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Why Is The Row Bag So Expensive? Is It Worth? Expert Guide

December 16 , 2025

Have you ever heard of such a luxury bag brand as The Row? Perhaps you have seen fashionistas carry it on the street before. The Row bags are a perfect blend of minimalism and understated luxury. With the core concept of “no Logo, high quality“, they have become a representative brand of the “quiet luxury style“.

Whether you are a career woman who pursues understated luxury or a fashionista who likes a minimalist style, The Row bags can meet the dual pursuit of quality and design. The Row bags are expensive and have a high market retention rate, making them an “affordable alternative to Hermes“.

This post will explore why The Row bags are so expensive, whether they are worth such a high price, and analyze from the perspectives of materials and craftsmanship.

 

What is The Row?

The Row is an American luxury brand founded by sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in 2006. It is renowned for its minimalist, ultra-high quality and understated luxury style. Its bags are the core products of this brand.

 

Brand history and founder’s story

The legendary story of a child star’s transformation

The Row was founded in 2006 by the Hollywood child star twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. They began starring in the TV drama “Full House” when they were only 9 months old, but they were not content with their acting achievements. Instead, they resolutely changed their career path and founded their own fashion brand.

 

The obsession with tailoring stems from personal experience

Because of their petite figures, the Olsen sisters found it very difficult to find suitable clothes in the United States. They often had to send ready-made clothes to tailors to be reduced in size before wearing them, which made them have extremely high requirements for well-fitting cuts. The brand name “The Row” is a tribute to Savile Row, a famous bespoke suit street in London, conveying the brand concept of “putting tailoring at the center”.

 

Start with a perfect T-shirt

The starting point of The Row was a “perfect” white T-shirt priced at 195 US dollars. It had no logo and no unique design visible to the naked eye. However, due to its exquisite cut, it was like haute couture, allowing people of different body types to show their most beautiful figures and achieved great success. This extreme pursuit of basic items laid the foundation for the brand’s subsequent development.

 

Brand and bag features

The bags of The Row perfectly embody the essence of the brand:

  • Ultimate simplicity: The design is pure, with almost no visible brand logo.
  • Top-quality craftsmanship and materials: Utilizing the finest leather (such as lambskin and calfskin) and fabrics, the workmanship is extremely exquisite.
  • Pragmatism aesthetics: Beneath the minimalist design lies a delicate internal structure, emphasizing practical functions.
  • Neutral tones: Mostly classic color series such as black, white, brown and gray, highlighting a sense of eternity

 

The Row Margaux handbag

What is a bag from The Row?

The Row bag is a luxury leather item handcrafted by the minimalist fashion house founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in 2006. These bags are renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship, high-quality materials and complete lack of marking – this is the ultimate expression of “quiet luxury”.

 

Design concept

The Row handbag embodies the brand’s core principles:

  • Minimalism reaches its peak: clean lines, simple Outlines, and no ostentatious details. Due to its precise proportions, it is usually described as “architecture” or “sculpture”.
  • Quality as the sole statement: no labels, letter combinations, or decorative hardware, only perfect execution and high-quality materials.
  • Eternity prevails over trend: Design is for decades to last, not just one season, and remains relevant for each season.
  • The colors are almost completely neutral: black, taupe, ivory, chocolate brown, SLATE gray.

 

Materials and Processes

Material

  • Exquisite Italian leather: From soft Napa calfskin to textured leather, luxurious suede coats are available for selection.
  • Premium lining: Usually paired with leather or luxurious suede interiors.

 

Process

Crafted by generations of highly skilled Italian artisans

  • Fine workmanship: hand-cut, precise splicing, and meticulous assembly
  • Signature finishing touch: Subtle hardware, hand-applied edge processing, and perfect weighted straps

 

What makes them different?

