Polène is a French handbag brand that has recently popped up in the market with classic-looking high-quality leather bags. Founded in 2016 and opening its first US store in 2022, Polène creates gorgeous and unique designs made from Italian and Spanish leather. This French design house’s creations are produced in Spain. I fell in love with the unique design of the Numèro Neuf the first time I saw it on Instagram. I decided to buy it, but wanted to see it in person beforehand. Polène only sells online and in very few boutiques in the US and worldwide. I got lucky and ended up having extra time on a work trip to NYC, where I could pop into the SoHo store before my flight home. I’ve had my Polène Numèro Neuf for over a year and a half now, continue reading for my full review!
In 2024 LVMH invested in Polène, so many of us are waiting anxiously to see if and how that influences the brand, where they sell, and production practices. One of the things I love about the brand is that they are a bit more exclusive and not seen and copied over and over again a là Louis Vuitton.
Polène Bag Review: Numèro Neuf
The Numèro Neuf caught my eye because I love the ease of a slouchy satchel and the look of a classy structured bag, and this one seemed to have the best of both worlds. There were several sizes and many colors to choose from, which is why I wanted to see them in person before buying. This design described on the website says it ‘strikes the right balance between flexibility and hold’, which is exactly what I wanted. I have the Edition Textured Cognac color. These bags also come in mini versions and now, new textures and materials like sherpa. I’ve had my eye on the light purple mini for a while!
All Polène bags are chic and hand-crafted with quality materials. While designs differ, they all share the structured but flexible style and unique but classic design.
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Polène Numèro Neuf Review
I absolutely love my Numèro Neuf bag. It is perfect for an everyday bag to grab and go in the winter. It holds a ton of items and has a shoulder strap for easy carrying. I also love the magnetic closure so the bag doesn’t sit open constantly. I grab this one when I want a pretty but durable style that holds more than my mini bags.
Design
I have already shared how much I love the design due to the flexibility and structure of the style. It is gorgeous and unique, and I love seeing them out in the wild. They are so classy and are spacious enough to hold your belongings. Polène touts minimal design with added detail.
Size
I have the standard size and found it to hold a ton. I don’t carry much with me regularly, but this bag holds my phone, wallet, hand sanitizer, a few lipsticks and glosses, cosmetic bag, tissues, and there is so much more room! Due to the opening, it couldn’t hold a tablet or laptop, so do not mistake it for a work bag or tote, but it is a great option for someone who carries their life with them in their bag as well as someone like me, who is more minimal when out and about.
Quality
The quality of the classic bags is top-tier. They are made from Italian and Spanish leather from certified tanneries, and produced in a small town in Spain known for leather goods production.
Material
Leathers used in Polène bags are “ISO 9001- certified leathers, the quality of which is checked multiple times by the tanneries and the brand’s craftsmen before the patterns are cut and again at the end of the manufacturing process,” (Polène). The certified Spanish or Italian full grain leathers used are sources from the food industry to reduce waste, and embossed to create the full grain textured calf leather.
The hardware on Polène bags is gold-plated stainless steel, made using physical vapor deposition, PVD plating. This is a commonly used plating method used in watchmaking ensuring no fading, oxidation, or flaking over time (Polène).
Environmental Impact
Due to the leathers coming from the food industry, it reduces waste that can be harmful to the environment. Polène is committed to following relevant environmental practices, and therefore only sources threads and leathers from tanneries and manufacturers known for their practices and following some of the strictest regulations in the world. They are also committed to using leather cutoffs as much as possible, either creating smaller leather goods and accessories or giving to artisans to use real leather for practice and training.
The PVD plating process, Polène uses for their hardware does not use any chemical baths or additives, meaning it does not create any waste that is harmful to the environment.
Color Range
Polène Numèro Neuf bags come in a ton of colors. Starting with the classics, of white, black, and several shades or brown, there are also shades of purples and pinks from wisteria to cherry.
Price
Pricing for the Numèro Neuf standard size is currently $610, and the mini is $540. different textures and materials are in the $500-900 range based on material and size. As Polène becomes more popular their prices are increasing. I imagine with the LVMH investment this will only continue to follow the trend of increasing prices. When I got my bag in late 2023, the standard size was $500.
Versatility
Due to many of the features I’ve already mentioned, the Polène Numèro Neuf bag is super versatile. I use it day in and day out throughout the year. I mainly use it as a day bag, but would consider taking the mini out at night!
Care
Care for the Polène Numèro Neuf is relatively simple and follows most general leather bag care practices. Polène specifically mentions to not overfill the bag to maintain the shape and leather quality. You should also always store in the dust bag to protect it from the elements and, of course, dust. While bags typically come in a dustbag and cardboard box, it is typically NOT recommended to keep your leather bags in their original boxes due to the boxes retaining moisture leading to possible mold and mildew.
Related: How to Store Leather Bags
Where To Buy Polène Numèro Neuf Bag
New Polène bags are only sold online and in their boutique stores for now. In the US there is only one store in SOHO New York City.
You may also be able to find some bags on resale sites.
Polène truly strikes that rare balance of elegance and craftsmanship—your review of the Numèro Neuf makes me want to run to SoHo myself! It’s refreshing to see a luxury brand that values both sustainability and subtle exclusivity.
Love how thoroughly you’ve broken down every aspect of the Numèro Neuf—this is hands-down one of the most useful and thoughtful Polène reviews I’ve come across!
Your passion for the design and commitment to sustainability really shines through—makes me want to pop into the SoHo store myself next time I’m in NYC!