Goyard is a name that evokes mystery, exclusivity and timeless elegance. But what do you really know about this Parisian brand that has been around for over two centuries? In this blog post, we will explore the history, the products, the reviews, the dupes, the coupons and the FAQs of Goyard, the ultimate luxury accessory for the discerning traveler.
Introduction
If you’ve ever spotted a beautiful leather bag with a barely visible logo and intricate interlocking pattern, then Goyard’s designer handbags are already on your radar. Leather bags from this 200-year-old Parisian luxury brand are coveted by fashion lovers because it is the holy grail of opulent accessories: instantly recognizable yet difficult to attain. And that’s 100% intentional.
The Goyard company is notoriously mysterious. Its business is built primarily on word of mouth and referrals. It doesn’t advertise, and there are only a handful of brick-and-mortar stores in the whole world. It is this elusiveness that has attracted celebrities, royalty, and fashion die-hards for years. And it has worked for centuries.
But what makes Goyard so special? What are its best-selling products? How do customers rate them? Are there any affordable alternatives? How can you get discounts and rewards? And what are some of the most common questions about Goyard? Read on to find out.
Background of the brand
The Goyard we know today evolved from the original designs of boxes and trunks by craftsman Pierre-François Martin, one of the master trunk makers of the era. The first member of the Goyard family joined the business in 1845 as an apprentice, and years later, Edmond Goyard opened what would be Goyard’s iconic boutique on rue Saint-Honoré in Paris.
As travel became more popular and accessible, Goyard expanded its range of products to include luggage, accessories, cosmetics and jewelry cases, travel bags, suitcases, hat boxes, and pet accessories. Goyard also developed a signature canvas material, made of cotton, linen and hemp, that is coated with a resin mixture to make it waterproof and durable. The canvas features a distinctive chevron pattern that is inspired by the Goyard family crest.
Goyard also offers a unique service called marquage, which is the art of hand-painting initials, stripes, or other motifs on the products to personalize them. This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when travelers would mark their luggage with their coat of arms or monograms to identify them. Goyard has a team of skilled artisans who can customize any product with a variety of colors, fonts, and designs.
Goyard has remained a family-owned business for five generations, until 1998, when it was acquired by Jean-Michel Signoles, a former investment banker and a Goyard collector. Signoles has preserved the heritage and the craftsmanship of the brand, while also introducing new products and opening new stores around the world. Today, Goyard has 34 boutiques in 15 countries, and is still one of the most sought-after luxury brands in the world.
Best-selling products
Goyard has a wide range of products, from small leather goods to large trunks, but some of its most popular items are its tote bags. Here are some of the best-selling Goyard tote bags and their features:
- Saint-Louis: This is the most iconic and classic Goyard tote bag. It is a simple, unstructured tote with an open top and a detachable pouch. It is extremely lightweight and foldable, making it ideal for travel. It comes in two sizes, PM and GM, and in 11 colors. The PM size retails for $1,285 and the GM size for $1,495.
- Artois: This is a more structured and durable version of the Saint-Louis tote. It has reinforced leather bottom corners and a zipper top for more security. It also comes in two sizes, PM and GM, and in 11 colors. The PM size retails for $1,725 and the GM size for $2,035.
- Anjou: This is a reversible tote that has the coated canvas on one side and solid leather on the other. It has an open top and a detachable pouch. It also comes in two sizes, PM and GM, and in 11 colors. The PM size retails for $2,070 and the GM size for $2,450.
Other popular Goyard products include the Belvedere crossbody bag, the Saigon top handle bag, the Croisiere duffel bag, the Senat pouch, and the Victoire wallet.
Reviews
Goyard products are highly rated by customers who appreciate their quality, style, and exclusivity. However, some customers also have some complaints or criticisms about the products. Here are some of the pros and cons of Goyard products based on customer reviews:
Pros:
- The products are well-made, durable, and elegant.
- The products are versatile, practical, and spacious.
- The products are unique, customizable, and timeless.
- The products are status symbols and collector’s items.
Cons:
- The products are very expensive and hard to find.
- The products are not very functional or secure.
- The products are prone to wear and tear and staining.
- The products are not very original or innovative.
Dupes
If you love the look of Goyard products but don’t want to spend a fortune on them, you might be interested in finding some dupes or alternatives that are more affordable and accessible. However, be careful not to buy fake or counterfeit Goyard products, as they are illegal and unethical. Instead, look for products that are inspired by Goyard but have their own brand name and logo. Here are some examples of Goyard dupes that you can buy online:
- Germaine Vegan Leather Large Tote Black: This is a Goyard St. Louis dupe that has a similar chevron pattern and a detachable pouch. It is made of vegan leather and comes in black. It costs $69 at Baginc.
