If you’ve been following me on social media, you’d know my love for designer leather goods, especially the bags and the shoes. Style-wise, besides The Row, Khaite, and Toteme, Lemaire is the brand that I pull inspiration from the most in recent years.
about Lemaire
Lemaire was founded by the French designer Christophe Lemaire in 1990. Christophe became a creative director at Lacoste and Hermès, and in 2014, he decided to return his full attention to his own line, this time co-designing with his design and life partner Sarah Linh Tran.
In 2019, Lemaire started their collaboration with Uniqlo and launched Uniqlo U—a line of affordable, yet signature Lemaire silhouettes. And I can’t wait for Lemaire x exclusive SSENSE Capsule Collection, read more here!
Lemaire design aesthetic exudes luxury without being loud and excessive. The’re great with details, fabrics, and silhouettes. And most importantly, there’s no visible logo! I love their neutral color palettes. Their pieces are beautiful, playful, simple, elegant, and practical. Additionally, mostly, everything is unisex and seasonless!
LEMAIRE Khaki Small Croissant Bag
-
Material: Nappa Lambskin, textile (cotton canvas lining in beige)
-
Made in Spain
-
Color: Dark Olive/Khaki
-
Silver-tone hardware
-
H7 x W15 x D2 in
The small sized croissant bag holds just enough daily essentials if I’m in the city for the day – phone, charger, headphones, keys, lipstick, powder compact, and a folded reusable shopping bag.
I’m 5ft5, and the bag strap rests comfortably on the side of my hip bone. Even though the strap is NOT adjustable, I think they nail it with the fixed length. It works with summer layers and fall/winter layers, worn over heavy knits and wool jackets/coats. Plus it’s such a lightweight bag, so comfortable, and the thick trap doesn’t dig in my shoulder at all.
Design details such as the padded pull tab (their signature design piece, sold individually as a keychain here), the knotted detailing at both ends of the strap, and the ‘croissant’ shaped bag are some of my absolute favorite.
The leather is so soft and luxurious, and it makes me smile every time I look at it.
Lemaire Croissant bags come in:
-
3 sizes, small, medium, and large
-
3 different types of materials, soft Nappa leather, and coated cotton. Coated cotton has a crisp texture and a shiny finish, and the paper leather is lightweight with a slightly shiny finish.
If you’re after something that repels water, rain and snow proof, then I’d recommend going for the coated canvas versions. Plus they’re cheaper than leather bags – same color as mine in coated canvas here, classic black with a shiny finish.
WATCH THE BAG STYLED IN ACTION
OUTFIT
cashmere sweater: Old Celine (thrifted from Tokio 7, a consignment shop in East Village, NYC) | skirt: COS | bag: Lemaire | loafers: GUCCI | earrings: AURATE NY
Sweater alternatives:
Acne Studios wool sweater | Jenni Kayne cotton sweater | Lisa Yang cashmere sweater | Lemaire wool sweater
FINAL THOUGHTS
So I hope you’re not surprised at this point that this review is a POSITIVE one from the start!
I took advantage of the SSENSE sale and did get it from the men’s section for a slightly cheaper price.
At some points, I did wish I got the black color instead, however, I’m surprised that I’ve used mine, the dark olive/khaki color, so often. Thinking back, it’s because I wear so much black, white, and gray, so it’s like having a pop of color and making my outfits not so boring overall.
Overall, it’s a bag I’m so happy to have in my designer bag collection. The bag is so practical and perfect for a day out and about in New York City, running errands, shopping, etc. It pairs effortlessly with everything I have in my closet, and I love touching the leather. To be honest with you, it’s not the kind of bag I’m being too precious about since it’s my everyday kinda bag. Practical!
Lastly, I adore Lemaire as one of the brands that stay true to themselves and do their own things, regardless of trends and the fast-paced environment (things going on digitally, especially social media). I cannot wait to visit their atelier in Paris and pick up a few things from there!
More outfit ideas for you…
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES:
If you’re in the market for a cross-body bag but an affordable version, I’d highly suggest this bag from COS.
It is my most worn bag of 2022.
I get compliments and questions about it all the time, and people think it’s from The Row. It’s not the exact same style but gives a very similar effect to the Lemaire croissant bag. I have the COS bag in black and the Lemaire bag in dark olive and love both of my bags. They’re both so practical and somethings I do see myself switching back and forth depending on the outfits and occasions. I’ve even worn my COS bag hiking before, hiking outfit post HERE! I wouldn’t with my Lemaire croissant as I’m sure you get the point.
Get both! 🙂
MORE BLOG POST REVIEWS:
