hrs Dallas bag. It’s really soft and yummy. Kind of funny cause I used to live very near Dallas, TX. My problem is more that I live here and everybody and I mean everybody has this bag. The quality is pretty good and probably Tina has noticed in Paris that young women don’t over do the fancy ladylike handbag look. Slouch bags are in here. I may get one, use it for a few weeks and then give it to my daughter that lives in Austin and then it will be out of my system.
Awww, I’ve wanted the 24 hr Barcelona since I first saw it on this site, and I’m not going to Europe anytime soon. Thanks so much for trying, Tina!
Okay, I wasn’t going to blog Tina about GD, since I thought the price point was a bit below typical bag snob standards….but! Monica, and any other b.snobs who live in France, don’t get the bag. It was ubiquitous in Paris two years ago, and by the end of my stay I was soooo over them. Then I returned to Massachusetts, and regretted not purchasing one.
I finally tracked one down, in red patent, and LOVE it. I take it to Red Sox games, all sticky and hot, and it looks fantastic. Obviously, the patent leather is more durable, but it has really held up. The slouchyness is perfect, not too much, not too little.
France won’t ship….but the shop in Montreal might. Good luck, and as always, great purchase Tina.
darlings,
I am going to pick up the purple python and maybe ivory,too.
not kidding when I said I am obsessed with the GD python bags. slouchy and casual, so chic and relatively cheap for exotic.
you guys have seen my collection, I am so ready to slouch away!
monica, I will meet you at the gerard darel boutique on rue de Passy and helpyou get it out of your system 🙂
xoxo
Ever since I saw this bag featured on your site, I’ve been obsessed with the GD 24 hour Barcelona. I failed to purchase the blue one featured on Ideeli.com and have been kicking myself since. I searched endlessly on the web for one to no avail. They are definitely hard to find. Please keep us posted when and if you find a website from which they are more readily available.
I. WANT. THIS. BAG
They have several stores in Mexico..They might ship merchandise to the US.
I like this style of handbag, it kind of reminds me of balenciaga. Wonder why they don’t sell them in the US since they are so popular in France?
This bag is so chic. Why don’t they sell in the states? It makes me crazy. I like the slouchiness that everyone is against. I think bags should be kind of casual and hip… and not try too hard. Great choice Bag snob, me likey!
If you’re in the NYC area, you could try going to New York Look boutique. They have a location on the corner of 5th ave and 45th st. They carry some Gerard Darel items. I purchased a Gerard Darel suit from there and I remembered seeing some bags.
Thanks to this post, i went over the edge and bought myself a GD 24 hours bag in Pale Gold from bagshop.com! I still remember when the GD ideeli sale was going on, i was contemplating buying one but didnt and have totally regreted it since. cant wait for it to come!
Your metallic GD is beautiful!!! I’ve always loved GD bags, and the way that the girls in Paris all have one and carry them with everything, with such casual insouciance.
I’m a bit confused with the names of the bags from the website though -the Utah and Barcelona bags seem to be the same size and shape. Are they named differently because they are made of different skins (leather vs. python)?
How do you find the ivory & chocolate python bags in real life? Is the color of the scales uniform, or are there lots of different shades? 🙂
We’ll be in Paris in October, and the GD boutique will be my first stop. I purchased a light pink “24 Heures” St. Germain last year when we were there, and it’s held up quite well and always gets compliments. Just bought the cream version at the ideeli sale (Thank you Bag Snob!!!!!) but I’m seriously jonesing for the Barcelona. Can’t wait to see what colors they have for fall! I know some people have had quality issues, but my GD’s seem to be very well made, and the leather is quite nice.
And Tina, I usually don’t care for python but your bag is *gorgeous*!!
Hi,Tina.I think I am in the same slouch bag mood too.I am a big sports fan.I’ve been struggling for a while to bring a porper bag to the games.the answer is a light python shoulder bag.I bought a Sonia Rykiel python in lilac this Spring.if I see this GD I’ll buy it in a second.I have three kids and need to go to their games too.with this GD bag,I can stuck in some snacks,a chang of clothes
and drinks.This bag is bigger so it’s more practical compare to my SR one.
Tina I must say that I’ve been following your blog for a while,you don’t know how much fun I’ve had since two month ago I found the bagsnob..I am still not very comfortable with my English,but,I really want to let youguys know that here in China,you’ve got a grounp of bag lovers that really appreciate your hard work.I am moving to the states soon,will continue to follow the bagsnob.thank you again and keep going!
Tina you must put the picture up of the purple I still haven’t cured my need for a purple bag yet so im getting desperate?!
Where is the store in London?
L.xo
Tina: Thanks for the offer to join you at the rue de Passy boutique. My Carte Bleu (Visa)is trembling at the thought! Have you had a look at some of Didier Ludo’s vintage bags in the Palais Royale? Please tell if you have discovered any other good addresses in Paris for handbags or vintage or whatever.
