The Row Astra vs Terrasse vs Domino vs Henri

Just the facts, and my opinion.

ASTRA

Bowling bag in buttery soft silky leather. Flat handles, silver zip closure.

Specs:

• H6.5” x W11.5” x D4”

• 9.8” handle drop

• one internal zipped pocket, one slip pocket

• goatskin leather

• clean and minimal - standard shape/balanced proportions.

• decently practical - good amount of internal space, goes over the shoulder (not over a thick winter coat), zipper for security, can be carried like a clutch for the evening (not cumbersome).

• delicate - leather is silky, the tiniest graze will offend.

I like Astra. Why I don’t love it - it leans feminine with its elegant sheen and soft structure. It’s traditional and absent of attitude.

Rank - #4 of 4

TERRASSE

Soft structured shoulder bag, finely grained leather, tubular straps, silver zip closure.

Specs:

• H8” x W13” x D7”

• 13” handle Drop

• one internal zipped pocket, one slip pocket

• calfskin leather

• somewhere between elegant and casual, goes over the shoulder easily (even over a thick coat)

• quirky - long, thin handle straps meet a broad chunky base.

I like Terrasse. Why I don’t love it - while it’s unusual (and I prefer that), it’s not as appealing to me as the cartoonishly shaped Idaho. If the base were a tad smaller or the straps a bit wider, then maybe. Terrasse, IMHO, is a bit off. I know I’m alone on this island, and I can see plenty of you fuming (please don’t come for me) — I’m a contrarian and typically move in the opposite direction of the herd.

Rank - #3 of 4

DOMINO

Bowling bag, smooth saddle leather, tubular handles, gold zip closure.

Specs:

• H10” x W13.5” x D4.5”

• 6” handle drop

• one internal zipped pocket, one slip pocket

• calfskin leather

• elegant but not stiff, does not go over the shoulder

• boxy boyish shape, elevated luxurious leather, feet on the bottom for protection

I really like Domino - it’s like a fancy lunchbox and I haven’t seen any in the wild. It’s a little oversized and odd but in the proper proportions.

Rank - #2 of 4

HENRI

Unstructured shoulder bag, offered in grained and smooth saddle leather, thin, elongated, flat handles, a soft rectangular base, and a silver zip closure.

Specs:

• H9” x W12” x D6.5”

• 10” handle drop

• one internal zipped pocket, two slip pockets

• calfskin leather

• casual with a soft, sloppy shape (but strangely, just as good with a suit)

• light and holds a lot, perfect handle drop, goes over the shoulder (even over a winter coat)

Why I LOVE it - it’s a boyish, utilitarian, day-to-day bag with a casual indifference that makes it the perfect mate for both understated and elevated looks. It has a note of nonchalance.

Rank - #1 of 4

If you’re considering Henri and want black, I'd choose the grained leather. It suits the style nicely and reads darker than the matte, smooth black. If you're considering brown, I’d go with the chestnut smooth leather. It’s richer than the grained brown. However, they’re all gorgeous and there are no bad choices (just my personal preferences).

Here’s the talking version of what I just said about Henri.

Casual

Over a coat

Dolled up

Your turn, rank them!

N xo