The Massaccesi Customer Chronicles!

We are so lucky to have the privilege of communicating with wonderful customers all over the world!  We love the questions they ask, hearing about their decision process and ultimately which style, leather, hardware and lining they choose.  So, we decided to get a little jiggy outside of the Workshop and bring you the first installment of our customer chronicles.  Graciously some lovely ladies have allowed us to share a few of their favorite things with you!

Hello Ms. D, thank you for joining us!  What is your favorite Massaccesi style and why?  "It really is a toss up between Minerva (midi) and Zhoe Legend.  If I remember right, an olive Minerva was the photo on the first page of MM's website.  I cannot quite put my finger on it, but there really is something unique about its design.  Maybe it has something to do with the squarish front pockets and the geometric flap matched with curvy pleated sides (I think you referred to these before as the Italian hips??).  And I love the way it hangs on the shoulder, just the right strap length.  The slouch at the top is great especially once the leather has softened a bit.  And of course, the organization inside is just well thought out!

The shoulder style of the Zhoe Legend is something new for my bag collection but I fell in love with it the moment I received my order.  The size is right for me, some may find it big for the style, but I love that it can hold much of the stuff I carry daily.  I also love the 3 compartments.  When you look at the bag from the side, these 3 compartments give it a unique design!  I also love the more classic boxy shape than the trapeze-y regular Zhoe.  And for my particular piece, I truly love the color!"

In terms of leather, which do you gravitate towards color, texture or is there another factor you take into consideration?  "I gravitate more towards the texture of the leather.  I've always expressed in TPF that I love the smoothness of the Nappa leather.  Though Pebbled Leather is equally beautiful and of high quality, I gravitate more towards the texture of Nappa. And now that there is a softer Merinos, I can't wait to feel a complete bag in this leather.  I have Merinos swatches but I think touching/seeing a full bag is different altogether.  And, I would like to add that I really love leather scent. I sniff my leather bags. MM leathers have lasting wonderful smell!"

“Studies show” ;) that opening your newly arrived handbag parcel immediately, rather than waiting until later might just elevate one’s mood, what do you think?!?     "Oh, I totally agree!! ;)  I don't think I can wait a few minutes after receiving the package to open it! I will surely get restless and feel uneasy seeing it there but not being able to rip the box apart. I try to calm myself when opening a package, but really, I feel adrenaline rushing and would like to tear up the box.  But of course I don't do that lest I cause a cut or something on the leather. You see, there is hope for me as I am not yet totally mad. :)   And when I finally see and touch and smell my bags, I am like on cloud nine floating!!  I remember when I got my Zhoe Legend, I was just like "oh wow! oh wow! oh wow!"  And then I was like a child modeling her barbie-like dress/bag in the mirror shamelessly smiling."

Welcome to you V, thanks for the chat!  Which is your favorite MM style?  "My favourite style is the Soulmate. I love shoulder bags and this style is so easy to carry. The shoulder straps are comfortable and most importantly for me, they do not slip. This means that I can be hands free without having to rely on the messenger strap, although that is a great option. As this bag has minimal hardware, it is extremely light. I love the contrast in leathers (both in texture and colour) of the Nappa and Nabuk Soulmate that I purchased. It's a big bag but elegant at the same time - hard to pull off!"

Please share with us what makes you swoon first in terms of leather.  Do you like color, texture or are there other factors you take into consideration?  "When I look at a leather, there are a few factors that I take into consideration. I live in a climate that has a fair number of rainy days, so ideally I am looking for a leather that can withstand a little water. I don't want to have to carry a separate umbrella for my bag! I'm also looking for a leather that will not mark or scratch easily. For me, there is a difference between a bag with leather that tells a story and a bag that simply looks grubby. I also love colour (although I like my neutrals too) and am drawn to jewel tones - deep emerald green and rich, dark amethyst purple make me swoon. Finally, I cannot resist a great metallic leather - my current lust list comprises Africa Lead and Bronze - but they simply must not flake!"

I have "heard" that peeking at your handbag during the work day reduces stress?  Would you agree?  Have you peeked at your bag or perhaps a swatch you may have been carrying with you?  "I definitely agree that leather has a calming effect! I love the smell of my bags and the feel of good leather. I'm currently completely in love with the soft, silky feel of the Nabuk leather. I find stroking it really soothing. Tucked away within my bag is a little bag of swatches of which Emerald pebbled is my current favourite."

Greetings M in Hawaii, thank you for the visit, do you have a favorite Massaccesi style?  "Zhoe!  My personal style is classic and simple, and that is exactly what Zhoe is.  I love both structured and slouchy handbags.  But, if I were forced to wear only one type, I would choose structured bags, hands down.  I love Zhoe’s simple shape.  She is chic and unfussy.  She is neither too big nor too small.  Her size is just right for me."

What is your preference for leather?  Are you first drawn to color, texture or is there another factor you take into consideration? "Texture!  I experience leather through my tactile sense first.  I enjoy the feel of leather like I enjoy the fragrance of plumeria flowers.  Both make me sigh, “Ahhhh…..!”  Pebbled leather is my favorite.  Its surface doesn’t have to be close to perfection as one would expect with smooth leather.  The imperfections and texture of pebbled leather are more appealing to me than the flatness of smooth leather.  Still, I believe there is room for smooth leather bags in my collection.  Eventually, I will get a Massaccesi handbag in the Natural Flat Calf leather…"

How much do you carry in your bags….as little as possible or everything but the kitchen sink?  "I wish I could carry as little as possible, but that isn’t practical for me.  (That only works for date nights!)  Besides my wallet, I like to always carry sunglasses, a small cosmetic pouch, a pen pouch, another pouch to hold a small notepad and receipts, a coin purse, travel size hand sanitizer, and a nylon reusable shopping bag, e.g. Envirosax.  If there is room left, I will add my Kindle or a book.  If I have to wait somewhere, then I can possibly get some reading done!"

Grazie mille to the ladies and gents that have allowed us into their worlds!  Oh yes my friends, husbands have been emailing with questions about
holiday gift buying!  Could it have been your hubby?  Stay tuned!

colette@marcomassaccesi.it