Last Updated on November 19, 2023 by Eve Dawes
Delvaux handbags if you know you know! The high end brand that sometimes goes under the radar.
Delvaux bags are the epitome of luxury and often go unnoticed. They don’t scream their name or logo but instead whisper elegance and luxury. Delvaux handbags tend to be timeless and elegant but those in the know can spot them from a mile off. Their rich heritage, pristine quality and craftsmanship is often compared to Hermès but the price of Delvaux bags is a fraction of the cost. They tend to be seen less often than a lot of other designer brands or maybe it’s just because you didn’t know you were looking at one before. So let me introduce you to the world of Delvaux handbags, the iconic Delvaux Brilliant and Delvaux Tempete in this Delvaux bag review.
This post contains affiliate links. I also have the best friends. My beautiful friend Mira asked if I wanted to borrow her bag to shoot and review, so this beautiful tote is courtesy of her.
The Oldest Fine Leather Goods House in the World
Delvaux
Delvaux Review
If you’ve been wondering who and what Delvaux is keep reading to find out more about:
- What is Delvaux
- Where is Delvaux from
- The difference between their most iconic collections: Brilliant and Tempête.
- Is Delvaux similar to Hermès | Delvaux vs Hermès
- Price of Delvaux bags.
- Is Delvaux worth it.
- Delvaux bag review.
- Where to buy Delvaux handbags
What is Delvaux
Delvaux was founded in 1829 by Charles Delvaux in Brussels, Belgium. It prides itself on not only being the oldest fine leather goods house in the world but for it’s uncompromising craftsmanship and the pristine quality of their goods.
They were originally a luggage maker and didn’t file for their first patents for handbags until 1908 but have created over 3000 handbag designs since then. Inspired by the seasonal Haute Couture collections, they were the first to introduce seasonal handbag collections.
The Delvaux ‘Brilliant’ leather handbag was created for the Brussels World Fair back in 1958 and is probably their most iconic creation. At the time it was intricate and radical. Today this classic style has stood the test of time and the large buckle (which actually buckles and isn’t a magnet) is right on trend.
Where is Delvaux from
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Delvaux is a French brand because of the name but they’re actually from Belgium. However, the bags are made in both France and Belgium.
What’s so special about Delvaux luxury bags
The main thing that sets Delvaux apart as a luxury leather goods brand is their superior construction and materials. Even the bags interiors are made from beautifully soft leather. If you’re looking for elegant, timeless bags you should definitely consider Delvaux when looking.
Because their bags are made from so many pieces, the Brilliant is made from 64, they take incredible skill to assemble. With some of their styles taking more than 8 hours to create.
One of the things I really like about Delvaux is their choice of leather. While a lot of other luxury brands use lambskin for it’s sheen and softness to the touch it’s incredibly easy to scratch.
I personally much prefer box calf, caviar leather or calfskin Saffiano as they show scratches less and help bags to hold their shape for longer. Slouchy or scratched bags don’t really do it for me.
The difference between box calfskin, caviar leather and calfskin saffiano is that while they’re all made of durable calfskin, the box calf is glossy and has a smooth appearance whereas caviar and Saffiano are more textured and are easier to wipe clean. Just be careful not to get box calf wet as it can blister.
You can also personalize your bags at Delvaux with their signature hot stamping service. Not only is it an elegant way to customize your Delvaux products but on a practical level it deters thieves. It’s harder to resell a bag that’s got your initials on it and easier to trace.
However, if you’re considering reselling it down the line, personalizing it will make it a lot harder unless you happen to stumble across a buyer with the same initials. For a less permanent option, you can always have the packaging personalized instead.
Our complimentary hot stamping service allows you to adorn your favourite Delvaux handbags and accessories with initials, a special date, or a short word…As of 2022, La Maison is pleased to extend our hot stamping service to our packaging, making for a one-of-a-kind gifting experience.
Delvaux
About the Delvaux Brilliant bag
The Delvaux Brilliant is the star of their collection and the most well known and easy to spot by it’s beautiful structure and large buckle. I love bags like these that offer both a top handle and shoulder strap for versatility. To spot a Delvaux Brilliant look for the curved shape buckle that actually spells out ‘D’ for Delvaux. It’s also making me want to get one since that’s my initial.
The Delvaux Brilliant comes in lots of sizes, colors, materials and with different embellishments. Including monochromatic, pearl or crystal embellished styles (yes, please), two-tone, metallic and more being released.
