It's not often I get to review Porsche related products specifically for women. So, when PorschePurist sponsor Porsche Design Driver's Selection sent along a handbag from their new collection I knew it was something John wasn't going to be using and I would get to review. What follows is for all the ladies out there (or for the smarter guys on our reading list who know enough to share the passion)!
Review of the PTS Soft Top Handbag from Porsche Design Driver's Selection (PDDS)
I open my email and find out a new bag is on the way from PDDS, hurray! It gets me thinking, How many bags can a woman own? Many, the answer is definitely many. However, the truth is, if you absolutely have to, you can live with a few select choices for different occasions. One of those essentials choices is the tote. The perfect tote is practical, reliable and strong enough to get through a day of errands without compromising style.
My bag arrives on a rainy afternoon in November. I think this sporty tote will fill a gap in my bag collection nicely.
PDDS has created a soft top luggage collection. The Soft Top Handbag is one of four pieces in this Porsche Travel System (PTS). What’s cool about this collection is that all of the pieces are made with genuine Porsche car materials. My bag uses original Cabrio soft top material and the shoulder strap is crafted from the same material that Porsche seat-belts are made from. The closure, at the top of the bag, is an original red door pull you’ll find in the Boxster Spyder and snaps closed using a Tenax stud (the buttons that snap closed parts of the ragtop).
Did I mention it was pouring rain when I first “road tested” this bag? No worries there because the material is completely water repellant. Not only can I let the rain have at it but I could spill my whole water bottle inside. Yes, I usually have a water bottle in my bag along with sunglasses, regular glasses, wallet, phone, keys, lipstick, lip balm, pen, dog poop bags, etc. I could go on. My point is that this Porsche Design bag can hold a lot and still look pretty sleek. You just have to be careful because the black interior can easily turn into an abyss. Fortunately, there is a zip compartment inside perfect for those smaller items as well as slit compartments for a phone and pens.
The interior is even designed to fit a 15” laptop. Best of all the main compartment can be zipped closed securing all those loose items.
Out and about town doing some errands I find the bag compliments my casual attire. This bag not only looks great, it's comfortable on my shoulder and fits close to the body. As I sit down for lunch I place the bag on the floor and am pleasantly surprised that this tote can stand on its own despite being quite narrow.
All in all the PTS Soft Top Handbag is a great everyday bag.
It’s sporty, stylish, durable and functional; everything you would expect from Porsche Design. I’m now one bag closer to finally completing my collection; all I need now is the matching Boxster Spyder (hint, hint).
Features of the PTS Soft Top Handbag
- Triple- layered Porsche Cabrio soft top material
- Water and dirt repellant
- Resistant to UV radiation and temperature
- Porsche original red door pulls and Tenax studs
- Internal zippered pockets
- Fits a 15” laptop
- Dimensions: 32 x 38 x 10.5 cm or 12.60 x 14.96 x 4.13 in.
Priced at $300 you get one for yourself at the Porsche Design Driver's Selection online shop.
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Handbags, backpacks, wallets and glasses all prove that the design team at Porsche are hard at work. They seem to understand both the current and vintage markets in the way they portray their products. However might it be even more interesting in the products might attach, clip, fasten or hook into the various models of cars where they may option to be used? Could this bag, for example, be made to have a way to charge a laptop with in using the 12v cig lighter?
Could also a less conspicuous branding be offered to reduce targeting of theft?
I think the proportions of the bag seem a bit out of aesthetic shape but it’s hard to tell without a human model to tell it’s scale.
The red tag as a clip is plainly out of touch. Are you trying to say RSR door straps? Sorry not good.
Hi, Tito,
The bag is actually proportioned quite well. As mentioned in my review, it fits very comfortably on the shoulder and sits well against my body (two things I’m always interested in when choosing a bag). I’m not a big fan of using my own picture on the site, but maybe we’ll post a new one showing it to scale.
As for function, first and foremost it’s a handbag (the fact that it can fit a laptop is simply an added bonus and not its intended function). I for one don’t think I would be interested in a bag that could charge a laptop. It’s simply not what I’m looking for in a fashionable bag.
With regard to the logo, while I don’t agree with you regarding a target for theft (think Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tori Burch, etc. all conspicuously branded) I’ve never been a big fan of acting like a walking billboard. However, in the light of day (versus the harsh lighting of a flash camera) the logo is actually very subtle and done well.
As for the clip, that’s pretty close to what they’re trying to say. The clasp is off the 911 GT3 RS and the Boxster Spyder. It’s the exact same one (as is the clasping stud). It’s actually a pretty cool touch (especially if you own either car).
Take a look at the Porsche Design Driver’s Selection site, they have plenty of luggage that’s designed specifically for various Porsche models and fits perfectly into the various luggage compartments.
Thanks for reading! Even if I don’t agree I appreciate you taking the time to voice your opinion.