  • The “no-sign” concept: You won’t find a sign anywhere – not even a careful relief. Unlike many luxury brands, The Row bags do not have obvious brand logos, making them a low-key status symbol, and the recognition comes from their appearance and quality.
  • Outstanding materials: Only the best leather is selected – the leather feels as good as it looks. Leather is soft and strong. The zipper slides quietly. The strap is perfectly balanced.
  • Investment value: Many styles, especially Margaux, maintain or increase their value over time.
  • Versatility: Despite their minimalist appearance, many bags come with thoughtful inner pockets, secure closures and comfortable straps.
  • Design can effortlessly transition from day to night, from work to weekends.

 

How much is The Row Margaux bag?

The Row’s Margaux bag is a luxury item, and its price may vary depending on the model, size and place of purchase. According to the latest information, the price of a Margaux handbag usually ranges from 2,500 to 8,000 US dollars.

The smallest Row Margaux 10 standard leather bag starts at $3,650, while the high-end EW Margaux bag can reach up to $8,145. The most popular one is the Margaux 15, with a retail price of $4,700.

To know the exact price, it is best to check the official website of The Row or authorized retailers such as Net-a-Porter, Farfetch or SSENSE.

 

Official Retail Prices (2025)

Soft Margaux Collection (Most Popular)

  • Margaux 10: $3,650 (smallest size)
  • Margaux 12: $4,350 (medium size)
  • Margaux 15: $4,700 (standard size)
  • Margaux 17: $5,300+ (larger tote)

 

EW Margaux Collection (Extra Wide)

EW Margaux: $8,145 (statement piece)

 

Special Materials/Editions

  • Midnight Calfskin/Patent Leather: $6,950-$7,450
  • Rubber Calfskin: $7,450
  • Suede/Canvas Combinations: $3,950 (Margaux 17 Inside-Out)

 

What affects the price?

  • Size differences: Margaux bags offer a variety of size options, including 10 inches, 12 inches, 15 inches and 17 inches, etc. The prices of bags of different sizes vary. Generally, the larger the size, the higher the price. For instance, the price of a 15-inch Margaux bag may approach or exceed $4,000, while the price of smaller-sized bags is relatively lower.
  • Materials and craftsmanship: Margaux bags are made from high-quality materials such as soft leather, fine suede, and durable canvas and leather combinations. The prices of bags made of different materials and with different craftsmanship will also vary. Bags made of high-quality materials and with exquisite craftsmanship are more expensive.
  • Color and Style: Margaux bags offer a variety of color options, such as black, mocha, brown, navy blue, etc. The prices of bags in different colors and styles may fluctuate due to market demand and supply conditions.
  • Hardware: Silver or gold hardware will not significantly affect the price.
  • Limited editions or special collaboration editions can enjoy a premium.

 

The purpose of your spending money:

  • Handcrafted by Italian master artisans
  • Whole grain or pebble calfskin, soft and durable
  • Customized hardware (thick, smooth, unmarked)
  • Silk or suede lining
  • Zero Brand – Pure and quiet luxury

 

Why are The Row bags so expensive?

The reason why The Row handbags are so expensive lies in their ultimate pursuit of top-quality fabrics, exquisite tailoring techniques, limited and scarce strategies, and the unique brand value system constructed by the “quiet luxury” concept, rather than relying solely on brand logos or marketing hype.

 

A hardcore investment in top-quality materials and craftsmanship

We carefully select the world’s top fabrics

The Row is extremely strict in the selection of fabrics: luxurious materials such as double-sided cashmere, trimmed Russian lambskin, French brandy leather, and top-quality mink are its basic configurations. Joe Karban, the vice president of brand purchasing, once said, “What our team truly cares about is the art of making clothes, not uniform products.” This dedication to materials extends to The field of handbags, making each The Row handbag a carrier of material art.

 

The craftsmanship of vegetable-tanned leather

The Row’s vegetable-tanned leather handbags are tanned with plant tannins. They have a warm brown color and a rough texture. With use, they gradually turn into a “honey color”, creating a unique aesthetic of the passage of time. This process is not only costly but also requires experienced artisans to handle it meticulously to ensure that every piece of leather meets the texture standards set by the brand.