If you like a bag with more structure and that’s durable go for box calf. If you prefer a slouchier and more supple style you might prefer the Rodéo or Crispy Calf leather.
There’s a Brilliant bag and wallet size for everyone and this is the current pricing (2023):
- L’XXL Charm 3 $10,300 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″ is a slouchier, practical everyday bag.
- Large GM currently unavailable new.
- Brilliant MM $7100-8100. Dimensions 11.5″ x 5.5″ x 8.5″
- Brilliant PM $6050-7200 9.5″ x 4.5″ x 7.5″ inches” works for both day and night.
- Brilliant East/West PM $6950 has elongated dimensions 11″ x 5″ x 6.5″.
- Brilliant Mini $5800-$6300. Dimensions 8″ x 4.5″ x 6.5″ fits most cell phones.
- Charms wallet
- 2 Brilliant card holder sizes
- Card Holder $600+
Delvaux Tempete bag
The Delvaux Tempete bag was designed in 1967 inspired by sailboats trapeze shape.
The Delvaux Tempete bag is available in 4 different sizes:
- Tempête MM for a statement bag
- PM for everyday
- Small
- Pochette clutch with a metal chain to transform it into a shoulder bag.
People compare the Tempete to Hermes Kelly Sellier as they’re both luxury, similar size top handle bags with similar structured angles but that’s where the similarities end. As they’re both unique in their own ways and have very different aesthetics and price points. The Kelly feels more classic versus the edgier studded clasps on the Tempete.
There are a few other Delvaux handbag collections but these are the 2 most popular. They also offer modern collaborations and variations if you’re looking for something more fun and statement making.
What’s the difference between the Brilliant and Tempete bags
The standard editions of the Delvaux Brilliant and Tempete are both made of calf leather. The Tempete has a more sophisticated and contemporary than Brilliant as buckles tend to go in and out of style.
However, the Brilliant is more of a statement piece especially the special editions like the union jack. So which is better? The right one for you really depends on your personal style and what you’re looking for.
Personally, I prefer look of the Delvaux Tempete in grained calfskin as it’s both sleek and durable. It’s also easier to open than a buckle fastening.
Both bags, the Tempete Delvaux bag and Delvaux Brilliant can be carried 3 ways. As a top handle bag, as a shoulder bag or as crossbody bag.
Price of Delvaux Bags | How much do Delvaux handbags cost
The price of Delvaux bags varies by collection, size and material but the price range is similar to Dior and Moynat. Although as with all brands you can expect to pay more for special editions, exotic materials and leathers. Their prices range from $600 for a wallet to over $10,000 for an XXL Delvaux Brilliant handbag.
If you’re looking for an investment bag, that won’t date, the Delvaux Brilliant or Tempete bags are both classics that you can use year after year. They both comes in various sizes so that you can choose the right one to fit your lifestyle and frame.
Delvaux vs Hermès
A lot of reviews compare Delaux to Hermès, so are they similar? They are both what I’d consider quiet luxury brands that were founded in the early 19th century. Both are also famous for the structured, top handle, single flap bags that are pretty hard to get hold of but that’s about where the similarities end.
They are at very different price points and I’d still consider Hermès more exclusive. Hermès is also a French brand that was founded in Paris in 1837 VS Delvaux which is a Belgian luxury brand that was founded in 1829.
Is Delvaux better than Hermès? While both are brilliant for luxury leather handbags, it really comes down to what you can afford.
Where to buy Delvaux bags
The have lots of Delvaux boutiques located throughout the world, especially in Europe. Store locations include Belgium, France, United Kingdom (I’m going to check out their New Bond Street location when I’m there this Summer), United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Japan and many more you can find using their store locator.
If you can’t get to a boutique or find what you’re looking for online you can also shop for preloved Delvaux at Fashionphile or The Real Real which includes styles no longer available in stores. There’s also quite a few great sale deals on both of those sites.
Complete Delvaux bag review
I’ve covered everything above and more in the Delvaux bag review. Including the Brilliant VS Tempete VS Hermes as people compare the brands. As well as tips for choosing the right style and leather for you, whether to have them personalized or not and where to buy them new and pre-loved.
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If you have photos with your Delvaux bag and want me to share them on here, please feel free to tag me on your photos on Instagram so that I can add them to this Delvaux bag review.
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