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The Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag

I discovered a package from Net-A-Porter on my doorstep earlier last week – a Mansur Gavriel mini bucket bag. I had pre-ordered it months ago, and so long had passed that I had forgotten about the whole thing (and actually had already ordered a different bucket bag…more on that later).

When I was deciding between various Mansur Gavriel bucket bag iterations, I looked up reviews online, but saw very few for this “mini” size, out this year. I hope this review helps some of you who are considering this bag.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Review 1

I had read that Mansur Gavriel leather was stiffer, being “natural vegetable tanned leather”, but when I got mine in the mail I was still surprised by how stiff it was. I know that you’re supposed to “break in” the leather, but it stiffness still surprised me. It felt a little bit “forced” to tie up the bag with its drawstring, although the leather gave way nicely and looked fine.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Review

A peek at the beautiful red interior, which of course is a hallmark of Mansur Gavriel bags. I love the idea of contrasting interiors, kind of like Hermes except you don’t get to pick the color and the price point is nearly 20X less.

Just a point that the inside actually isn’t lined – it’s just raw leather that’s been treated with some type of paint. The red treatment was done very nicely however, and felt very smooth. I can imagine that if you spilled something inside, you could just wipe it clean easily with a damp cloth.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Review 3

A quick look at what fits inside. Even though the bag is called a “mini” bucket, I didn’t find it very miniature at all. I’d definitely compare it more to a standard size handbag. You could also easily add a water bottle.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket What Fits Inside

My little notebook is from Moleskine, the wallet is Hermes (turquoise from years ago), and my sunglasses are from Barton Perreira.

And, some photos of the bag on. First as a shoulder bag (I had the strap set on almost the shortest length here). I’d imagine the bag would work for a variety of heights as a shoulder.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket

And then how I’d most likely be wearing the bag, as a crossbody. I lengthened the strap here to almost its longest point, so I can see this maybe being too short to wear crossbody style for tall ladies.

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Crossbody

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Crossbody More

I had some requests for outfit identification. My shoes are older season Saint Laurent (I love, love these Louboutin blush versions though), but my dress is still available for $18 right now at Old Navy!

Overall? I think that the mini bucket is a great bag option for anybody looking for a classic and versatile black bag for under $500. Some thoughts:

Pros:

The bag is super light weight, perfect for when you’re running around all day. It has an adjustable strap to wear multiple ways, looks great, and I love the surprise of the red lining. It’s a great price point at under $500, especially when you’re looking at what designer bags are going for these days!

Cons:

The bag isn’t very secure – even cinched at its tightest, you can still slip a hand in, which you should keep in mind if you’re planning on using this as a tourist bag in pickpocket areas, or if you’re worried about stuff falling out. Also, the smaller mini size is only $30 less than the large bucket size – why doesn’t it come with a pouch, too?

This bag is still hard to find, but I’d recommend stalking these links accordingly.

Large (original) size bucket bag – more stock coming soon, so add to your wishlist

Mini bucket bag (the one I reviewed above) – more stock coming soon, so add to your wishlist.

Mansur at Bergdorf Goodman – they update inventory real time, so pop back frequently! Sometimes there are nice surprises and they also have an array of colors, sizes, and styles.

37 Comments

  • Reply
    Groupthink7
    October 13, 2014 at 8:20 am

    I have this bag in large. I received it two weeks ago. I got a lot of compliments on it. I wear mine as a crossbody. Barneys carry this line; however you may need to stalk the website to see if they haven’t sold out yet.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2014 at 9:45 am

      Is the large still light as cross-body? I am envious of the pouch that comes with the large!

      • Reply
        Groupthink7
        October 13, 2014 at 10:46 am

        Yes it is. Remember, in the past, I had problems with crossbody purses and this one is comfortable.

