A shell ‘sensation’…
A recent news item caught my eye: “Primark’s £16 shell bag is ‘identical’ to the £4,190 Chloe version, and fans are obsessed” (Kent Live). Well, I had to check this out…as what a claim! On reading the article and viewing the photos, I realised that I captured a shot of the Primark shell bag earlier in the month. It was a perfect photo opportunity, and I snapped away, not realising I was documenting a ‘viral’ item. There seem to be so many of these ‘amazing’ dupes that it’s hard to keep track. Well, I’m sorry. I admit it’s an attractive bag, but like the Chloe version? I think not, apart from the general shape and the fact that both represent shells. The Chloe version is far more organic, making it truer to life, with great detail, subtle colours, and of course, the high level of craftsmanship you’d expect if you’re paying over £4,000. Whereas the Primark version is bright and brash, with minimal detail.
It’s all sold out on chloe.com but what will my visit to Primark reveal?
Yes, that’s to be expected—it’s a high street budget version—but to say it’s anything like the original bag is a misnomer. It doesn’t look like it at all, other than the shell shape already mentioned. Surely, with the Primark version, they could’ve toned down the vivid gold just a bit? Fans might be ‘obsessed’, but I’m decidedly unimpressed. Some dupes stand up against the original, but with this shell bag, that is hardly the case—it’s just wishful thinking. Also, I’ve no idea who Paula Echevarria is, nor do I care, if I’m quite honest. I’m all up for a bargain, but to repute such claims, a lot more needs to be done, like improving the quality and raising the price to £30-£40, which is still significantly less than £4,190. Incidentally, the Chloe version has sold out—which is no surprise given the press attention . Now I need to check my local Primark to see if the budget version has also sold out. Update to follow!