G.i.l.i. Black Hornback

If you are talking about the medium-sized stirrup hobo, I bought the bag and I love it. I carried it three days this week and so far, so good. I am hoping it does NOT soften up too much over time. Whether or not you prefer a stiff bag is a matter of personal taste. Some people look for the big slouchy bags, and feel they have gotten a bad bag when they purchase one that isn't slouchy. That isn't me.

Lisa was quite clear in explaining the differences in the leather during the presentation, including the fact that the black hornback is stiffer right out of the box. I believe, too, that how much a bag is softened over time depends upon how it is handled - whether it is tossed about, left to stand or lay around all rumpled up, and whether or not there is any leather conditioner or oil applied. I don't do any of those things to my bag. When I get to work with it, I sit it down, remove the workout clothes and lunch, and carefully reposition the seams on the sides so that it is sitting upright in a symmetric manner. I want the bag to stay as close as possible to the way it looked right out of the box.

A truly beautiful bag. I wanted it badly, but simply couldn't go that price for that bag, especially right now with Christmas shopping... I did have the chestnut larger version and yes, it was initially very stiff, but it did soften up some. Ultimately, I decided to return it, but not due to it being a less soft leather, which I actually liked.

I received this bag the other day and already sent it back. It was a little to stiff for my taste. It was a pretty bag just too structured for me.