 

The ultimate pursuit of meticulous craftsmanship

Even the seemingly simple Half Moon bag has a hidden design: The inclined zipper design is not only beautiful but also conforms to the body curves and ingeniously decorates the arm lines. The exterior is made of dirt-resistant calfskin, while the interior is soft suede, which not only protects the items but also enhances the user experience. This design concept of “sparing no expense for the user experience” runs through all products.

 

The concept of “quiet luxury” and the philosophy of no-logo design

The unique positioning of “anonymous packages”

The Row handbag was called “Anonymous Anti-It Bag” by the American edition of VOGUE. Its original design intention was that passers-by couldn’t recognize the brand logo at all. The T-shaped snap button on the bag is only visible when it is opened. This design concept that “only those who understand will understand” creates a kind of hidden charm like that of an elite club.

 

The pioneer of the Quiet Luxury style

As early as 2019, The fashion media BoF described The Row1 as “Quiet Luxury”. In The flashy and noisy fashion world, The Row redefines the connotation of modern luxury with an almost silent posture – true luxury does not need to be noisy; it only requires the highest quality materials, the most exquisite craftsmanship and the most timeless design.

 

The reconstruction of psychological values

What The Row handbag demonstrates is not only wealth and ability, but more of a kind of aesthetic taste that can be regarded as high-end. As a tech company founder put it, “No one will notice that you’ve worn it 500 times. People will only see that you look energetic and then quickly shift their attention to what you’re saying.” This “subtle sense of sophistication” is precisely what the modern elite class pursues.

 

The ingenious balance between scarcity and brand strategy

The 4.0 strategy of Hunger marketing

The Row has only 21 stores worldwide and adopts a reservation system to restrict purchases. The global annual production of core items is only 2,000 pieces, which is much lower than that of Brunello Cucinelli at 50,000 pieces. This strict channel control and production volume limit have greatly enhanced the brand’s scarcity and mystery.

 

Mystery is charm

The Row neither promotes its brand nor invites celebrities to sell its products. Even on its official Instagram, you can hardly find a few of its products. The brand’s first advertisement was published in the American edition of Vogue magazine. Apart from the brand name carelessly written at the bottom of the two-page all-white advertisement page, there was nothing else. This sense of mystery has attracted a large number of fans and celebrities to come for its reputation.

 

The identification mechanism of the elite circle

When two believers of The Row meet in a crowd, ordinary people can’t figure out the ins and outs. Only a pair of “trained” eyes can recognize their kindred spirits with the same good taste. This covert identification mechanism makes The Row handbag a status symbol for the elite circle rather than a mass consumer good.

 

Investment value and market recognition

The retention rate is astonishing

Although The Row has been established for less than 20 years, the residual value of its Margaux handbags in the second-hand market has reached 73%, comparable to that of Hermes Kelly bags (with a residual value of 70%-80%). This ability to retain value is extremely rare in the luxury goods market, especially for a relatively young brand.

 

Recognition from the capital market

In September 2024, The Wertheimer family, the owners of Chanel, and Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the heir of L ‘Oreal, along with other investors, acquired a minority stake in The Row, with a transaction valuation of up to 1 billion US dollars (approximately 7 billion yuan). This move is undoubtedly The highest recognition of The Row’s strength and value.

 

Anti-cyclical capacity

At present, when The luxury goods market is experiencing a cold spell, The Row seems to remain unscathed. Over The past three years, the search volume of “The Row “has continued to rise. In the list released by Lyst for the fourth quarter of 2023, The Margaux handbag of “The Row” outperformed Miu Miu, Prada and Ralph Lauren and won the title of “The New Birkin”.