  • Reply
    AD
    October 13, 2014 at 8:42 am

    who makes your sunglasses? I love them!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2014 at 9:45 am

      Hi! They are Barton Perreira, I added a link in the post to them as I have already received a few questions on it! 🙂

  • Reply
    Emily
    October 13, 2014 at 9:26 am

    Did you end up keeping the bag? I grew up in NY so I’m too paranoid to own a bag that doesn’t fully close!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2014 at 10:18 am

      I’m still debating….yes the closure is a problem, I wonder if it would get better once the bag is “broken in”…

  • Reply
    Ammu
    October 13, 2014 at 10:22 am

    I own the original bucket bag in black/flamma and brandy raw and the size seems perfect for me. That said, I think the mini looks great on you.
    The leather is so unique – I especially love the patina on the brandy bucket – I have had it for about six months now and managed to spill a cup of tea on it a while back…horrifying at the time (thankfully most of it didn’t stain) but now I love the imprint of those few drops that I couldn’t blot out. The cammello bucket looks lovely too, with that slightly pink look, but I can’t justify owning a third one, especially since the brandy one already seems like the perfect summer bag.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2014 at 3:50 pm

      I LOVE looking at patina’d buckets, especially in the brandy! You have a beautiful one. I think that color looks more gorgeous with age.

  • Reply
    Whitney Farris
    October 13, 2014 at 11:01 am

    I found this bag several months ago on WConcept. I looked
    everywhere for it, and as I was about to
    give up…,there it was! Mine is the large size with blue interior. I waterproofed
    the leather as it is untreated and wanted it to not spot! I love it because sometimes you want a bag that is not so noticeable.

  • Reply
    Vivian
    October 13, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    The review comes in perfect timing!! It’s sold out everywhere and hopefully I’ll be getting one soon. I think the bag looks gorgeous on you by the way.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2014 at 3:50 pm

      I hope you get yours soon!

  • Reply
    Ava Lon
    October 13, 2014 at 2:32 pm

    Dear Katherine,

    I think the bag looks beautiful on you and I am sure you’re vigilant so that the opening wouldn’t be a major problem (while one could technically slip a hand in, it would be hard to slip a hand out holding onto your wallet, correct?) A solution (albeit a pain to invest more money into any bag one spends money on) that a friend of mine did was to get a large internal pouch made in the same color that zips closed securely. A bit like how some people get those Birkin/Garden Party insert/organizers — she paid her intern to make her a custom one for her Bucket Bag, complete with internal pockets to keep her better organized. 🙂 Her reason for doing so was bc she kept tipping her bag over while driving and all the contents kept falling out. Your dress and shoes are lovely as well – gosh, are those heels easy to walk in? And…
    Oh. My. God!!! Is THAT the bracelet?! I am internally squealing for you! It’s so beautiful! 😀

    Great post!
    🙂
    Ava

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2014 at 4:02 pm

      I have the same kind of insert for my GP and I love it. It’s super useful. I have the same concern about the bucket…having to spend more money on this item whereas I could just get a bag that maybe worked for me better. So I’m still debating!!

      Get the dress, it’s under $20!! I put a link in my post to it on Old Navy. As for the bracelet, yes and you have a very very good eye my friend 🙂

  • Reply
    MG
    October 13, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    Hi There! Random question, but did you get that dress in the petite size? it looks fantastic on you and now I feel like I NEED it but can’t decide if I should go Petite or not.

    Thank you!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 13, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      Petite XS! I just checked in the bathroom stall at work for you, as I’m actually wearing this dress today, LOL.

      • Reply
        MG
        October 14, 2014 at 11:18 am

        Thank you!! 🙂

      • Reply
        MG
        October 14, 2014 at 11:19 am

        Yessssss…Thank you!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Whitney Farris
    October 13, 2014 at 6:04 pm

    Katherine,
    Is that bracelet a verdura by chance?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 14, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      Hi, yes good eye 🙂

      • Reply
        Lana
        November 29, 2015 at 7:21 pm

        If you still have the Verdura bracelet can you please do a post on it? It’s a holy grail piece for me and I’d love to see an in depth post about it since it’s such an investment.