Anyway, I’m not usually a fan of python (so snake-like and I know, duh! it is snake) buuuut, the purple could be right up my alley for the Fall. Must see it in person.
Monica,
I stumbled upon a lovely vintage place yesterday on rue Faubourg de Montmartre.. I was going to the oldest candy store in Paris “A la Mere de Famille” and got lost and ended up there. She had several Hermes bags, including a gorgeous navy and etoile Kelly bag for only $1900 euro!
She had a few Chanel belts, tres chic– the old ’70s kind! I bought a vintage black hat in an incredible fabric, I can’t wait to wear it this Fall!
The purple python is to die, it’s really soft, too. Feels like suede for some reason. I am on my way downstairs to look at it again… 🙂
but I should be working on the LV piece,,, sigh- so much distraction in Paris it’s hard to work. If I am not drinking champagne or eating like a pig, I am shopping. How does one get anything done in this beautiful city?
xo
Q-
I am so excited to hear that you are from China! You know my family is originally from China and I am dying to build our readership there… please pass us along to all your friends!
China Vogue expressed interest in featuring us but I have not heard back. I am running into so many tourists from China in Paris… and not many Americans… many wealthy tourists from China these days and they were all at the shops buying everything in sight 🙂 thank you for your support!!!
Your english is fantastic, don’t worry.
xoxo
Ladies, ladies, ladies….. all together now, it is not the 24 hour bag, c’est la Charlotte!
GD has taken inspiration from Hermes, and got the daughter to advertise the bags. Les Girles in Paris all call it the Charlotte, after Gainsbourgh.
Q, I think they come in two sizes, the 24 hour and the 48 hour….makes sense that the 48 hour is bigger, for bottles etc. The various names for the bags are due to differences in hardware and materials. As you can see, I’ve liked them for some time.
Hi Tina, I REALLY REALLY want this bag!!
(in all the colors) lol
U must find out who sells the bag…I am in NY all summer, as soon as I landed last night from a very loooooong flght I logged on to u.
When I saw this bag I became instantly obsessed… could NOT believe my eyes!! I LOVE GD but like u said…Its hard to find him here in the states!! any suggestions on where to look!! Ive always been the bag finder, but GD not so EZ to find!!!
CAN U HELP PLEASE!!!!!!
THX!! T
B…xoxoox
Tina – I love hats and I’m trying all mine on right now because I’ve got a fancy wedding to go to Saturday. It’s Ascot today too so there will be lots of crazy hats on the news/internet tonight. Oh! I just saw the Queen’s and Camilla’s hats. Geez, they have style! Enjoy Paris and yes I don’t know how I would live in the center. We would be bankrupt. We are in the close suburbs because we have an international school here.
Oh, and check out Morabito on the Rue St. Honore, I have always loved their choices of colors and their skins are gorgeous. Decades has a few of their pieces once in a while.
Have fun in London, I’ll be hopping over in August and may buy one of the F/W Liberty of London bags. So Art Nouveau and an incredibley beautiful store.
A bientot!
PS…I received my BagSnob Tee!!! Thanks SO much u guys!!!!!! I Love it, but forgot it back home, having my hubby send it to me so I can wear it!! (how sad am I?) lol…
Hi Lottie its B…Im here, but no mojiots yet!!…I bought a book I wanted to share with u….(Chasing Harry Winston)
wriiten by: Lauren Weisberger…same auther of The Devil Wears Prada, hello?? Love the MOVIE!
I will be reading it as Im hanging under my umberlla….BYEEE!! =)
did U find out where your bags are???
OXOXOX…
Lottie, I was just reading the other page with that beautiful Chanel bag!! I have the elvie in red also, U dont like it? OMG I love that bag and think its totaly useable!! U must get the GD bag in purple, if u can find it…
I am BEGGING!! Tina to see if she can find out where to find it here in the states!! Ive googled it to death but have found nothing yet!! =(
Bye!!
Lottie, I was just reading the other page with that beautiful Chanel bag!! I have the elvie in red also, U dont like it? OMG I love that bag and think its totaly useable!! U must get the GD bag in purple, if u can find it…
I am BEGGING!! Tina to see if she can find out where to find it here in the states!! Ive googled it to death but have found nothing yet!! =(
Bye!!
Tina, I went home immediately and double tied the knots. And you were right, it helps a lot. Thanks 🙂
Also here is a tip. I know the London boutique ships to the US. When I came home with my GD, a male work colleague who always asks my opinion on purchases for his wife, called and ordered one from the London boutique for his wife’s birthday. That was about a year ago, but I would still try…
I am standing at GD boutique nowand taking photos! after stalking them for almost 2 weeks I am very welcome here 🙂
purple is also 1200 euro, ivory python is 880 euro. xo
Lottie, here is the info for the London boutique:
78 St. Johns Wood High St
London, NW8 7SH, United Kingdom
+44 20 75869027
Lottie and B, I was thinking about getting the elvie in purple, since you both have that handbag I love to hear you opinions on it. Thanks!
