Agnes b. – How many of you are familiar with this brand?
I’m not although I remember seeing her bags being very popular among the students from Hong Kong, when I was in University. I used to wonder what that stylised “b” stood for in a discreet corner of their bags. It was simple but nice. I later found out that it was agnes b. and I believe it is still a very popular brand in Hong Kong.
agnes b. is a French designer of chic contemporary designs and her collections cater for both men, women and even children. I took a look at some fashion pieces and they are simple with clean lines. Something I might like. However, we don’t get the fashion collection here in Kuala Lumpur… oh yes. We have our own agnes b. Voyage store now! 😀 And much to my surprise, prices are actually quite affordable! eeps! 😛
The first agnes b. Voyage store is at Suria KLCC and carries her range of handbags and other accessories. I wouldn’t peg the agnes b. brand as a high end brand but more of an affordable mid priced brand. I place it somewhere in between Radley and LeSportsac because they have leather bags as well as nylon canvas bags and prices fall somewhere in between the two.
These nylon canvas bags are part of the new Spring/Summer 2012 collection which is carried in store. The material is quite thick and feels very sturdy, with a smooth sheen and feel to it. The totes are very roomy with large compartments and a zip and come in 2 sizes. Prices of the new Spring/Summer 2012 totes start from RM600+ and I believe these designs are limited edition.
I would however draw your attention to a similarly designed nylon tote which is a part of the regular agnes b. collection. The colours are plainer and the material is a bit more casual in look and feel but I would LOVE to get one to travel with or just for weekends.
I believe this is known as the Diane Tote and comes in various combination of colours and 3 sizes, small medium and large. Pictured here is the Medium and Large versions. The small one makes a really cute little handbag for a young girl or if you are the sort who doesn’t carry a lot of stuff. Its not as small as I make it out to be (see picture #2) and actually makes a great weekend bag 😛 The Medium version fits a tablet or a netbook quite comfortably along with the rest of your essentials. I could sling the medium on my shoulder but the small is strictly hand carry. The large could even double up as a weekender or a flight carry on bag. They are very roomy bags and here’s the deal, the prices start from RM390 for the small one and RM470 for the Medium sized one. Yes, I was sorely tempted.
These bags are from the Vanina range – nylon bodies with a chain strap. They don’t look like much sitting on the shelf but I was quite surprised that when carried, they look quite elegant and chic. The interior is quite roomy and it comes in 2 sizes. The smaller version has a long strap that hit at the hip while the larger version is shoulder carry and hits at the waist. They are RM950 each.
And here’s another bag my eye was caught by – a structured leather bag that looks so elegant when carried and comes in 2 beautiful bright colours for Spring/Summer – neon coral and electric blue (1st picture above). There is also white and black but when you are carrying a bag like this one, I’d say go for the brights. It makes an outfit immediately! I’m told this design is incredibly popular in Hong Kong.
Here’s the Coral colour being modeled. Doesn’t it looks scrumptious? The bag is smooth leather and structured with metal feet and retails at RM1100. Its an open tote with magnetic snap closures that is hand carry or can be carried in the crook of your arm. There is one main compartment inside with a pouch acting as a divider. The pouch can be snapped out, so you end up with just one large compartment. Very useful and practical. It quite easily fits a tablet and a dslr camera – together! If I wasn’t on a bag ban, this might have come home with me. I was quite enamoured with the neon coral colour 😛 I walked into Kate Spade next door and saw a very similar design going for almost double the price so yeah… 😛
The agnes b. Spring/Summer 2012 collection is now available in store. I think I’d still go for the nylon totes if I were to get one. They look sturdy and I know they used to make good school bags for the girls at Uni. so they are fairly durable (and less visible than a Longchamp tote 😉 )
I think price wise, its reasonable for a mid-priced designer brand. Some items are comparably priced to the prices overseas, some are a little pricier, depending on design. I’m all for affordable bags that look good so if you are too, I think its worth taking a look in store 🙂
Are you familiar with Agnes b.? Do you already own anything from the brand and would like to share your thoughts on them? This is my first brush with the brand but I opted not to get anything this time around (cough*bagban*cough) but I held back and will probably wait till later. Maybe that tote 😀
Paris B
Agnes b. Voyage is at Shop 106A, First Floor, Suria KLCC – In between Isetan and Swarovski and 2 shops down from Kate Spade (layout as of time of writing)
Germs says
April 29, 2012 at 8:37 amOkay, am in love with the structured leather bag and the Diane tote! Thanks for this lovely post, now I’m going to have to check them out later, muahaha ;);)
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:34 pmHahaha I hope I didn’t inadvertently cause you to pick something up 😉
electronicfly says
April 29, 2012 at 9:08 amOoo I like the Vanina and the leather one! Not a fan of the pricetag though, but sigh, what to do, branded ma T.T
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:35 pmYup – not as branded but still branded. Between the two, I’d say do the leather one. It’ll last you longer and look better for longer too!
Shay says
April 29, 2012 at 9:47 amI saw a lady carrying the structures leather tote in black some years ago
And thought that is really elegant. However, I am not that into bags so I never paid much attention. I saw those nylon colourful totes carried many girls. Later I found the price and thought they are too expensive!
However, recently, I started to go to gym before work. So, I am in need of a presentable gym bag that looks chic/formal enough to match with working clothes. I was looking at Kate spade baby diaper bag (got the idea from random blog surfing). Found that too bulky due to the cushioning and pockets. A few steps away is the Agnes b shop. Went in and saw a very nice travel Boston from a few seasons away. I am sold. Even though its with a hefty price tag (at least to me). 😀
It’s a huge hobo shaped, black nylon travel bag with leather handles. Able to double up as a flight carry on, a weekender and of course serves my daily purpose! It’s able to fit a set of clothes, running shoes, a bag of skincare and makeup, wallets and stuff and then somemore! I love it! 😀
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:37 pmYour bag sounds really good and versatile! I can’t believe how much it can store! LOL The store didn’t have a large selection of designs that I saw on the website, but I hope they bring more in soon. I don’t think they are cheap, but they aren’t that badly priced, when you consider the alternatives 🙂
Mira says
April 29, 2012 at 9:51 amI haven’t heard the brand before. Although the nylon canvas bag looks nice, but I never buy this kind of bag before and not in the future I think. In my opinion, no offense but nylon bag just looks cheap. I mean, RM400++ for a nylon bag? I say I’ll pass. Even a nylon bag from a high-end brand like prada that costs RM2000++. I prefer genuine leather much2 better although it is more expensive. And oh, I’m tempted by the coral leather bag. I’ll check it out when I go to KL!
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:38 pmAhh… I used to think like you Mira and now I do own a few nylon bags (Lesportsac and Longchamp) and I love them! They serve a slightly different purpose from leather bags but of course, if there is a choice between leather or nylon, do the leather. It lasts longer but will be heavier 😉 Personally however, I won’t do Prada nylon either – I’d just go for Agnes B at a fraction of the price 😉
lyn says
April 29, 2012 at 9:53 amMan, if I weren’t on a bag ban myself, I would be all over these! I have to be erm… a bit more “selective” this year. Anyway, I have four nylon AgnesB bags and I think I may have a limited edition from Fall 2011. I love the quality and structure of these bags. I like the fact they have many different compartments and inserts. I also like their accessories and since I’m not on an accessory ban (yet), I may get a couple of pieces. Oooh… and maybe a wallet too. Ya, ya,… and a pouch because we all know pouches are useful. And hey, might as well throw in a bag *cough*, you know, since I’m there already and I don’t go KLCC often.
As you can probably tell, I’m not the best person to shop with if you are on any ban at all. But please don’t let that deter you because I swear I’m fun company.
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:39 pmErm no, I don’t think I want to go shopping with you 😛 Or maybe I will, and just help you carry your bags hehe… I’ve been quite good and stuck to my ban so far. I did like the accessories I saw from Agnes B and I’ll be talking about them in a separate post. Definitely deserves its own post. Some of them are adorable!
synical says
April 29, 2012 at 10:01 amI know of it from way back when, but only because like LV and Longchamp, the logo gets pirated and is stuck on a lot of knockoffs 😛 Because of that, real agnes b products are hard to find and purchase online, particularly on places like eBay.
I don’t know about you, but offerings at the KL store seem pretty scant… or it’s just a French thing 😛
I check it out in Singapore if I’m near one (and go O_o at the prices); and I was a little happy to find out we finally have one here in KL. I saw a wallet online that I liked but had wanted to see in person first, but either it sold out or it was never available to begin with. Oh well.
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:40 pmDamn the knockoffs 😛 I actually haven’t noticed the logo much but maybe I just wasn’t paying attention. I’d never buy bags like these, Lesportsac or even Longchamp on ebay. Its too easily faked unless one isn’t bothered 🙂 I can’t believe I never once checked out this brand at all LOL!
