aahhh, the infamous, the one and only PS1. i wishlisted this bag a year ago, then waffled, read mixed reviews from fellow bloggers and Purse Forum, then took it off my list. but after selling off a number of closet items (including several bags) recently, i happened to pass by the store one day, and decided to check out the suede version.
it was a revelation. so i bought it as an early Christmas gift.
in terms of suede vs. leather, i find the differences quite significant. the tobacco suede suits the PS1 perfectly – it's a rich neutral color that showcases the details in just the right way. i've generally stayed away from suede bags, as they've always seemed synonymous with 'fragile / high maintenance'. ironically, the leather versions seem to be more delicate in this case. the suede on my PS1 feels thick, hardy and quite substantial, and has kept its shape even as it has started to break in. in contrast, i've seen quite a few leather PS1s that have become quite 'floppy' and take on an almost-crescent shape when worn. one isn't necessarily better than the other, it just depends on how you like your bags to look as they age.
care-wise, it's actually pretty low maintenance. as with my suede Marant boots, i sprayed the bag with two coats of Collonil before wearing, and use a suede block and brush (works like a Mr Clean Magic Eraser for suede / nubuck - brilliant!) to gently recondition the nap and get out any scuffs from time to time. the color has warmed a bit and the suede has taken on a lovely, velvety texture. i was caught in the rain the other day without an umbrella, and the water droplets just beaded up and dried without leaving any marks.
something i've noticed after several rounds of wardrobe editing over the last few years: all my favorite bags at this point have at least two carry options, and a longer shoulder / crossbody strap. i carry the PS1 by the top handle quite often, too. i've taken it on a few weekend trips already, and it's held up nicely through the wear and tear of travel. i'm looking forward to letting it take on more character as it ages!
if you're considering the PS1, hope this review has been helpful.
what do you think? do you have a PS1?
The bag looks great! While I have no regrets about selling my older PS1 (black lambskin, chipping enamel hardware), I've often thought about picking up a navy one. I think the gold-tone hardware is a bit more enduring. I also think tobacco is one of the best PS1 colors out there, so you made an excellent choice!
ReplyDeletethanks Amanda! are you considering a navy in the leather or suede? i agree about the gold hardware - it's got a slightly vintage finish so it's not blingy, but complements well the bag design and textures...
DeleteInitially I was considering the navy in leather but I just got the SC PM and I spotted a gorgeous Smoke 2012 on Ebay. I may do that instead... not sure if it's overkill in the bag department.
Deleteooohh!! let's see a post on that soon - i think it's always good to have some options so you can rotate evenly between beloved splurgey items :D
DeleteI love this! Thanks for reviewing. I've always wondered if the PS1 is worth the hype, so this was helpful. I think your tobacco suede is just lovely.
ReplyDeletei think you just have to choose wisely (ie: a lighter color leather wouldn't stand up to wear/tear as well). i still think the PS1 is the best of their entire line-up.
Deletethe PS1 looks wonderful. great choice!
ReplyDeleteThe bag is gorgeous! I had been ogling the PS1 ever since it came out until I heard about the discoloration problem on another blogger's leather PS1 (maybe this only happened with a certain color?). I agree on the convenience of bags with multiple carry options. They come in very handy when I'm lugging around during grocery shopping etc.
ReplyDeleteLove the bag and it looks so fantastic on you!
indeed! what color/leather type did the blogger have?
DeleteI believe it was the leather version in moss from SS10.
Deleteah, that reminds me of some of the color change issues on the bright/light colored balenciaga citys. i think choosing a medium/darker neutral is always a better bet when it comes to handbags, much more forgiving.
DeleteJust wanted to chime in and say that PS has updated the tanning method, so the colors that used to discolor e.g. smoke, moss, military etc. apparently no longer does that. They've also seemed to taken complaints into account and made a more robust PS1!
DeleteYou have so many covetable bags! Which one do you find you use the most?
ReplyDeletei'd say it's a tie between the SC and the PS1 these days! though i try to rotate periodically. last year while i was abroad, i only had my old balenciaga city and used it nearly every day.
DeleteGorgeous! I suspect it would take me no time to ruin light-coloured suede though! That said, I am having a very easy time managing my navy nubuck Clare Vivier messenger.
ReplyDeletethanks Ammu :) i would say the tobacco suede is quite a darker medium shade and easy to use. glad you're getting so much use from your CV!
DeleteI've been coveting one of these for years. I've resisted so far. I'm not sure I can keep it up, especially with Christmas on its way, and the impetus of your review:).
ReplyDeleteoh! if you do get one, do a post for sure and let me know! :D
DeleteThis is such a lovely bag! Congratulations! I agree with Amanda that the tobacco suede is one of the best PS1 colors.
ReplyDeleteGreat bag and review! I got the same one recently and was very impressed with the craftsmanship.
ReplyDeletehaha - great minds :) i want to see photos of yours!
DeleteSometimes it really pays to sit and think on it for a while. I remember when I decided I wanted a PS11, I spent a good 2 months searching out something that was less expensive as I thought it was a lot of money to spend on a bag. Now, I don't regret it at all, quite possibly one of my favourite purchases, as materialistic as that sounds.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that it has worn pretty well - my friend has the nude leather PS1 and I can see it becoming very crescent like as she has it over time, as the leather is super soft and supple. Looks like it has worked out for you in the end, and I have to say, the bag definitely suits you!
thanks jamie-lee! i've worn it out a ton and have forgotten that it is a 'splurgey' item, which is a good sign i think :) feels like i've already had it for years!
DeleteCongrats on the new bag- it's gorgeous and yet perfectly understated! The tobacco suede is such a rich/medium shade. Frankly it's the only color I would consider. The pictures just don't do it justice. You know what a big fan of PS I am. Those are my boys! Have been wearing their RTW items since the first collection:)
ReplyDeleteLove this bag. Have been debating my first expensive designed bag as a gift to myself for graduating medical school this May. I'm torn between the PS1 (suede tobacco) and the Chloe paraty satchel (in cashmere grey or rock). I'm worried the strap on the Chloe is actually too short to be cross body but I do love the shape. Your review here is really helpful. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteLove this bag. Have been debating my first expensive designed bag as a gift to myself for graduating medical school this May. I'm torn between the PS1 (suede tobacco) and the Chloe paraty satchel (in cashmere grey or rock). I'm worried the strap on the Chloe is actually too short to be cross body but I do love the shape. Your review here is really helpful. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteooh congrats on your milestone! i don't have any Chloe bags, but i really love the vintage/tomboy design of the PS1. unless you're really tall, the adjustable strap on the PS1 works fine for shoulder/crossbody. let me know if you get it! :)
DeleteThanks for your quick reply and the congrats! Will definitely check in if/when I decide!
DeleteI see that it's been almost two years since you purchased this bag. How has it held up since you first bought it? Has it retained it's shape or is it slouchy/crescent-shaped? Any regrets??
ReplyDeleteI've been lusting after this bag for awhile and keep thinking about it.love the tobacco suede!!!
I'd get either the tobacco suede or the saddle. Thanks!