Hey B
I saw that book its on my list but have so many i have bought and still not read, so keep me posted if its a page turner!!!
I do love my Red Elvie…i just find to throw over my shoulder while shopping around london is a nightmare as its chuncky shape! But i think its gorgeous a really different bag i do like the purple not so keen on the gold version Lori!
Do let me know when your on the mojitos…oh and any more purchases…so jealous enjoy NY for me!!!
L.xo
Thank you Tina.yes I did find you on one of the fashion magazine in China,not sure it was Bazaar or Vogue…bad memory. they recommend you,together some other fashion blogs.hope your featuring come on Vogue china soon.I know your familly is originally from china,that’s why we feel close to you. I know you are leaving Paris soon.What a city!We are building a house in the states so will have a shopping trip to Europe in the near future. I have a good girlfriend lives in Rouen,a city in the North of France.I had some good luck there,my friend found me two Birkins there.[one rosedragee one curry]in May.yesterday,the Hermes in Lille called my husband,guess what Tina,they found me,instead of my original request[black croc birkin]A Rouge briase Porosus!30cm,GHD.A late mother’s day and Bday gift.this will be my first croc birkin,although I prefre more wearable colour,but,red is a lucky colour,[any colour is a lucky colour in this case]knowing how difficult to get one so we transfered the money as fast as we could…hope you can post something Hermes soon.my friend say in August,we can place the ostrich order,at least in France.
Enjoy your trip and thanks for your encouragement!
Thanks Sue,love the name 48 hour…
A red sox fan? lucky girl,last 48 hour you must had a good time.NBA champion…
I will have photos of 3 other python colors tomorow. staytuned!
Q-lucky girl you!
xoxo
Hey Lori, I LOVE LOVE the elvie it is so diff I love the shape, the purple is way HOT!!!
If u can find it u should get it….its not really a bag u would throw over your shoulder
like lottie said…but thats ok u NEED 2 get it!!
XOXOXO
PS I REALLY WANT THE GD BAG!!!! =(
Q,
I’ll trade you my Celtics t-shirt for your black,croc Hermes…..!
Tina, I must see the purple as well.
Hi B and Lottie, when you say you can’t throw the elvie over the shoulder do you mean it doesn’t fit over the shoulder and fits just over the wrist? Also B I am coming to New York next weekend hope you are having a fabulous time. I will be staying in the city the whole time. I decided I wanted a handbag in purple and trying to decide which one to purchase. Tina, which would you recommend?
Hi Lori, The elvie totally fits under the arm over the shoulder the straps are long enough… its the shape that is kinda odd…. if you are gonna be in the city then go to the AM Boutique and try it on….west village and one in manhattan
GOOD LUCK!!! GET THE BAG!!! ITS WAAAAY HOT!!! =)
PS Lori, YES so far so good, just got here yesterday(I am here for 6 weeks) the weather is so wonderful at the mo…hopefully it will stay this cool!! (ya right) lol…
Have a GREAT time in the city!!! =)
i have been to the gerard darel boutque in the UK but it does not carry as much stock as its paris counterparts. i think it’s worth going to paris for the weekend to shop but that is just me :<)
this metallic python is stunning by the way, quite different from all of your hermes, chanel, bottega, valextra etc. nice choice!
Hi Lori
B is right despite the bag being a funny shape that makes it difficult carrying and it is fairly weighty without too much in…..the purple is hot and definatley worth a purchase there is no other bag like it…a real show stopper!!!
Hi B…i hear NY is treating you well….am so jealous, enjoy have you purchased anything fabulous yet?! how are the books!
L.xo
Please post pics of the other colors! Amazing.
Do you know where we can get Gerard Darrel in the US?
Fabulous collection but if there is any bags with different colors if yes then it would have been given more attention towards the collection.
==========================
Aditi
cheap designer jeans
http://www.designersandfashion.com/
Can someone get me an invite to Ideeli.com please?
If someone can send me an invite to ideeli.com I would be so grateful- here is my email shopgirl@shoppingandinfo.com thanks!
Hey there,
I am in Mexico City trying to find a boutique as I am in love with the St. Germain 24 hr bag. Can anyone help me with a proper address? The website only lists the department stores and my Spanish is not good enough to find out if they carry them.
Help!!!
Thanks,
Kelsey
fabulous bag. I love metallics!
Careful girls, if you end up changing your mind and want to return an item, they only issue vouchers valid for 6 months and only in the same store!! Too bad for travelers, you end up loosing your money or being stuck with an item you don’t want in the end.