I purchased this on a whim after seeing it advertised on Instagram. I've always wanted a real one but I do not have a relationship with anyone in any boutiques to get on a list and I can't afford the second-hand market ones, which are ridiculously priced. Plus, I’m a proponent of responsibly-sourced, high-end replicas. So I've always looked for these websites and I finally just took a chance on Elis-Paris. There was a bit of a problem with them sending the wrong bag, but they were quick to respond via both the chat function and through email and they sent a new one very quickly. So the service is definitely 5-star!
To be clear, I'm not a French designer bag expert; I can't really comment on how closely it resembles the real thing. It does look very similar, even exactly like, online photos. I did knock off a star because it isn't perfect however; the gold hardware all comes wrapped in plastic or rubber which is generally easy to remove, but one did not come off as easily so there is residual plastic stuck underneath one of the gold hooks that shows when the bag is undone (see photo). It's a very minute issue though and generally unnoticeable. The things we all care about are great: logo is clearly stamped and looks proper (again, I'm not familiar with the real logos though). It does not have the imprint code on the interior-side of the strap the real ones have but, again, it’s not noticeable because it wouldn’t show anyhow. The front plate on the belt is adorned with the logo as well which looks nice. The lock and key are quality as well, although I don't know if they are an exact replica after viewing online photos. But the lock and key are solid metal, and function well. The inside leather is real, gorgeous and soft, and the zip inside pulls nicely and cleanly, with an H on the pull toggle.
Of course, with these faux-croc patterns, it's hard to get them to look like the real thing. I have a black crocodile belt and included a photo of the bag and belt together for comparison. I don't know if I'd be brave enough to carry it around my more fashion-conscious friends, and it’s likely not an exact dupe where it would even give an expert a tough time figuring out if it’s real or not eye, but it will fool most people out and about, especially if viewed from a ways back. It’s a high quality bag so feel comfortable purchasing if that’s what you’re after. It’s worth the price just for that. But know you could get “caught” by an expert. If I could do it again, I would start with one of the more traditional leather ones. I was looking for a large size to use as a briefcase, and the croc patterns were the only ones in a bigger size at the time I purchased (they now have the 35 in the regular leather ones).
I will also add, I am a big proponent of these types of sellers that give access to items only the very wealthy and connected can obtain or afford. I'm aware of the controversy behind these goods and sellers; I very vocal opponent of those who condemn all replica sellers and goods. They often get a bad wrap (some likely deserve it) but overall, competition is necessary in the market and no fashion business should be pricing their goods as high as some of these companies do. So thank you Elis-Paris, thank you Daniel, and the whole team. You all delivered a great product with class, kindness, and honesty. I hope to buy again soon.
Thanks for reading.