Sze Ling says
April 29, 2012 at 11:56 amI’m on a bag ban now. So, no more bags for me. Saving up for a Neverfull. 😀
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:41 pmGood to have something to save towards! 😀 I’m just on a general ban hehe… 😀
Jyoan says
April 29, 2012 at 2:12 pmUnfortunately in Singapore, everything about Agnes b. is spoiled because it is the most copied bag around, after Longchamp. So many people can get fakes from pushcarts, it’s just crazy.
I like that their designs are very practical (maybe that’s why the fakes are selling like hotcakes, and so many housewives are buying it). Simple design and made of nylon also means it’s easy to copy.
But really, no way I am shelling out hundreds for something that looks like a fake. Of course, I can tell that the real one is real (more details, better cutting, limited edition etc), but still… … the cost doesn’t justify the spoilt brand (in Singapore).
I’d rather something like Braun Buffel (though its target audience is people in their 50s), simply because Braun Buffel uses real leather, and is way too stylish/detailed to copy easily. Even Carlo Rino is not easy to copy. And there is still Guess, even more difficult to copy right. These are some nicely priced bag, great quality, yet wouldn’t burn a hole, that I like. =D
Frustrating that there is no fashion police in Singapore, unlike in France, where no one dares to carry a fake Gucci or LV. Imitation really ruins the brand, and scream “cheap cheap cheap” even though yours may be a genuine one. (No offense if anyone owns Agnes B.’s bag already, I think this really only happens in Singapore.)
Shay says
April 29, 2012 at 4:25 pmThe regular nylon totes are copied and sold for about S$10 in shanghai. I don’t really like those too. But there are some handbags which are not so frequently copied. The good thing about nylon is that it is not as heavy as leather.
But yeah, the price still sucks.
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:43 pmOh I didn’t know they were that popular with the pirates. What a pity 🙁 I notice that with Longchamp and Lesportsac too. I think its the material and simplicity of design that makes it easy to fake and there will always be people who will buy it, either because its cheap or because they think they’re getting the real deal (happens!) or just because they don’t care. Spoils it for the rest of us 🙁
Jyoan says
April 30, 2012 at 12:31 amYes. I have a friend who bought a big real Longchamp (not sure what that model is called, but it’s the famous most popular carry-all one) for 4 digits, and she decided to sell it after a few months, because she only got the plain purple one not a limited edition, and no one could tell it’s a real one!
She kind of got so fed up that everyone thinks it’s fake.
I read an article in which Longchamp’s brand manager talked about how it wants to come out with more celebrity collaborations and limited editions to help people distinguish the genuine one from the plain ones at pushcarts. Times are bad. Sometimes imitation is not the best form of flattery.
Paris B says
May 3, 2012 at 9:44 amAww shouldn’t bother with what people think if you really love what you have 🙂 But yeah, fakes are spoiling the designer brand credibility and its an ever growing market too because where there is demand, there will be supply.
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:43 pmp/s I quite like Braun Buffel. Their leather goods are good quality and well made. I don’t think they are really targeted at those in their 50s 😛 I own a few pieces. Maybe those who want something a little more conventional and classic 🙂
Jyoan says
April 30, 2012 at 12:26 amhaha, I also love Braun Buffel actually. I do take note of their releases even though I only have one so far.
Petrina says
April 29, 2012 at 2:46 pmI haven’t really noticed Agnes b bags but love the clothes! They do stand the test of time as I have a top from more than 10 yrs ago and it still looks good.
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:44 pmAhhh one of these days, I’m going to have to find a boutique with the clothes and check it out. I have heard they are quite good.
Janice says
April 29, 2012 at 4:39 pmI have a medium size limited edition black color Agnes B nylon canvas bag which i paired with my Agnes B star charm and i have been using it for the past 3 years and its still in good condition and suitable as a work bag. I love to use it whenever i’m out shopping too as i can stuff all my purchases inside and also fit in my iPad or Macbook air. I have both the small and medium sizes limited edition nylon canvas bags and sling bag which i bought while in Tokyo in 2009 and the prices were about 30-40% cheaper compared to Sg. Not sure if the price difference is still that much now with the higher Yen rates.
