Brahmin handbags are a favorite among handbag connoisseurs despite being a relatively new company. The Brahmin company was established in 1982 by Joan and Bill Martin. The Martins chose the company name because the word brahmin means a person of upper class standing. The Brahmin company offers quality craftsmanship made from high quality materials. The high quality comes with a high price tag, however, as well as many low quality imitators and knockoffs that can be spotted if you know what to look for.
Open the handbag you want to purchase and find the registration card. All authentic Brahmin handbags come with a registration card. The Brahmin company offers a two year warranty. If the bag is missing its registration card, the bags authenticity should be questioned.
Find the company name or logo. Brahmin handbags have the logo or Brahmin name engraved on a brass medallion or brass hardware. This is a telling detail as knockoffs use wire or similar cheaper metal. The name or logo may also be found in the lining but not all bags have this type of lining.
Inspect the leather. All Brahmin handbags are made from fine Italian leather with aniline finish. The leather should appear to be of high quality. An aniline finish allows for the natural texture of the of the leather to show, giving each bag unique color. Less expensive leather is sanded and dyed to create a uniform color and texture.
Examine the stitching. Brahmin handbags use heavy duty nylon to ensure durability. The stitches should be an even saddle stitch. The saddle stitch takes more time to finish but guarantees longevity of the final product. Fakes will have uneven stitches and loose threads in the seams and hems.
Tip
Go online to the Brahmin website so that you can be knowledgeable on what the handbag looks like and where the logo will be on that handbag.
Warning
If the price of the bag is too good to be true, it is probably a fake. Brahmin bags run somewhere between $200 and $500. You will not be buying an original for $25.
References
Writer Bio
Maria Arnold started her writing career in 1988. She works in the Washington, D.C. bureau for NBC. She has worked on major motion pictures, magazine-format talk shows and news programs, with production experience in writing, producing, researching and unit managing. Arnold has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Maryland.