The high price of The Row handbags is essentially a precise pricing of quality, craftsmanship and concept, rather than a simple brand premium. Just as a collector of The Row said, “When you attend an event and come across someone who is also wearing The Row, it’s really a super interesting thing.” The Row provides an anonymous way for only other members of this club to discover each other. This hidden sense of identity and The ultimate pursuit of quality are precisely at the core of the value of The Row handbags

 

Is The Row Margaux bag worth it?

Whether The Row Margaux handbag is worth buying depends on a comprehensive consideration of its design value, practicality and investment attributes.

The Row Margaux is a high-end bag that combines minimalist aesthetics and pragmatism, suitable for consumers who pursue Quiet Luxury and long-termism. With its exquisite design and high-quality materials, it is hailed as a “competitor to Birkin”, but the high price ($4,000 to $8,000 for new models) and the uncertainty of investment returns may become barriers. If your budget is limited or you prefer fast fashion, it is recommended to consider alternatives. If craftsmanship and identity symbols are emphasized, Margaux remains a classic choice.

 

Reasons to buy

Design value: understated luxury and identity symbol

A model of quiet luxury style

The minimalist crescent-shaped silhouette originated from the functional design of bowling bags. It has no Logo and relies on texture and cut to convey a sense of luxury.

The bag body is made of top-quality saddle leather or suede, which is shiny, soft and has a fine touch. The colors include classic black, mocha brown and moss green, etc., making it suitable for various styles of dressing.

 

Celebrity effect and circle recognition

Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence frequently wear their outfits, creating an “invisible social code” that is highly recognizable within their respective circles.

 

Practicality: All-purpose for commuting and travel

Capacity and Function

Size 15 (38.1×28×22.9cm) can hold a 13-inch notebook, a case and documents. It is equipped with a zipper pocket and card slot, which combines zoning and convenience.

The dual-handle design supports multiple carrying methods such as carrying by hand, shouldering or holding. The wide shoulder strap fits comfortably and frees up your hands.

 

Lightweight and durability

It is lightweight (about 1.2kg) and made of wear-resistant material, making it suitable for both daily commuting and short trips.

 

Investment attributes: High threshold and potential value

Performance of the second-hand market

Platforms like FASHIONPHILE offer unique size or material options. Professional inspection guarantees the rights of genuine products, and some rare items have a relatively large premium space.

 

Value preservation risk

Compared with classic models like Hermes Bolide, the price fluctuations of Margaux are significantly influenced by the trend of quiet luxury. Long-term holding requires attention to market trends.

 

Reasons why it’s not worth it (for you)

High price (2990-3490 +)

If your budget is limited or you prefer to change into fashionable accessories, this might make you feel that it’s going too far.

You can purchase multiple mid-range bags (such as Strathberry) at the same price.

 

There is no “instant recognition” function

If you prefer the obvious social signals of luxury brands (such as LV, Gucci, etc.), Margot won’t give you that feeling.

Most people have no idea that this is a bag worth over 3,000 dollars. Only those in the fashion circle would recognize it.

 

Limited color and style options

Mainly neutral tones; There are no bold prints, seasonal drops, or playful shapes.

If you prefer diverse or expressive accessories, this is not ideal.

 

It’s very difficult to buy and try on

It is only available in flagship boutiques (New York, Los Angeles, London) or selected luxury retailers.

Without direct e-commerce from The Row, popular sizes sold out quickly.

 

How it compares to alternatives

Brand/Bag Price Pros Cons vs. Margaux
Celine Triomphe ~$3,200 Iconic hardware, strong resale More logo-forward, trendier
Bottega Cassette ~$3,400 Bold texture, fashion-forward Less versatile, heavier
Polène Numéro Dix ~$650 Similar minimalist shape Lower leather quality, less refined hardware
Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Nano ~$3,100 Structured, professional Stiffer, less slouchy elegance

 

What are you paying for?