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:45 pmOh yes, I think this is very popular in Japan too! You are selling me the nylon bags Janice! 😛
Jean says
April 29, 2012 at 4:53 pmlove those simple design too. HK ppl love agnes b, i am guessing the price in hk might be cheaper. I am not a bag lover previously but lately i start having this addiction on getting lots of bags. =x
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 7:46 pmI’m not sure about prices in Hong Kong but I was told it is roughly similar to our prices here. I did a quick comparison to the US prices and its roughly similar too. Some pieces are a bit pricier, some a bit cheaper 🙂 Bags are a dangerous addiction to have 😛
Ju says
April 29, 2012 at 10:39 pmYay! Finally… Too bad only in KLCC…
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 10:57 pmYup, time to make a trip there eh? 😉
Ju says
April 29, 2012 at 11:14 pmAny idea how does the price here compares to HK or SG? And where are the outlets in those countries? Might try those if the price is right… Hehehe…
Paris B says
April 29, 2012 at 11:28 pmHmm I’ve got no idea to be honest. I never checked them out before, let’s hope someone from either HK or SG can pop by to help. But I did take a quick look online and the new Spring/Summer 12 totes in Singapore are s$159-315 which at today’s exchange rate is comparable to or a bit pricier than getting it here 🙂
Ju says
April 29, 2012 at 11:46 pmHehehe… Yup… It’s been awhile I haven’t been in HK 😉
Meghann says
April 30, 2012 at 9:58 amThese days any brands can be copied shamelessly. It’s a whole cottage industry of fakes.
Unless you use a brand less bag there’s no running away from fakes. But you feel about yourself knowing you are using the genuine article.
Paris B says
May 3, 2012 at 9:49 amI tend to agree. We shouldn’t be carrying our bags to please the public but ourselves 🙂
Shamim de Varax says
April 30, 2012 at 12:38 pmoh I love the coral leather bag =0
Paris B says
May 3, 2012 at 9:52 amIts even better looking in real life. Trust me 😉
ysk says
April 30, 2012 at 1:32 pmdid u manage to buy anything??it seems to be too simple for me…
Paris B says
May 3, 2012 at 10:00 amNope, Not this time.
Stacey says
April 30, 2012 at 4:43 pmthe structured bag in coral looks good! psst… get it! attempting to poison you here.. hehe 😛
agnes b has a selection of make up products as well. saw it at changi airport terminal 2.
Paris B says
May 3, 2012 at 10:01 amLOL no!!! I have to save for other things 😉 And yes, I’ve seen some Agnes b cosmetics too. I find it quite puzzling LOL!
Amanda says
April 30, 2012 at 4:44 pmI first saw Agnes b in Hong Kong a few years ago. I was surprised to find it’s actually a brand from France because I’ve never heard of it in Europe.
Paris B says
May 3, 2012 at 10:03 amThat is quite odd right? Maybe it appeals to the people in the Far East more? I did look up the history and it has quite a long history in France, but maybe not as a luxury brand, more high street 🙂
Saphy says
May 1, 2012 at 11:13 amOoooh I’m getting tempted by the diana tote D: *student here* but if I saved up to a certain amount maybe I could afford to splurge on one… looks sturdy enough for daily use 😡 /kinda sick of cheap bags falling apart on me ;_;
Tempted by the medium sized one in cream and red/coral, looks so pretty <3
Paris B says
May 3, 2012 at 10:33 amThe cream/red one is seriously pretty in real life but it’ll get dirty quite easily 🙁 Friend was sorely tempted by it too but passed because of the colour. I do think the quality is quite good and the price decent enough. Cheaper and less visible than a Longchamp of a similar size 😉
Saphy says
May 3, 2012 at 5:41 pmOh yeah true 🙁 sigh light coloured stuff always get dirtied faster!
plue says
May 2, 2012 at 1:33 pmi have a agnes b lunch tote (a mook package) which was gifted to me by a friend 🙂 quality isn’t the best like the ones in store, but for a free item (mook wise) and also as a gift, I do think it’s very well made 🙂
i bring it along for casual weekends or when i go shopping. Sturdy yet lightweight enough to carry most stuff!
the nylon tote is calling for my name… easy to use and carry around, and the price for the medium is quite reasonable too! now if i can sling it on my shoulder.. i’ll most prolly take it home 😀
Paris B says
May 3, 2012 at 11:17 amYou know, I’ve never bought one of those mook thingies but they always look so interesting 🙂 From what I felt, the nylon tote was quite good quality. I don’t know how it holds up to wear though I can imagine it makes a great weekend/casual bag. The Medium fit over my shoulder but I think its best to try it and see.
plue says
May 3, 2012 at 12:16 pmsome of the mook thingies are well worth the price 🙂 Some of the items are very well made and it’s pretty practical for everyday use.
i’ll go take a peek at Agnes B, i went look see when I was in HK but that time nothing catches my eye 😛
Tinc says
July 17, 2012 at 1:28 pmI’ve just got a agnes b – diane tote as b’day gift from my best friend. The color is deep blue and I really2 love it because of the durable material.
Never really know this brand too until I read your review. Very nice review. Thanks 😀