- Kate Spade Every-Ready Woven Monogram Tote Bag: This is a Goyard Artois dupe that has a similar woven monogram pattern and a zipper top. It is made of canvas and leather and comes in several colors. It costs $298 at Kate Spade.
- Tory Burch Basketweave Canvas East-West Tote Bag: This is a Goyard Anjou dupe that has a similar basketweave pattern and a reversible design. It is made of canvas and leather and comes in several colors. It costs $398 at Tory Burch.
Coupon codes and loyalty programs
Goyard does not offer any coupon codes or loyalty programs, as it does not sell its products online or through third-party retailers. The only way to buy Goyard products is through its official boutiques or authorized resellers. However, you might be able to find some discounts or rewards from other sources, such as:
- Credit card points or cash back: You might be able to use your credit card points or cash back to redeem gift cards or vouchers for Goyard boutiques or authorized resellers. For example, you can use your American Express Membership Rewards points to redeem a Neiman Marcus gift card, which you can use to buy Goyard products at Neiman Marcus stores.
- Cash back websites or apps: You might be able to earn some cash back or rebates when you shop at Goyard boutiques or authorized resellers through cash back websites or apps. For example, you can use TopCashback to get 7% cash back when you shop at Goyard World, a Goyard specialty store from Japan.
- Coupon websites or apps: You might be able to find some coupon codes or offers for Goyard boutiques or authorized resellers through coupon websites or apps. For example, you can use CouponAnnie to get up to 30% off on Goyard products at Goyard World.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Goyard and their answers:
- How can I tell if a Goyard product is authentic?
- The best way to ensure the authenticity of a Goyard product is to buy it from an official Goyard boutique or an authorized reseller. You can find the list of Goyard boutiques and authorized resellers on the Goyard website. You can also check the following features of a Goyard product to verify its authenticity:
- The logo: The Goyard logo should be clear, crisp, and consistent. It should have a small dot on the letter Y and a registered trademark symbol on the top right corner. It should also match the color of the leather trim.
- The pattern: The Goyard pattern should be symmetrical, aligned, and evenly spaced. It should have tiny bumps or dots on the surface, which are the result of the hand-painted process. It should also have a slight shine or gloss.
- The stitching: The Goyard stitching should be neat, tight, and uniform. It should match the color of the leather trim and the canvas. It should also have five stitches per inch
- The hardware: The Goyard hardware should be made of high-quality metal, such as brass, silver, or gold. It should have the Goyard logo or name engraved on it. It should also be sturdy and smooth, without any scratches or tarnishes.
- The leather: The Goyard leather should be made of genuine cowhide leather, which is soft, smooth, and supple. It should have a natural grain and texture, without any cracks or peels. It should also have a slight smell of leather, not plastic or chemical.
- The serial number: The Goyard serial number should be a 10-digit code that is stamped on a leather tag inside the product. It should start with the letters GY and end with the letters FR, which stand for Goyard France. It should also match the product model and color.
- The best way to ensure the authenticity of a Goyard product is to buy it from an official Goyard boutique or an authorized reseller. You can find the list of Goyard boutiques and authorized resellers on the Goyard website. You can also check the following features of a Goyard product to verify its authenticity:
If you are still unsure about the authenticity of a Goyard product, you can also contact the Goyard customer service or visit a Goyard boutique to verify it.
- How can I take care of my Goyard product?
- To keep your Goyard product in good condition, you should follow these tips:
- Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, heat, moisture, or dirt.
- Store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, preferably in its original dust bag or box.
- Clean it with a soft, dry cloth or a slightly damp cloth if needed. Do not use any soap, detergent, or solvent.
- Avoid rubbing, scratching, or folding it. Do not put any heavy or sharp objects inside or on top of it.
- If your Goyard product gets damaged, stained, or worn out, you can contact the Goyard customer service or visit a Goyard boutique to request a repair or restoration service.
- To keep your Goyard product in good condition, you should follow these tips:
- How can I buy a Goyard product?
- As mentioned earlier, the only way to buy a Goyard product is through an official Goyard boutique or an authorized reseller. You can find the list of Goyard boutiques and authorized resellers on the Goyard website. You can also contact the Goyard customer service or visit a Goyard boutique to inquire about the availability, price, and shipping of a Goyard product. However, be prepared to wait for a long time, as Goyard products are often sold out or have a waiting list.
Conclusion
Goyard is a luxury brand that has a rich history, a distinctive style, and a loyal fan base. Its products are not only beautiful and elegant, but also durable and practical. They are also customizable and personalizable, making them more unique and special. However, Goyard products are also very expensive and hard to find, which adds to their exclusivity and allure. If you are looking for a luxury accessory that is both timeless and trendy, Goyard might be the perfect choice for you.