As artisans dedicated to the craft of full-grain leather, we at Beldura Leather appreciate quality, transparency, and timeless style. The iconic brown and white stripes of a Henri Bendel bag evoke a sense of chic New York fashion that many still adore. Since the brand’s closure in 2019, its beloved bags have become sought-after pieces in the resale market. This has led to a frequently asked question we often hear from discerning shoppers: Are Henri Bendel bags actually made of leather?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a journey through modern handbag manufacturing, material innovation, and brand positioning. Let’s delve into the materials that gave Henri Bendel bags their famous structure and style.
In This Article
- So, Were Henri Bendel Handbags Crafted from Genuine Leather?
- Which Materials Were Most Common in Henri Bendel Bags?
- How Can You Distinguish Between These Materials?
- What Led to the Mix of Materials in Their Collections?
- Why Should You Care What Your Handbag is Made Of?
- What Is the Final Verdict on Henri Bendel Bags?
So, Were Henri Bendel Handbags Crafted from Genuine Leather?
The most accurate answer is: some were, but many of their most popular and recognizable styles were not 100% leather. Henri Bendel utilized a variety of materials across their collections, often prioritizing structure, durability, and a specific aesthetic over the use of traditional, untreated leather.
The confusion primarily stems from the term “Saffiano leather,” a material used extensively for their famous Jetsetter convertible backpack and various totes. While the name includes “leather,” its composition is more complex and often misunderstood by consumers. Understanding this material is the key to understanding Henri Bendel bags.
Which Materials Were Most Common in Henri Bendel Bags?
To truly assess a Henri Bendel bag, you need to know what you’re looking for. The brand primarily used three categories of materials for the exterior of their handbags.
Decoding “Saffiano Leather”: The Signature Material
Originally invented by Prada, true Saffiano is a high-quality calf leather that undergoes a specific treatment. A machine presses a cross-hatch pattern onto the leather’s surface, which is then finished with a wax coating. This process makes the leather highly resistant to scratches, stains, and water. It’s incredibly durable and easy to clean.
However, for many contemporary brands, including Henri Bendel, the term “Saffiano” began to describe the finish more than the base material. Many Henri Bendel “Saffiano leather” bags are made from a split-leather base (a lower layer of the hide) or even a bonded leather base that is heavily coated with polyurethane or PVC and then stamped with the cross-hatch pattern. This coating gives the bag its rigid structure and durability but conceals the natural grain of the leather beneath. While it has a leather component, the surface you see and feel is essentially a polymer coating.
What About Coated Canvas?
Another prevalent material, especially for items featuring the iconic brown and white stripes, is coated canvas. This is a durable cotton canvas fabric that is treated with a protective coating like PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). This makes the material waterproof, tough, and easy to wipe clean. It’s a fantastic material for luggage and everyday totes that need to withstand wear and tear, but it is not leather.
Did They Use Other Types of Genuine Leather?
Yes, Henri Bendel did produce bags using more traditional forms of genuine leather, though they were often less common than the Saffiano-style models. You can find some of their bags, particularly from earlier collections or premium lines, crafted from soft pebbled leather or smooth nappa leather. These bags have a different feel—they are typically softer, more flexible, and will show the natural texture and grain of the hide. They offer a different luxury experience, one that is more about the tactile quality of the material itself.
How Can You Distinguish Between These Materials?
If you’re shopping for a pre-owned Henri Bendel bag, knowing how to identify the material is crucial. Here is a simple breakdown to help you tell the difference.
| Feature | Coated “Saffiano” | Coated Canvas | Genuine Pebbled Leather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | A leather base (often split or bonded) with a thick, cross-hatch patterned polymer coating. | Cotton canvas base with a PVC or synthetic coating. | 100% genuine cowhide, with the top-grain layer intact, tumbled to create a pebbled texture. |
| Feel & Texture | Stiff, rigid, and plastic-like to the touch. The texture is a very uniform, machine-pressed pattern. | Slightly flexible but still structured. Can feel smooth or have a subtle fabric-like texture under the coating. | Soft, supple, and flexible. The pebbled texture feels natural and varies slightly across the surface. |
| Scent | Often has a chemical or synthetic smell, with little to no leather aroma. | No scent or a faint smell of vinyl/plastic. | A rich, distinct, earthy leather scent. This is a key indicator we value at Beldura Leather. |
| Aging Process | Does not develop a patina. With heavy wear, the coating can crack or the corners can peel away. | Extremely durable but can crack with age or in extreme temperatures. Colors remain vibrant. | Softens and develops a beautiful patina over time. It tells a story with age, which is the hallmark of quality leather. |
What Led to the Mix of Materials in Their Collections?
A brand’s choice of materials is a strategic decision balancing aesthetics, function, and cost. For Henri Bendel, the focus was on creating “It” bags that were both stylish and practical for the modern woman.
The coated Saffiano-style material offered a perfect solution: it provided the rigid, structured silhouette that was highly fashionable, came in a vast array of vibrant colors, and was incredibly resistant to the scuffs and spills of daily life. This made the bags accessible, durable, and appealing to a broad audience. While not a pure leather experience, it was a functional one that aligned with their brand image of playful, everyday luxury.
Why Should You Care What Your Handbag is Made Of?
As creators of full-grain leather goods, we believe the material is the soul of the product. Knowing what your bag is made of affects its longevity, how it ages, and its overall value.
- Longevity and Patina: A high-quality, full-grain leather bag, like the ones we craft at Beldura, is an investment. It doesn’t just last; it evolves. It softens, darkens, and develops a unique patina that reflects its journey with you. Coated materials, by contrast, are designed to resist change. They look new for a long time, but when they fail, they often crack or peel and cannot be easily repaired.
- The Sensory Experience: There is an undeniable romance to real leather. The rich aroma, the supple feel, the way it molds to your life—these are qualities that synthetic coatings cannot replicate.
- Value Proposition: While a Henri Bendel bag is valued for its style and brand legacy, a bag made of genuine, high-quality leather often retains its intrinsic value better over the long term because the material itself is a precious commodity.
What Is the Final Verdict on Henri Bendel Bags?
Henri Bendel bags hold a special place in the world of fashion for their distinctive style and the joy they brought to so many. While many of their most famous designs are not made from traditional, full-grain leather, they are crafted from materials engineered for durability and a specific, structured aesthetic.
When purchasing one today, go in with knowledge. Appreciate the Saffiano and coated canvas models for their design, vibrant color, and resilience. If you seek the soft feel and rich patina of genuine leather, look for their less common pebbled or smooth leather collections. Ultimately, the “best” material is the one that suits your needs and style. By understanding the difference, you can make an informed choice and truly love the bag you carry.
