Prada Saffiano Cuir double bag review (and comparison to Saffiano Lux tote)

bluel white lace skirt work outfit prada bag

Prada Saffiano Cuir double bag in “Pomice” (more colors at Saks) vs. Prada Saffiano Lux double-zip bag in “Caramel”, Ann Taylor top c/o (review) & skirt (old), navy pumps (similar), Baublebar necklace

I’m a bit clueless about the video function on our camera, and Nick’s heavy sighs when I ask him to be “cameraman” (esp. when Sunday sports are on) sums up his thoughts on that topic! He “gifted” me a point-and-shoot camcorder which I took as a blatant hint. I’ve gotten several requests for a Prada Saffiano Cuir bag review, so figured why not test my new gadget out. Turns out I didn’t record half the footage I thought I did, instead filming several close-up nostril shots of me adjusting the camera…sigh! If you want to see the various ways you can wear these bags with the adjustable shoulder strap, you can check out my older video review of the Saffiano Lux (also known as the “Galleria” line).

YouTube video

^ Press Play

Prada’s Cuir double bag is a gorgeous & sturdy-feeling one, and has quickly become one of my most-worn handbags (see on me here, here, and here just to name a few). The Cuir line came out about two years ago, and the lack of information about it online can frustrating for researchers. For this video, I called a bunch of Prada boutiques around the country asking the same questions … what is “saffiano” leather, what’s the difference between the Saffiano Lux and Saffiano Cuir collections, and how to care for the material. The responses I got from sales associates ranged from completely clueless, to finally enthusiastic and knowledgeable-sounding (thanks Joel from the boutique at the Bellagio in Vegas : )

prada saffiano cuir lux purse review how to care clean

Biggest edit from video: while in a Prada boutique I was told my bag is called the “medium” size, and the bigger one is “large.” Please see below for a comparison of my gray bag versus the bigger pink one. However, I just checked the exact webpage where I ordered my bag from at Neimans and it’s listed as as “small” there. Saks also refers to this size as the “small,” and both retailers refer to the bigger size as “medium.”

prada saffiano cuir small medium large sizes

I also want to clarify from the video that when I said soap, I meant I was told to use soap with a little water on a cloth or paper towel to clean stains, making sure to wipe the area dry afterwards. I’ve never had to use soap, though, as usually just a little water on a napkin removes whatever surface stain or mark I’ve made on these bags.

what is prada saffiano treatment leather material

Closeup of the two different saffiano textures

Prada saffiano cuir lux handbag review

Side views of the two medium sizes < Lux vs. Cuir>

prada saffiano lux cuir interior lining

As mentioned in my review, I’d love to hear any other requests for future videos!

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62 Comments

  1. Unknown wrote:

    I saw the pomice in this season's double bag (I believe the style number is different and so are the prices) and it had a more beige tone than grey. Some of your pictures of the bag look grey, some look more beige. What would you say is the true color? Also, do you mind if I get the style code as well. The neiman marcus site did not have it for me to compare with the prada website thankss. I've been looking at your pics because I can't decide which color!!

    Posted 2.12.16 Reply
  2. Anna wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 1.23.16 Reply
  3. Anna wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 1.23.16 Reply
  4. Anna wrote:

    Hi Jean! Thank you for such a great review and comparison. I love the Cuir but am looking for ways to reduce the price a bit. I remember reading one of your prior posts about buying a certain bag from either Saks, NM, or Bloomies (can't recall which one) during a surprise sale and you got either 10% or 20% off. You also mentioned additional discounts if you apply for the store credit card. Can you provide me with the link to that post? I've been searching all night with various key words and can't seem to find it. Do you think that sale and store card combo will work for Prada items? Thank you!

    Posted 1.23.16 Reply
  5. Anna wrote:

    Hi Jean! Thank you for such a great review and comparison. I love the Cuir but am looking for ways to reduce the price a bit. I remember reading one of your prior posts about buying a certain bag from either Saks, NM, or Bloomies (can't recall which one) during a surprise sale and you got either 10% or 20% off. You also mentioned additional discounts if you apply for the store credit card. Can you provide me with the link to that post? I've been searching all night with various key words and can't seem to find it. Do you think that sale and store card combo will work for Prada items? Thank you!

