Polene Paris Review
Polene is a relatively new brand to the handbag market, but they have taken it by storm. Starting in 2016, they really hit their stride during the pandemic due to social media.
Their bags are easily identifiable by their fun silhouettes, and quality leather. The bag that put them on the map, the Numero Neuf, has such a playful shape, and it attracted people to look at their other bags, which all are so unique.
I have 2 Polene bags - both bought in Paris. They have 3 stores: Paris, New York, and Tokyo. If you have the opportunity to buy in Paris, I would. The prices are lower and you get the VAT refund; however, I had a better shopping experience at the store in New York City.
The store has had hour-long lines both times I’ve visited, and once you’re inside, you wait in another line to pick your bag, then another line to check-out. I wish they had more staff to assist with customers inside so it wasn’t such a long ordeal and multiple lines as it really does detract from the overall experience of buying one of their beautiful bags.
Last time I visited, we waited in line for an hour and a half outside in the rain. About 45-minutes into the wait, a sales person came out with an iPad to ask what everyone wanted to make sure they had it in stock. They have been very low on their stock both visits, but thankfully had the bags I’ve wanted on both visits.
Numero Sept
The first Polene bag I bought was a green lizard mini Numero Sept. Non-exotic leathers run €360, which when I went the Euro and USD were the same. My exotic leather Numero Sept was around €425, which is a great price for an exotic leather. I also got 12% back from the VAT Refund, which turns out to $51 back.
I love a structured bag, so this bag was great for me. It is a great evening bag size, and comes with the top handle and a gold chain crossbody. I usually bring this bag on trips, especially for dinners, and I have definitely gotten my cost-per-wear out of it.
It is very small, and will not fit an iPhone Pro Max, but I can fit my phone (an iPhone 13 Pro), card holder, a few lipsticks, and my keys. It’s great to keep my items down on a night out.
I’ve used this bag a TON and it has kept its shape and structure and I do find myself continuing to reach for this bag. They no longer offer the lizard leather option, so I’m so glad I got it when I did because I feel like it makes it so unique.
Numero Dix
I bought my second Polene bag, the Numero Dix, on my 2023 trip to Paris. I was looking for a nice black crossbody, and was originally planning on buying the Celine Classique Triomphe, but decided against it once I got to Paris. I ended up getting the Numero Dix to get my fix.
I got the black smooth calf with white contrast stitching, which I love. It cost €380, but I got 12% back, which is $45 back. The bag is pretty structured, like the Sept, but it is a crescent moon shape, so it is great for crossbody or a shoulder bag.
Also like the Sept, it does not fit much, but it seems more disappointing in this bag. I was expecting to fit much more in this bag, but was frustrated to find it fits the same amount as the Sept but looks much bigger. I also bought the Celine Boston bag on this trip, which is smaller, but fits considerably more inside it.
I also suspect the zipper will create a divot in the leather at some point from having to stretch it open a bit to get to your items inside. Even with these “cons,” it is a great bag. I do still reach for it when I want a black crossbody or shoulder bag, and for the price point and quality, I feel it can’t be beat.
Overall, the Polene brand is great. We’re already seeing price hikes since I bought my bag in November 2022, but even with the price increases, they’re still an incredible quality for the price. You won’t find any bags similar to these shapes on the market, so I recommend buying one if you are interested.