Frenzlauer has been a brand I’ve admired for years. Founded by Francesca Neri in 2013, its designs combine understated elegance and craftsmanship. As I mentioned in my original review, I was thrilled with my Flyer and Mini Swing bags, both of which seemed to meet my high standards for quality and timelessness.
But now, I find myself reconsidering my opinion.
The issue
Recently, I noticed an unexpected problem with my Flyer bag: the logo is fading. Despite my meticulous care – ALWAYS storing it in its dust bag after each use – it has not aged as gracefully as I had hoped. The Mini Swing, on the other hand, is still in pristine condition but I must say that it’s been used maybe 5-6 times per year.
To me, this issue is shocking, especially for a brand positioned as a premium, Made in Italy product. One of the reasons I initially invested in these bags was indeed the reputation for durability, which was widely praised online. And here we are!
Has the customer service been helpful?
No! I reached out to Frenzlauer’s customer service, asking whether the fading logo could be due to a production defect or a specific batch. It’s been weeks, and I’ve heard nothing back.
This silence isn’t just disappointing, it’s a missed opportunity for the brand to address a loyal customer’s concerns and uphold its reputation for quality.
After noticing this issue, I turned to Twitter to see if others had similar experiences. To my surprise, I found a lot of complaints about both the brand’s customer service and durability issues. I’ll insert just a few below:
I was complaining to my friend Martina about the issue when she showed me her bag (the grey one pictured above: the shoulder strap is coming off!!!). Later, a friend of hers told her that her Frenzlauer had been ripped off from inside the bag, and she sent me a screenshot:
My ultimate thoughts on Frenzlauer
When I first wrote the review about the Frenzlauer Flyer and Mini Swing, the craftsmanship truly appeared top-notch, and in both cases, they kept their shape beautifully, thanks to the structured, sturdy leather.
But luxury isn’t just about the first impression; it’s about how well a product performs over time.
While I still appreciate the design, the fading logo, the issues reported by other customers, and the lack of response from customer service mark a downfall for Frenzlauer in my opinion. As of December 2024, if you’re considering a Frenzlauer bag, my advice is to think twice about it!!!
For a €400 bag, it’s not worth it. My Coccinelle Coralie bag, the one similar to the Céline Trio, still has its logo perfectly intact despite being used far more! My YSL card holder, which has been used to death? Same.
It’s a real shame. 🙁