  1. The highest material

  • Each package contains 4 pieces of full leather: Only the best Italian leather can be cut (defect rejection rate 99%)
  • Soft and durable: Calfskin has undergone an additional 40% heat shrinkage treatment, giving it a “soft and structured” feel
  • The lining is important: even the interior uses high-quality leather or suede instead of synthetic materials

 

  1. Handcrafting

  • Made in Italy by third-generation leather experts
  • Each bag lasts for more than 24 hours: Complex structure, hand-painted edges and precise stitching
  • Construction precision: Perfectly balanced trapezoidal shape, astonishingly light weight (Margot 15 weighs only 2.35 pounds /1,060 grams)

 

  1. Eternal design concept

  • The embodiment of “quiet luxury” : Without any flamboyant symbols, only the understated elegance recognized by those in the fashion circle
  • Structured yet relaxed silhouette: The “stylish doctor’s bag” shape can be matched with any outfit

 

Who is most beneficial to it?

  • A minimalist who advocates “buying less but buying better”.
  • Professionals want an exquisite bag that goes from the office to the evening.
  • A quiet luxury goods enthusiast who refuses conspicuous consumption.
  • Long-term investors are in eternal works.

 

Is The Row bag worth it?

Yes, if you value subtle luxury, timeless design and exquisite craftsmanship. This is a very valuable bag that can be easily worn for many years without looking out of date.

 

Why is it regarded as a “good investment”?

The key to its “worth it” lies in transcending the attributes of ordinary consumer goods:

  • Outstanding financial value retention: According to authoritative second-hand platform reports, The Row has become one of the brands with the highest value retention, on par with Hermes and Goyard. As its signature style, the Margaux bag, with its timeless design, top-notch craftsmanship and limited supply, not only holds a firm value in the second-hand market but also often exceeds its original price. This means that purchasing it is more like an asset allocation rather than a simple consumption.
  • The ultimate pursuit of quality and aesthetics: The high price you pay directly corresponds to top-notch Italian leather, impeccable sewing craftsmanship and tried-and-true minimalist silhouettes. It doesn’t follow trends. Its design is low-key yet highly recognizable, and it can blend into any wardrobe and be used for a long time.
  • The psychological value brought by scarcity: The brand’s limited edition strategy makes it an identity symbol that “those who understand will naturally understand” within the fashion circle. This hard-to-obtain experience itself constitutes an important part of the value of luxury goods.

 

The Row Margaux bag is worth it: Analyze its value from the materials

The Row Margaux handbag does have significant value from the perspective of materials. The top-quality leather and exquisite craftsmanship it selects make it a Luxury item worth investing in, especially suitable for consumers who pursue a Quiet Luxury style.

 

Core material advantages

1) Top-quality leather selection

  • Saddle calfskin: The Margaux series is mainly made of 100% cowhide, especially its signature saddle calfskin, which has a fine granular texture on the surface, a soft and elastic touch. This kind of leather is not only durable but also develops a unique patina effect over time, becoming more and more charming with use
  • Suede material: The suede version of Margaux 17 is especially favored by celebrities, such as Bai Baihe and Gao Yuanyuan, who have worn it. The suede is soft and delicate, presenting a unique matte texture, adding a touch of laziness and sophistication to the overall design.
  • Textured cowhide: Some styles are made of calfskin treated with a textured process, which not only retains the natural texture of the leather but also adds a sense of design, making the bag more layered.

Top-quality leather of The Row bag

2) Inner lining and detail materials

  • Inner lining material: The Margaux series inner lining is made of 100% cotton, providing a comfortable and practical touch, and can effectively protect the items inside the bag.
  • Hardware accessories: Gold-plated or silver-plated fasteners are adopted, which not only enhance the overall texture but also ensure durability. These hardware parts have undergone special treatment and are not prone to oxidation or fading, remaining as good as new for a long time.
  • Sewing technique: The bright stitch sewing technology is adopted. Each stitch is carefully treated to ensure a stable and beautiful structure, reflecting the brand’s ultimate pursuit of details.

