My New Bespoke NiQUA Satchel

I don't know how or why, but one of my favorite things to do is hunting for nice bags to buy. I have my "episodes" about 3-4 times a year. It would take months before I would settle for the one (at least, for now).

I would never buy the branded ones for myself, even if someone else offered to pay. I'd probably give in to purchasing a designer bag if it was seriously discounted and as long as it's not fake (but hugely discounted bags will most likely be fake). I might just buy one when I go to France/UK... maybe.

I have learned my lesson though. I will no longer buy second-hand, synthetic leather, the bags on eBay, the bags in night markets and tiangge. Why?

1. Speaking from experience, they've fallen apart too quickly. The synthetic leather peeled after a month of use. I carry a lot of things in my bag so the handles got ripped and the inside pockets got ripped too. There was one other bag where I took it out for the first time, and the buckle fell off and got lost. Now, the bag won't close.
2. I'm not that familiar with designer bags, so I ended up buying a knock-off that I didn't know was a knock-off. Feeling proud of myself, I sent a photo to my sister. She replied "That's a fake Balenciaga". Hassle!
3. I know most of the manufacturers of these bags are not located in the Philippines and they're probably made in factories that pay their workers peanuts. I read a lot of articles about how fake goods help fund terrorist activities - but I'm not sure if this is just some B.S. spun by the likes of luxury companies to discourage people from buying knock-offs.

When I look for a bag, it should be practical and classy. It should be in a neutral color, that would go with all my outfits. It should be something I can use for everyday (work/casual). It should be durable, because I don't want to pay for something that will fall apart after a month of daily use. It shouldn't be heavy because I lug around so many things, or else I'll have back pain. I like backpacks because the weight is evenly distributed across both sides, but most backpacks makes me look like I'm going to school. I don't like bags with short-handles because I can only carry them up to my forearm. I know, dami kong kaartehan.

I said before I want to avoid buying real leather for animal right's purposes, but since I love eating steak, it would seem hypocritical of me to avoid cow leather. The synthetic leather bags/shoes peeled after a while. I'm hoping this won't happen to real leather.

So lo' and behold! After months of searching and obsessing, my friend recommended Ni QUA (www.ni-qua.com). It's a Filipino-brand of leather goods and their style, they say, is called "Easy Chic". They have a section on Bespoke bags where you can choose the colors. It's not cheap, yet not overpriced either. Check the prices on their website.

Last Monday, I sent in my order. I had a hard time choosing between their Miggoy and their Cartelle. I needed the practicality of the Miggoy Document Satchel (for work) but the style of the Cartelle, so I asked to add the Cartelle twist lock into the Miggoy (not only for the style, but also for added security). I made an illustration of how I wanted it to look like. Thankfully, they allowed it! I paid for my bag the following day.

Fast forward... it arrives!

I loved it!!! :) :) :) The leather is thick but since there's no lining, it wasn't heavy. There's no waxing at the edges. The shape stays upright so the things inside my bag don't easily tumble around.

 

At first, the 2 straps at the sides were difficult to put in when it was empty, but then it got easier to put in when there were already things inside. Plus, a few times of practice made the leather a bit softer, which made it cooperate better.

Then I carry it around though, my hands keep trying to grab a handle that doesn't exist. I do that when I feel that the shoulder straps are about to slide off. Maybe I should have asked for a handle.

I accidentally scratched it when I was trying to close the bag, but it's no biggie, because I'm also looking forward to how it will be when it transforms into the "weathered/distressed" leather-look.

Overall, I'm happy with it. Although I don't know yet how long this will last, because it's only been used for a day. I'll come back to this post and make an update maybe after 2 to 3 months of use.