Which Christopher Esber Bag Should You Buy? Turnlock, Doba, Buki, Gondola and Deia Explained
Which Christopher Esber Bag Should You Buy? Turnlock, Doba, Buki, Gondola and Deia Explained
Christopher Esber makes five bag families: the Turnlock and the Doba shoulder bags, the Buki clutch, the Gondola tote and the Deia tote. All are made in Spain, and most close with a brass turnlock set with a natural stone. For an everyday bag, choose the Turnlock; for evening, the Buki; for travel, the Gondola.
Here is what separates each family and who it suits. Shop the full edit in designer bags and on the Christopher Esber brand page.
The five families at a glance
| Family | What it is | Sizes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnlock | Soft slouched shoulder bag, natural stone turnlock | Mini, Shoulder, Grande | Everyday, evening |
| Doba | Elongated shoulder bag on a slim strap, quartz turnlock | One size | Day, worn close to the body |
| Buki | Elongated fold-over clutch, stone turnlock | One size | Evening, weddings |
| Gondola | Leather tote with a detachable mini purse | Mini, Small, XL | Work, travel |
| Deia | Slouchy raffia-effect woven tote, brass ring at the handle | Mini, standard | Summer, resort |
Turnlock
The house signature, and the bag most people think of. It is covered in depth in our Turnlock bag review, including the stones and measurements.
Doba
The Doba Quartz Turnlock Shoulder Bag is longer and slimmer than the Turnlock, a soft baguette shape on a slim fixed strap, closed with a natural quartz turnlock. It comes in suede, polished leather, a two-tone version and a moire.
Buki
The Buki Clutch is an elongated fold-over clutch with a stone turnlock at the flap. It comes in patent, polished leather, suede, moire and an embossed crocodile-effect leather, which makes it the most dressed of the families and the natural partner to Esber’s eveningwear.
Gondola
The Gondola tote is made in Spain from Italian sourced leather, with a detachable mini purse inside and an embossed logo under the flap. It comes as the Gondola Small Tote, a mini and an XL Gondola Tote. It is the one to choose if you need room.
Deia
The Deia Raffia Tote is soft and oversized, with a brass ring at the handle. The brand describes the fabrication as raffia-effect woven polyester rather than natural raffia, which makes it lighter to care for. There is a Deia Raffia Mini Tote too.
Finish the look
The same brass and stone hardware runs through the Maverick Suede Studded Belt, the shoes and the ready-to-wear, so one Esber piece links an outfit together.
Which bag for which occasion
| Occasion | Bag |
|---|---|
| Everyday | Turnlock Shoulder |
| Evening | Buki patent clutch |
| Work | XL Gondola tote |
| Holiday | Deia tote |
| Small and light | Turnlock Mini |
Suede, leather and raffia: caring for each
- Suede: brush in one direction, keep it out of the rain, store it stuffed.
- Polished and patent leather: wipe with a soft dry cloth; keep patent away from heat so it does not mark.
- Raffia and raffia-effect: keep dry, and reshape by hand if the weave flattens.
- Stones and brass: wipe dry; avoid perfume and hand cream on the hardware.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular Christopher Esber bag?
The Turnlock, a soft shoulder bag closed with a brass turnlock set with a natural stone. The Mini is the best known size.
Where are Christopher Esber bags made?
All Christopher Esber bags are made in Spain. The Gondola uses Italian sourced leather.
What is the Christopher Esber Gondola bag?
A leather tote made in Spain, with a detachable mini purse inside and an embossed logo under the flap. It comes in mini, small and XL sizes.
Is the Christopher Esber Deia tote real raffia?
No. Christopher Esber describes the Deia as a raffia-effect woven fabrication in polyester, finished with brass hardware.
Which Christopher Esber bag is best for evening?
The Buki clutch, especially in patent and embossed leather, and the lizard-effect Turnlock Shoulder bag.
Read next: Turnlock bag review, Christopher Esber flip flops, Where to buy Christopher Esber.
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