Jacquemus has been one of the most popular brands in recent years. Their infamous ‘Le Chiquito’ bag is becoming as famous and recognizable as the Balenciaga ‘City’, Louis Vuitton ‘Speedy’, or the Mulberry ‘Lily’ bag.
If you’re looking to add a modern icon to your closet, a Jacquemus bag is one option you should consider.
French fashion designer Simon Porte Jacquemus, the founder of the Jacquemus fashion label, pictured with Bella Hadid outside the Jacquemus store in Paris on June 28, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)
If you’ve landed on this article, you’re probably considering investing in a Jacquemus bag. These sleek, minimalistic designs are a streetwear staple.
We can’t open our Instagram feed without seeing another celebrity or influencer showing off their latest Jacquemus haul.
Jourdan Riane totes a black Jacquemus Le Chiquito mini top-handle bag in London on September 16, 2021 (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Avalon / WENN)
We’re sharing everything you need to know about Jacquemus—from spotting fake bags to the finer details about the brand, including its materials and country of origin. This guide is your reference point for things to know before buying a Jacquemus bag.
Why Are Jacquemus Bags So Expensive? Here’s the Real Reason
Jacquemus’ infamous mini bags make it easy to be confused by their hefty price tags. Most of us assume that smaller bags are more affordable, while larger bags have a higher production cost, making them more expensive. Jacquemus proves that this theory isn’t always true.
There’s a good reason the Jacquemus mini bags are so expensive—and it’s not just to boost their profile. Every new bag or small leather good (SLG) is made using a new piece of leather, thus increasing the production cost of the bag.
The Jacquemus Le Carinu shoulder bag (L) retails for $900, and the Jacquemus mini Le Pitchou circular bag is priced at $195
While the allure of the now-famous ‘Jacquemus’ name makes up most of the price tag, it’s easier to understand why these bags are so expensive when you consider the materials used.
What Materials Are Jacquemus Bags Made From?
Jacquemus primarily uses vegetable-tanned leather to craft their bags, including the iconic ‘Le Chiquito.’ This natural tanning process gives the leather a unique character, but it also makes it more susceptible to marks, scratches, and signs of wear over time.
French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus makes his popular mini bags with high-quality leather
The brand’s smooth craft leather is handcrafted by artisans, creating the synonymous structured shape of the cult-famous bags.
You should consider that Jacquemus bags are made by hand by skilled artisans using high-quality leather. If a pre-loved bag doesn’t look like it fits this bill, it’s likely a counterfeit.
How to Spot a Fake Jacquemus Bag: 6 Key Details to Check
Like every luxury brand, Jacquemus is a victim of counterfeit products. Given the popularity of their ‘Le Chiquito’ bag, it’s no surprise that Jacquemus is becoming one of the most popular bags counterfeited by scam artists.
If you’re considering purchasing a Jacquemus bag from the pre-loved market, you want to educate yourself on how to spot a fake. The images below are authentic bags you can buy at Farfetch, Nordstrom, and Jacquemus.
In the age of ‘super fake’ and so-called ‘1:1’ bags, it’s becoming more difficult to spot a fake vs. real Jacquemus bag without seeing it in person.
To authenticate a Jacquemus bag, start by checking the quality of the material the bag is made from
We’re rounding up some tell-tale signs to look for when authenticating a Jacquemus bag.
The bag’s shape should be structured with sharp edges and a perfectly straight flap. Jacquemus bags are made by hand, so they shouldn’t be loose or uneven.
Examine the stitching on the handle of the ‘Le Chiquito’ bag. The handle attachment is noticeably oversized, but the stitching is the main detail to inspect. It should be flawless and uniform. If you notice any uneven or messy stitching, it’s a clear red flag.
The gold hardware is one of the most recognizable features of a Jacquemus bag. It should be wide and vibrant. If it looks pale or too round, it’s another warning sign.
Uneven, slanted, or back-and-forth stitching is a sign of a fake Jacquemus bag
Another area that you want to pay close attention to is the flap. The letters spelling out ‘Jacquemus’ should be big, dark, and narrow. You shouldn’t be able to see more than a minor gap between the letters, which virtually touch each other.
The letters that spell out Jacquemus should be in the brand’s signature font and give a 3D illusion.
The only way to guarantee you’re buying an authentic Jacquemus bag is to purchase one brand new from a registered stockist, such as Mytheresa and Farfetch.
If you’re purchasing pre-loved, look out for the features above and only buy from a reputable reseller with a track record of selling genuine luxury items.
Where Are Jacquemus Bags Made? Italy and Spain Details
Jacquemus bags are made in Italy and Spain using the finest quality materials, creating a luxury accessory that will last.
Although the brand was established in France, most of its production occurs in Italy and Spain. You should expect high-quality finishes synonymous with a ‘made in Italy’ or ‘made in Spain’ label.
Why Are Jacquemus Bags So Popular? Uncover the Appeal
Jacquemus is so popular because it was the right brand in the right place and time. Their ‘Le Chiquito’ bag became popular as the mini bag craze started. Their brand began to explode on the streetwear scene as fashion shifted towards a more minimalistic aesthetic.
The brand is also famous for a number of viral videos featuring its mini bags. In 2019, a hilarious video of Lizzo with a Jacquemus “Le Chiquito” mini bag traveled the Internet.
It shows her tiny lilac purse containing much more than you’d think possible, including a pencil, a lost television remote, potato chips, a bottle of red wine, a green lace dress, and her friend Shelby Swain’s black wig.
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Since first gaining popularity in 2018, Jacquemus bags have continued to become more popular amongst fashion influences and celebrities. The bags are the perfect alternative to logo-heavy designs and fit the needs and wants of the digital nomad lifestyle of millennials and Gen Z.
With this guide, you’ll know everything about Jacquemus before hitting ‘add to cart’ on your own Jacquemus bag.
Remember, if you’re shopping in the pre-loved market, look at every bag as though it’s fake. With Jacquemus’s ever-rising popularity, more super fakes are expected to hit the market.
If you can find an authentic bag or buy one new from the store, a Jacquemus bag is a perfect addition to any handbag collection.
Your Next Shoes offers various articles that delve into different aspects of the brand. For instance, you can read about Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s chic ensemble, which featured a zebra-print skirt at the Jacquemus 2024 Cruise Fashion Show.
Our coverage also includes celebrity sightings, such as Julia Roberts and Jack Harlow’s interaction at the Jacquemus ‘Les Sculptures’ Fashion Show and David and Victoria Beckham’s coordinated neutrals while attending a Jacquemus show. These articles provide a comprehensive look into Jacquemus’s influence in the fashion world and its appeal among celebrities.