……………….Uh… huh…
I know, I know, I know, panda bears are cute. Pandas in sparkle tuxes are even cuter. All sweet and crystal and huggable, he is just begging for someone to take him home…
That being said, I can think of only one instance as to when I would carry this; I was six, I had a very important date with my imaginary boyfriend Henry Pineapple (I seriously told my friends that name) and that jerk stood me up. This would have gone perfect with my pink sparkle jelly shoes, giant purple plastic glasses with no lenses and the pink My Little Pony sweat shirt I rocked every chance I had.
Net-a-Porter for $4,695
Judith Leiber is a genius with creativity and design. There is the zebra bag (not print, the animal) the tiger bag, the elephant clutch, the dachshund clutch, and the list goes on and on. My question is; who seriously buys these animal shaped things for that kind of money, and where in the world do you wear them besides to your child’s tea party and maybe the zoo? I mean come on. I can’t imagine saying “Oh would you hold my panda for a second? I have to fix my hair.” Or “reach into my panda, my credit card should be in there, look in his belly.”
Also, a lot of these bags are so small they can barely fit a phone in them. That makes them arm ornaments, and that is one pricey ornament. He may be cute in his little suit asking you to take him home, but if you want cute, buy a kitten. You want a bag, don’t buy a panda.
See, here in Europe we often hear “Judith Leiber is for Americans. It’s their thing”. They say to understand all the pandas, fish and dachshunds you have to be American (at least at heart). I’ve always suspected that there must be Americans who are just as confused about those bags as I am. And here you are! You made my day 😉 I actually have a lovely Chihuahua piggybank that resembles this bag a little… No offence.
I have never considered actually wearing a Judith Leiber bag. Not functional. However, I have always thought of them as works of art. If I ever had the money to buy them, I would definitely display them in a lit glass case.
My first thought was this would make a great money box! It is terribly cute but not something I would carry as a bag. I do like some off her other bag designs. I just think this is too cutesy.
I own several of the Leiber bags – a Seal to commerate my trip to Antartica, a Violin for the symphony, a specialmofnthe Marshall Field’s clock, A modern Mondrian, and a penguin. I love them for evening events and just on display. Of course, I bought them many years ago. My first was $600.
Since the new owners took over, the designs are less sophisticated, less complex and prices are up 30%+. I would not buy one today, but I love my vintage ones with beautiful shading, superb craftsmanship and graceful elegance. and yes, I actually leave home without my cell.