    Posted 1.23.16 Reply
  6. Georgiana wrote:

    Your lace skirt s so beautiful!

    See my new winter outfit inspired by Russian fairy tales (link).

    Posted 1.19.16 Reply
  7. Sharan Kaur wrote:

    Love the information and the comparison! Both are beautiful bags!

    xoxo
    Sharan
    http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com

    Posted 1.18.16 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    The patent definitely required some breaking in for me, but I'd still choose it because I find patent to be more stain and scuff resistant than regular leather. I am usually between 5 and 5.5 and the latter was the best fit for me.

    Posted 1.17.16 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    They feel the same to me. I think the Cuir is actually pretty light compared to other bags on the market, unfortunately if it's still too heavy maybe try non-leather bags? LV or Goyard coated canvas, or Longchamp are super light.

    Posted 1.17.16 Reply
  10. Jean wrote:

    Thanks! It's a light coat of Smashbox Cognac

    Posted 1.17.16 Reply
  11. Jean wrote:

    It's Essie Chinchilly : )

    Posted 1.17.16 Reply
  12. Jean wrote:

    Hi – I think it will depend on your laptop. The Macbook air is pretty slim so it doesn't make it bulge-y at all (showed it on my Snapchat too the other day : )

    Posted 1.17.16 Reply
  13. Jean wrote:

    Hi Michelle – yes I occasionally use one from my other bags even though it's not a perfect fit. Here's my old post on the Base Shaper store, or you can find a ton on eBay https://www.extrapetite.com/2013/01/protecting-saggy-bags-base-shapers-for.html

    Posted 1.17.16 Reply
  14. Jean wrote:

    Hi Kristine! I used to shop eBay a lot but it became hard to gauge authenticity as more and more counterfeit items entered the market. I would suggest sites like Malleries, Yoogi's Closet, Fashionphile, Trendlee, or The Real Real which are known for having professionals authenticate their pre-owned luxury handbags. Good luck in your search!

    Posted 1.17.16 Reply
  15. Cee wrote:

    Love this post! Both bags look great – decisions decisions…

    http://www.prettyunderstated.com/

    Posted 1.17.16 Reply
  16. Anonymous wrote:

    Great review – very thorough! I love reading your posts and your videos are extremely helpful. I'd love to see more "how to style" videos for certain individual pieces – like the red skirt or floral top ones.

    Posted 1.15.16 Reply
  17. Rachel wrote:

    Love the video and the bag looks classy 🙂

    http://chicglamstyle.com

    Posted 1.15.16 Reply
  18. Maggie Zemanek wrote:

    Thanks for this!! Reviews are never a bad thing!

    http://www.maggiealamode.com

    Posted 1.15.16 Reply
  19. Al wrote:

    I would love reviews on any Ferragamo products you have, especially the shoes. In certain stores you can still get the Varina flat in calf-skin leather but most stores carry the patent. I am curious as the sizing in the patent, how soft and comfortable it is, and the sizing.

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  20. KiwiFromNYC wrote:

    I love the shape and size of the Cuir but prefer the inside of the Lux, wish they had that combination. Thank you for the thorough info and side by side comparison! You are always so informative and thoughtful. I love everything you post! -Your long time follower, Kiwi

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  21. Julie wrote:

    Thanks for the review! Which bag is lighter? I have the cuir and find it very heavy for my petite frame. Could you recommend a lighter prada bag? Thanks

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  22. THE NEON FACTOR | Diana wrote:

    Love both bags!

    || D I A N A ||
    http://www.TheNeonFactor.com

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  23. Dice wrote:

    Great review!

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  24. melissa wrote:

    Would you mind sharing the lipstick you wore in the video? Great color!

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  25. Anonymous wrote:

    Great video! Would love to see a video or blog post on how you pack your bag for work. I find that my Louis Vuitton Neverfull is packed to the brim and the strap is always at risk of breaking, plus I end up bringing a different bag for lunch, laptop, work papers, etc.

