Burberry: Structured Rouched

I've been sitting on the sidelines silently rooting for Burberry to make their big comeback. After all, there's something about Burberry that's so core to the preservation of being English. I always imagined myself (in Burberry) sipping tea with my pinkie up while being highly satirical in an old world accent. To own a piece of Burberry used to translate to owning a piece of the past and that little bit of English sass. And, although they're not quite there, the fashion house has been making progress towards restoring their brand and business.

With that said, I still can't help but gripe about their recent collection of handbags. Being a bag fiend (and on a mission for a new tote), I've scoured and scrutinized all the current collections asking, "Are -you- my next bag?". And Burberry came pretty close. Their new line of bags seemed low-key and versatile, with a casual personality, enough room to be street-ready, modern dark metal buckles and functional tote-to-shoulder-bag-to-messenger convertibility.

Below is a gorgeously shot ad from Burberry on its new line of bags

(this style comes in many different variations: check and non-check).

Also some nice variations of the same shape:

Medium Brit Quilted Leather Hobo Bag
$1095 (relatively well priced for an all-leather bag)

Cotton Canvas Lowry Bag
$1395 (semi pricey for a non-all-leather handbag)

When I visited these handbags in person, however, I was disappointed to discover that the handles of these bags were stiff - like metal-hanger stiff. The bags themselves were also stiff. This entire translation felt contradictory and uncomfortable. How could anything be "structured rouched"? Isn't this an oxymoron? I think this may be the dealbreaker for me.

What do you think?

Burberry Packable Totes

Wow, this will be my second post on Burberry this Spring.

This morning, my bestfriend sent me these links to Burberry's Packable Tonal Check Nylon Totes. Given Coach's huge success of as a mid-tier luxury brand, many high-end luxury brands have been quick to put out mid-priced handbags to help gain market share in this consumer segment. Louis Vuitton introduced us to their Neverfull collection last year and this morning. And this morning, I discovered Burberry has put out these nylon utility bags starting at $195.

Never a fan of the high price tag of Prada's signature nylons, these bags are an economical designer substitute for anyone looking for the functionally and durability of nylon bags.

Comes in different colors.

To help make this deal even better, Bloomingdales Family & Friends 20% code applies on all Burberry products. Can't get better than that!

Lastly, if you're using a nylon bag, chances are you're not heading out to a black-tie event.  Another economical designer option (Dooney & Bourke) for everyday use-and-abuse.  Starts at $40.85.

Burberry in Spain

Burberry announced that it will be closing their operations in Spain today.

Beginning 1965, Burberry Spain became a separate business that sold exclusive collections to the Spanish retail market at wholesale. In 2000, the company integrated the Spanish operation under its group label, but announced today that it will be restructuring their troubled Spanish operations by shutting it down altogether. The company will now supply Spain with the European collection from London instead of collections produced in Spain. This translates to about 300 Spanish job losses.

From the Burberry Spanish Site

I've always loved Burberry's attempt at being reminiscent of old English etiquette and culture. However, in recent years, Burberry has continued to experience trouble with maintaining its brand image. A case study from my academic years outlined issues with the brand becoming too widespread (and therefore not "exclusive" enough for a luxury brand) and in particular referenced its downfall as being "too popular with the wrong demographic".  Wikipedia mentions, "the brand became popular with the British football casual cult, leading to it to being associated with chavs, hooligans and members of football firms".  I recall anecdotes from the article discussing young club goers being refused admission solely based on their "luxurious" attire (usually the Burberry checkered hat or Prada sneakers -a brand also discussed in the article) out of fear that they may be gang-bangers and troublemakers. 

From Burberry Blue, Japan

In Japan, the company has a successful branch of Burberry Blue Label, which caters to the fashion forward Japanese demographic much more than its core English-tea-time collection.  Burberry also launched Burberry Prorsum in attempt to rescue their sinking brand image and re-establish its exclusivity as a luxury fashion house.  But.. has it worked?  

I personally love Emma Watson as the new face of Burberry.  She is stunning and radiates elegance and class (but perhaps I'm biased since I'm a wizard fan).  Picking the right spokesperson is a step in the right direction, but is it enough? 
What do you think of when you think of Burberry?