Polene Numero Neuf Bag Review

My bag collection is comprised mostly of the classics. The tote bag; the shoulder bag; the small crossbody to name a handful. Where it’s been woefully lacking has been of any kind of seriously sculptural elements. You know, the type of handbag that makes you do a double take. That is the statement maker, rather than just an accessory. And I suppose that’s what drew me to the Polene Numero Neuf Bag.

Wearing H&M linen tee; Among navy shorts; Jo Mercer sandals; Polene Numero Neuf bag; Mejuri necklace; Missoma earrings & bracelet

While I’ll talk about this a bit more in the design part, to me this is like a little dumpling cloud of a bag. It’s structured but soft at the same time. And as part of my outfit, it’s the first thing your eye is drawn to. So let’s run through a little review of it, shall we?

QUICK FACTS

Price: $390 USD
The Polene Numero Neuf Bag is available in seven colours: Chalk (pictured above), Camel, Taupe, Black, Burgundy, Fresh Almond, and Cognac
Fabric: Full grain textured calf leather with 100% cotton lining
Dimensions: 19 X 32 X 16cm (without removable strap)

SIZE & WHAT FITS INSIDE

The profile of the Polene Numero Neuf Bag is so unusual; it’s quite short and wide, with additional height from the sculptural top handle. Which I think does give the illusion that it has more capacity than it actually does.

That said, it’s rather spacious inside, with one main compartment, and a small inner zipped pocket. The one thing to note – before I share what fits inside – is that the opening to the bag can be a little awkward. Ultimately, as it’s fixed and narrower than the total width of the bag, it limits some of the items you can put inside. Or means you need to get creative about *packing* the contents.

Inside, I can comfortably fit: an A5 notebook (though A6 would be better!); a medium-sized wallet; an iPhone 11 Pro Max; a small cosmetics case; a key holder; along with some additional miscellaneous beauty bits.

QUALITY & DESIGN

This is a bag which doesn’t fit the mould. The shape is so unique, that if we were to get poetic here, I’d go so close as to describe it as a piece of art. The sides have this pinched or draped effect, which is also mimicked on the top handle. To me, this reflects the softness of the leather, which is very different to the robust and sturdy leathers used for many of the bags in Polene’s core collection (such as the numero un).

Branding is kept minimal, and in a discreet location. It’s neatly embossed at the base of one of the sides. Easily tucked away by keeping that end close to the body.

I like that this caters to those who love a crossbody or shoulder bag, as well as those who prefer to carry a bag top handle, or carried on the crook of their arm. The crossbody strap is quite thin, so it doesn’t compete with the sculptural elements of the bag. One thing to note with this; if you load it up with heavy items, it will put quite a bit of pressure on your shoulder. The upside here is that the strap is detachable, so you can easily swap it in or out with other leather straps if you so wished.

The only drawback to such a statement bag design is whether you’ll fatigue of it over time. Classic bag shapes tend to be inoffensive but also practical. It’s never going to date. A bag like this however? You might feel tired of it after a year or two if it’s only one of a couple on rotation. Perhaps even sooner if you’re especially fickle. This all comes down to personal preference, but definitely something to keep in mind when investing in any item for your closet.

If there’s one thing I’ve come to appreciate about Polene bags, is the quality. Exceptional every single time. The stitching on all my bags is even and straight; the glazing is well finished (no issues with peeling here); and they’ve worn well. I’m not the type who likes to baby her belongings, and I’ve never felt the need to do so with any of my bags from the brand.

The Polene Numero Neuf Bag is the same. The pebbled calf leather does feel a little more delicate that that used on say… the original Numero Un Bag. But, it’s yet to show up any scratches, and I’ve put it through its paces. It’s been manhandled by my nine-month-old son; lazily stashed at the base of a pram; and slept on by one of our cats (clearly looked as cosy as a cloud!). 

For me it’s hard to say how or even whether the shape will change with prolonged use over many years. Though my initial impressions are that it’ll retain it’s sculptural shape, but perhaps soften slightly with continual wear. Oh! And I also wanted to mention that I haven’t had any colour transfer. Though as a caveat, I am mindful not to wear any jeans which might not be colourfast with lighter bags. 

POLENE NUMERO NEUF BAG FINAL THOUGHTS

Aside from my vintage Chanel, this is probably the second most-asked about bag in my collection. And I get it. The Polene Number Neuf Bag is something special, and investing into a bag with such a unique shape can sometimes feel like a bit of a gamble.

Before I continue, for full transparency, I do want to stress that this bag was received as PR (ie. it was gifted, not purchased). My first impression? I thought the design was unusual, and I wasn’t quite sure how it would work with my wardrobe. It felt a little reminiscent of the kind of bags Brittany Bathgate might wear, which was one of the things that clinched the deal for me as she has incredible taste. 

Given my style tends to lean quite classic, there’s been space in my closet for something like the numero neuf. And funnily, I do actually really enjoy using it. Like I said earlier, the interior is pretty spacious. It fits everything I need and then some – so in a pinch I can squeeze in some baby essentials. Quite handy as a mum. And as you can see above, it makes an unremarkable outfit feel special. Sometimes, that’s one of the boxes you’re trying to tick when building an outfit. Especially if all you wear are basics.

I’ve said this so many times, but the quality of Polene bags is fantastic. I tend to rotate mine regularly, and have been really pleased with how they’ve held up. And I do make a point of storing them away neatly with “room” – not squished up or piled under a stack of other bags.

The real question is… Would I have bought this bag with my own money? Knowing how pragmatic I tend to be about my purchases, and how infrequently I’ll invest in a new bag, I’d say on first impressions, probably not. The design of the bag felt a little intimidating to me, and in some ways, miles away from my “basic” style spectrum. I’d probably have been more likely to pull the trigger on the Numero Huit – a bucket bag which is structured, but has softness in the curved exterior. Or, the large size of the Numero Sept, which I’ve been contemplating for months now.

But now that it’s in my wardrobe? I’m a little obsessed. And it’s been the perfect antidote to balance out so many of my minimal or monochromatic outfits. 

My advice to you if you’re thinking about buying this bag? Ask yourself: Do I love the silhouette of this bag? Will it bring me joy? Will it compete with my outfits? Does it work for my lifestyle? Can I visualise at least five different kinds of ways to style it?

It might sound simple, but that’s ultimately how I tend to evaluate a purchase. Giving myself time to mull it over is important too; I’ll wait 30 days at least before making a big splurge. But personal style is exactly that, personal. If you love this bag, then I say go for it. The quality is beautiful, and I don’t think you’d be disappointed. 

As for me, I’m going to continue to use the Polene Numero Neuf Bag as a way to elevate simple looks. Half of the fun in putting together an outfit is the way you accessorise it…!