Founded in 1882, Brahmin is a family-owned business that has been making high-quality leather goods for over 130 years. The name of the company was actually inspired by the Brahmin caste in India.
The company’s products are handcrafted using the finest materials and construction techniques, and each piece is designed to last a lifetime. Brahmin’s products are sold in upscale department stores and boutiques across the United States, and the company has a loyal following among fashionistas.
While the company has started over a century ago, it was only in the last few decades when it ventured to a handbag company. According to its history the business started from the basement through the effort of Bill and Joan Martin who are the current owners of the Brahmin.
Today, Brahmin is one of the most successful handbag companies in the world because of the good quality and affordability of the products. The company offers a wide range of products at different price points but is popular for its quality. That said, is Brahmin considered a luxury brand?
Is Brahmin A Luxury Brand?
Brahmin is not considered a luxury but a designer brand. However, it is said that it is taking over the entry-level luxury market but still falls short to be a real luxury brand. This is because the company has been able to create a niche for itself in the market by offering quality products at an affordable price.
Here are some of the reasons why Brahmin is not a luxury brand:
1. The Price Tag
While Brahmin is able to create its products that are made with high-quality luxe-level leathers, the prices of each handbag remain affordable. In addition, the company also offers a wide range of products at different price points—not so expensive but not cheap either. This makes it accessible to many people and not just for those who can afford to buy luxury brands.
2. The History
Brahmin is not a new brand and has been around for over 130 years. The company started off as a family-run business making high-quality leather goods. But it was only in the last few decades when it launched its designer handbags and became truly more visible in the market.
3. The Target Market
Brahmin’s target market is not just limited to those who can afford luxury brands. The company offers a wide range of products at different price points which makes it accessible to many people. In addition, the company is recognized by fashionistas who opt for quality but stylish handbags.
4. Non-Exclusive
While it is true that it’s marketed to the upper-class market, Brahmin is not an exclusive brand. The company’s products are not only sold in upscale department stores and boutiques across the United States. This makes it accessible to many people who want to have a handbag that has the luxe quality and feel, but at a more reasonable price over a real luxury brand handbag.
5. The Brand Image
Brahmin’s brand image is not that of a luxury brand but of a designer brand. The company is known for its quality products that are made with high-quality materials and construction techniques. Meanwhile, its products’ affordability is what established the brand’s image. As a result, it has become a more practical choice for those who want to invest in a handbag that will last them for many years without breaking the bank.
6. Availability
Brahmin is widely available in the United States though authorized retailers making for shoppers to easily find it. In short, there might be no scarcity when it comes to the availability of Brahmin products. Thus, the demand is not as high as those for luxury brands.
Do Brahmin Bags Hold Value?
Brahmin bags do not hold high value. This is because the company is not a luxury brand. Brahmin bags are considered designer handbags which means their prices are between expensive and affordable. This only means that anyone have the capability to buy the brand’s product without financially sacrificing a lot.
For reference, Brahmin handbag prices range from $55 to $525 for women, while $40 to $495 for men. Thus, the Brahmin brand also sells other products such as wallets, accessories, and gift cards.
And when it comes to resale value, it doesn’t hold much value for the same reason where it is not exclusive to just a few people. That being said, there’s a high chance that a pre-loved Brahmin bag would not go beyond the original retail price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brahmin use real leather?
Yes, Brahmin uses real leather for all of its products. And according to its website, it states, “we’re proud to be a true-to-our-roots brand with a big vision. 100% percent of our products are designed in Massachusetts using luxury leathers from Italy and around the globe.”
What kind of leather is Brahmin?
There’s no official release statement on what exact type of leather Brahmin uses. But it is suggested that the leather for Brahmin handbags is made of animal skin but customized to give patterns and textures like crocodile skin, lizard skin, snakeskin, and mixture pairings of texture and patterns. There are also novelty and smooth textures of the leathers being used.
On the other hand, the company was under fire in 2021 when a Hindu statesman requested for Brahmin to change its name as the person states that the company produces handbags made of cow leather. This, according to the person, violates the religious beliefs of Hindus as both the name ‘Brahman’ and the animal (cow) have significant religious value to the Hindu community.
What company owns Brahmin?
There’s no official statement or press release if Markel Corporation has successfully acquired Brahmin. Although in 2018, there were two reports released stating that Markel has announced to invest in Brahmin, and Markel was set to acquire a majority of shares in Brahmin. These two reports had a clear goal that Markel was to be internally involved in the operations of Brahmin. However, there were no follow-up reports afterward regarding it.
So, it is safe to say that Brahmin, is still a full family-owned business.
