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When it comes to creating buzz around handbags, Senreve have nailed it to a tee. Their line-up of bags has steadily grown since the Maestra bag was first launched back in 2016. The Maestra bag design has become synonymous with the brand as well as the fact that it can be worn in so many different ways. So it’s no surprise that Senreve generated a lot of buzz (and a 2,000 person waitlist) when the Alunna bag was launched in late-2020.
Senreve bag (my link automatically deducts $50USD at checkout), Sezane coat (sz US 4), Sezane top (sz XS), Nobody Denim jeans, Sarah Flint loafers* (use ‘SARAHFLINT-BAWHATVEEWORE’ for $50USD off’), Ray Ban sunglasses
Just like the Maestra, the Alunna Bag has the same multi-tasking strap functionality that allows you to wear it as a top-handle, shoulder bag, crossbody or backpack, and the bag stays true to the brand’s structured silhouette (which I appreciate is a take it or leave it situation). The Alunna has been described as the Maestra’s little sister with the same aesthetic but in a more compact version – a real nod to the times as a lot of us continue working remotely from home but still need to carry a few things with us when heading out to run errands.
I took advantage of one of Senreve’s famous Handbag Revival Sales last year and snapped up the Alunna Bag in ‘Almost Perfect’ condition. When the bag arrived, I tried to find the imperfections but failed to spot any flaws – so I was pretty pleased to nab the bag at a discount! The bag has become one of my trusty companions for grocery runs and daily walks so I thought I’d share my thoughts now that I’ve had a chance to properly use it.
And if you’ve had your eye on this bag (or any other Senreve piece), you can take advantage of my unique link to have $50 USD magically deducted at checkout! It works on all purchases over $300 USD.
Senreve bag (my link automatically deducts $50USD at checkout), Sezane coat (sz US 4), Sezane top (sz XS), Nobody Denim jeans, Sarah Flint loafers* (use ‘SARAHFLINT-BAWHATVEEWORE’ for $50USD off’), Ray Ban sunglasses
Sizing and prices
The style comes in two sizes, outlined below. Both are available in 20 different shades and two Italian leathers in their range of finishes:
- Pebbled (a more structured leather similar to Prada’s saffiano leather); and
- Dolce (a softer finish leather more akin to calfskin used on Celine bags).
Alunna
21cm x 20cm x 7cm | 8.3” x 7.9” x 2.8”
Adjustable top handle with up to 3cm (1.25”) drop
Flap closure and magnetic snap button with elongated zipper with magnetic zipper hold
One exterior pocket at back, two internal pockets (which easily fits a 6” kindle) and internal pen holder
From $645 USD / $920 AUD
Alunna Mini
17cm x 16.5cm x 6.5cm | 6.7” x 6.5” x 2.6”
Adjustable top handle with up to 3cm (1.25”) drop
Flap closure and magnetic snap button with elongated zipper with magnetic zipper hold
One exterior pocket at back, a central compartment (which fits up to a 6” kindle and iPhone XS Max) two internal pockets and internal pen holder
From $575 USD / $820 AUD
L: Senreve bag, Everlane cardigan* (sz XS), Arket tee (sz S), Everlane pants* (sz S), Sarah Flint flats* (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses; R: Senreve bag, Sezane knit (sz XS), Everlane pants* (sz S), Sarah Flint flats* (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses
What fits inside
While I love how compact the Alunna Mini looks, I opted for the original Alunna size as it still looks compact without compromising on capacity. I carry a few things with me when I’m out and in my experience, if I have a bit of trouble packing things into bags, I tend not to reach for them. Thankfully that hasn’t been the case with the original Alunna size. There’s enough room for the bare essentials and then some.
As you can see, the bag fits quite a few of my knick knacks, including my cardholder, keys, Kindle, hand sanitiser, mask and AirPods. Once everything is packed in, there’s also additional room for my sunglasses that I’ll place on top of everything.
Its capacity is comparable to the Mini Maestra (which I have and reviewed here), but without the additional bulk, as the Mini Maestra is quite a big bag and can look quite bulky and thick on my petite frame, despite it being the smallest size offered.
L: Senreve bag, Everlane jacket* (sz XS), Everlane pants* (sz S), Sarah Flint flats* (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses; R: Senreve bag, Everlane jumpsuit* (sz 0), Sarah Flint flats* (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses
The verdict
One of the key strengths of this bag is the ability for it to be worn in different ways. While that’s one of the brand’s schticks (how the Maestra became so popular in the first place), I really feel like the multi-tasking strap functionality shines in a smaller design. With the bag being more compact, you can comfortably wear it as a shoulder bag, crossbody or top handle.
The chestnut colour is a beautifully rich tone. It easily pairs with most of the colours in my wardrobe and is a great neutral tone that works year round.
Again, my criticism of the Maestra remains – I really wish they varied the colour of the micro suede lining to match the exterior colour of the bag. The grey is a bit sad looking in my opinion.
Another bugbear of mine is the stiffness of the pebbled leather. With the Alunna being smaller than the Mini Maestra, the firmness of the pebbled leather is more noticeable when initially using the bag. If I had my time again, I would have bought the bag in the Dolce leather, which is the softest and most supple leather on offer. The newest Senreve bag in my collection is the Aria bag in Dolce Leather and it has very quickly become my favourite of all the leathers.
That said, the pebbled leather is so durable that you can be really carefree with it when using it day-to-day. I haven’t been careless with this bag but I’ve been caught in the rain several times with no issue (and there was also that one time when my toddler thought it would be cool to empty out the contents of his water bottle on my bag). It’s those times when I don’t take the hardwearing leather for granted!
Discount!
You can take advantage of my unique link to have $50 USD magically deducted at checkout! It works on all purchases over $300 USD.
As always, thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you found my Senreve Alunna Bag review to be helpful!
P.S. Be sure to read my comprehensive review of the Senreve Maestra bag and all my other designer bag reviews can be found here.
