This is the 8,000 euro question. Is this expensive handbag really worth the equivalent of a Twingo? The Tanner Leatherstein, specialist in the field, meticulously dismembers fashionistas’ favorite It bags, in search of the answer. Sensitive souls refrain.
Disemboweled, stabbed, burned, torn… This is the state in which luxury handbags are found after passing through the hands of the Texan Tanner Leatherstein. But this cruelty is unleashed for a good cause. In his viral TikTok videos, real name Volkan Yilmaz cuts out expensive handbags and shoes to reveal the real margin that luxury brands make with their leather goods. On his website, the man defines himself as “a lifelong servant of leather craftsmanship” before revealing his real intention. “My mission is to help people better understand and experience leather.” Tanner Leatherstein regularly appears in the middle of cutting up a vintage Chanel It bag or analyzing the composition of the latest Louboutin pumps. Prada, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Coach or even Gucci, no big name in luxury is spared.
Not always optimal value for money
Its goal ? Studying the construction, testing the durability of the leather, the quality of the tanning, even testing its coloring with acetone… But above all: evaluate the cost price in relation to the selling price. Unsurprisingly, brands almost systematically practice margins 3 to 10 times greater than those generated by production costs. One brand nevertheless has all the admiration of the specialist: the Italian house Bottega Veneta. “Their craftsmanship is extremely sophisticated. I have immense respect for them. You pay $2,500, but you get a truly special product.” he assures. But why should we trust the expertise of this individual who takes pleasure in destroying luxury items on social networks? Well, because he boasts 25 years of experience! In an interview with British media Dazed, the 36-year-old leather worker reveals he began his career after childhood. “I made my first leather jacket out of sheepskin when I was 11.”, he confides. It remains to be seen how Volkan Yilmaz became this funny character on social networks, between the fashion whistleblower and the serial bag killer. What is certain is that the It bags waiting for their turn in his workshop do not sleep all night.