 

3) Material feel: Definition of tactile luxury

The first encounter reveals why this kind of leather is so respected:

  • The buttery softness and velvety aftertaste intensify with the passage of time
  • Structured yet soft: Maintain its elegant shape while gently fitting your hand
  • Sound test: A unique “crisp” sound, when processed to confirm its original quality – a true sign of top-quality genuine leather
  • Natural patina: Over time, it will develop richer and deeper tones, creating a unique logo that tells your story

 

The perfect integration of materials and design concepts

1) The material expression of quiet luxury

The Margaux bag is centered on “no Logo, large capacity and high-quality leather”, perfectly aligning with the Quiet Luxury concept. It does not rely on prominent brand logos but conveys a sense of luxury through the texture and craftsmanship of the materials themselves. This understated luxury is even more tasteful.

Minimalist design and material balance: The half-moon-shaped silhouette is derived from the functional genes of bowling bags, but through the use of high-quality leather, it is transformed into a modern fashion symbol, retaining practicality while enhancing aesthetic value.

 

2) The multi-functionality of materials

  • All-season suitability: The saddle calfskin and suede materials are not only suitable for autumn and winter, but also its light texture makes it comfortable to wear in spring and summer, truly achieving year-round use without rest.
  • Scene adaptability: Whether it’s daily commuting, business meetings or leisure vacations, Margaux’s materials can perfectly blend into various occasions, showcasing different style charms.

 

The connection between materials and investment value

1) The value preservation potential determined by the material

  • The scarcity of top-quality leather: The saddle calfskin and suede used by Margaux are all sourced from premium suppliers and undergo strict screening to ensure that each piece of leather meets the highest standards. This scarcity directly enhances its collection value.
  • The combination of craftsmanship and materials: The production process of each Margaux bag is carried out entirely by hand, accomplished by two artisans together, ensuring the perfect integration of materials and craftsmanship. This spirit of craftsmanship makes it a true work of art.

 

2) Material and the performance of the second-hand market

  • Professional platforms such as FASHIONPHILE: These platforms offer strict genuine product inspection systems to ensure that consumers can purchase second-hand Margaux bags with intact materials and exquisite craftsmanship, further demonstrating the lasting value of their materials.
  • The premium space of scarce materials: Some Margaux bags made of certain special materials, such as suede or limited edition materials, often achieve higher premiums in the second-hand market, demonstrating the market’s recognition of their material value.

 

The comparative advantages over the materials of other brands

1) Compared with the materials of traditional luxury goods

  • Hermes Birkin: Although Birkin also uses top-quality leather, its design pays more attention to tradition and classicism. Margaux, on the other hand, reinterprets the aesthetic value of leather through modern design language, which is more in line with contemporary aesthetic trends.
  • Prada Bowling Bag: Prada’s bowling bag combines recycled nylon and calfskin. Although it is environmentally friendly, it lacks the pure leather texture of Margaux, which focuses more on the expression of the material itself.

 

2) The essential difference from fast fashion materials

  • Material lifespan: Bowling bags from fast fashion brands typically use synthetic materials or low-quality leather, which have a much shorter lifespan than Margaux’s top-quality cowhide, which can last for over ten years, truly embodying the value of “long-termism”.
  • Texture experience: Margaux’s leather has undergone special treatment, offering a delicate and elastic touch. In contrast, fast fashion products often lack this high-end texture and tend to appear cheap.

 

Conclusion

The Row bag is a signature product of The American luxury brand The Row. It is made of top-quality Italian full-grain calfskin, suede or rare leather, and the inner lining is mostly silk or lambskin. The hardware accessories are also custom-made solid metal, with a stable touch and smooth opening and closing. All handbags are handcrafted by experienced artisans in Italy, with a focus on details such as hand-dyed edges, even stitching and structural balance.

The Row perfectly embodies the fashion philosophy of “understated luxury” and is regarded as a long-term investment item that can be passed down, an alternative to Hermes.

If you are running your own bag business and want to customize a series of bags of The same quality as The Row, welcome to contact Gionar and explore the details of your products together.

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