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  26. Sharon Suh wrote:

    Thank you for doing the comparison…so helpful! So the Cuir bag doesn't sag or get droopy?
    I've always wondered why Prada didn't put in a base structure for the Lux bags…kinda turned me off from buying that bag.

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  27. Sharon Suh wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  28. Anonymous wrote:

    Do you mind doing a home tour video/ post? we always see beautiful snippets of it but would love to see more pictures of it as the interior design looks amazing! (appreciate you might not want to for privacy reason).

    P.s. thanks for reviewing the highland & lowland boots in your previous post.

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  29. Hebrews11:1 wrote:

    What's your nail polish brand and color?

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  30. Hebrews11:1 wrote:

    What is your brand and color of nail polish in this video?

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  31. ayme nicole wrote:

    I adore the open and tote-like feel of the Cuir and that grey color is my fave!

    coffeeslag

    COFFEESLAG What I Keep In My Car

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  32. Jenn wrote:

    I missed watching your YouTube videos! You should definitely do more comparison videos, they are super helpful!

    a small bit | bloglovin | twitter

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  33. Poshnessary com wrote:

    Great bags. Also really like them

    Kisses from http://www.poshnessary.com

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  34. Aisha S wrote:

    You gotta do more video Jean. I love them!

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  35. prudence yeo wrote:

    Love the classic designs of these bags and the pink one is especially pretty! Thanks for the review!

    Prudence
    Giveaway now at
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  36. Camille wrote:
    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  37. Dolce Petite wrote:

    Thanks for sharing, this was so informative! I do have a thing for saffiano bags 🙂

    Dolce Petite

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  38. Anonymous wrote:

    tradesy.com is a great place for pre-owned designer handbags.

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  39. Phyllis Lee wrote:

    Wow, thank you for the incredibly thorough review! I love the Saffiano Cuir! Lovely color as well. Absolutely beautiful.

    Phyllis | http://www.prettypleese.com

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  40. Denise W. wrote:

    I get the technology issues. After a trip to Costa Rica with a new video camera (and thinking I had filmed cute monkeys), we later figured out that when I thought the camera was on it was off, and vice versa. I don't get to hold the camera anymore : (

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  41. Trang Do wrote:

    Great review!! Love this post!
    Xoxo,
    Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

    Posted 1.14.16 Reply
  42. Anonymous wrote:

    In your video you said you could fit your laptop in those bags? How does it look with it inside? Is it very bulge-y?

    Posted 1.13.16 Reply
  43. Vera wrote:

    This is such a great review, thank you!!

    Blonde in Cashmere

    Posted 1.13.16 Reply
  44. Audrey wrote:

    Adore your blog! This was a great purse comparison, thank you! I wear a lot of cross-body bags and some of the designer styles don't always work with a petite height. Would be great if you could do comparisons of the Louis Vuitton Eva vs Louis Vuitton Favorite PM/MM. And maybe those even against the Chanel WOC. Thank you!

    Posted 1.13.16 Reply
  45. Michelle B wrote:

    Hi Jean! Do you use a base shaper for your Tory Burch Pebbled Robinson Square Tote? I find mine suffers from bag sag and would love to know where you got or if you use a base. Thanks!

    Posted 1.13.16 Reply
  46. Kristine wrote:

    Do you buy new Prada bags or do you buy pre-owned bags? Do you have any suggestions of trusted websites or sellers of pre-owned bags? I really want a prada bag but I am a special education teacher and there is no way I can afford a brand new prada purse

    Posted 1.13.16 Reply
  47. Unknown wrote:

    Hi I'm a first-time poster and long-time admirer of your blog. I have to say that one of my favorite features of your blog is your thorough reviews of purses. Thanks for taking the time out to do them.

    Posted 1.13.16 Reply
  48. Anonymous wrote:

    Maybe if you can do a "get ready with me" video on your hair or makeup routines, I'd definitely watch!

    Posted 1.13.16 Reply
  49. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    Great information! Love the video<3

    Shall We Sasa

    Posted 1.13.16 Reply

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