        • Reply
          Katherine
          November 30, 2015 at 10:05 pm

          Hi Lana, have you tried it on in person? It’s probably the best way to see if it works for you or not.. 🙂

  • Reply
    Mila
    October 13, 2014 at 6:29 pm

    Cute outfit! Love Love Love!!!

  • Reply
    Mod
    October 13, 2014 at 9:14 pm

    I love that you’re rocking an $18 Old Navy dress, with YSL heels nonetheless. Do you often wear your tall heels out during the day? I used to be a crazy shoe person (and it still comes out in a mean streak every once in a while) but have such a hard time wearing platformed 5+ inch heels during the day no matter how not “Vegas” they look.

    I’m actually asking because I’m anxiously waiting for the delivery of a pair of Alaia off white/beige chunky heels I’ve stalked for 4 years (first seen on Eva Chen- I love seeing her IG pictures) and as excited I am, I’m not sure when I would wear them!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 14, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      I don’t but I’m trying to wear my high heels more. It’s a waste and I feel that I’m just getting older and even more grouchy, so I might as well try and wear them now…lol!

  • Reply
    Tabitha
    October 14, 2014 at 7:02 am

    Paint, how odd. I have loved the look of this bag but the stiffness of the leather puts me off, I like that shape to be very soft but it looks wonderful on you.

  • Reply
    Riquita604
    October 14, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    Hi Katherine!

    Congratulations on your Mansur Gavriel bucket bag, and that bracelet (Verdura?)! I am 5 feet tall, and I have the original bucket bag size in black/flamma. I was on the wait list for Bergdorf Goodman since March with the estimate shipping date of August. After several e-mails asking if I would get my bag in August, they couldn’t promise me that it would get shipped on time. I inquired about it on Net-a-Porter.com, and they actually found it through their Hong Kong site. I had to go through a little work with making sure my credit card was cleared (oh, security!), and paying the duties. When I finally got it, I was so happy! It’s beautiful, unique, and subtle. I agree with the fact that the leather is a little stiff, but in the Purse forum in Purseblog.com, it has been said that it should soften a little. The mini bucket looks great on you!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 14, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      Thanks so much! I’m so glad that you got your bag, enjoy and please share if it does soften over time!

  • Reply
    S
    November 5, 2014 at 5:07 pm

    Hi Katherine, your analysis is fantastic! I am considering this bag, especially after I saw it on your blog, but first I wanted to ask if you kept it as you didn’t seem sure if it totally worked for you? Thank you.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      November 5, 2014 at 6:46 pm

      I gave this particular one to a friend who had been waiting…I ended up trying out another YSL bucket. But it is a great bag 🙂

      • Reply
        S
        November 5, 2014 at 7:02 pm

        Thank you for a very prompt reply. I will now look at both bags to compare!!! Have a great day.

  • Reply
    Leanne
    December 6, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    Hello, thank you for doing a review on this mini bucket bag! I was just wondering how tall you are? I am debating between the different sizes available and would like to wear it cross body.

    Thanks!!

  • Reply
    Sharon
    December 8, 2014 at 10:05 pm

    Hello!

    Have the same qusetion as Leanne, wondering how tall you are! The mini looks just right on you!

    Thanks.

  • Reply
    Nikki
    January 15, 2015 at 7:06 am

    I’ve been crushing on that bag for a while now. I think when I can finally break free from having to carry so much stuff with me, that will be the next bag I purchase. I love small drawstring bags — they always look so chic with jeans and blazers.

  • Reply
    Tina
    August 11, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    Good idea to wear it cross body! It’s a bit bulky and keeps slipping off if just on one shoulder
    http://www.guiltlessfashion.com also has them for sale now, and they’re giving a bucket bag away for free too

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