Proenza Schouler Large PS11 Tote in Crocodile-Embossed Leather
Tote / Satchel / Top Handle · Proenza Schouler; Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez; Luxury Designer tier.
Collection: PS11 Collection, a more structured and architectural counterpart to the PS1 Line; Introduced circa 2011.
Style
Tote / Satchel / Top Handle
Brand
Proenza Schouler; Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez; Luxury Designer tier.
Material
Crocodile-embossed calfskin leather with a semi-matte finish; Machine-stitched with reinforced top frame and painted edges.
Dimensions
45cm Width x 30cm Height x 18cm Depth; Large/Oversized size variant with a 15cm handle drop.
Description
This Proenza Schouler PS11 Tote represents architectural luxury with its rigid top frame contrasting against a supple, slouchy body. The cognac crocodile-embossed leather provides a high-fashion aesthetic while maintaining the practicality of a daily carryall. It is a standout piece that balanced the downtown NYC aesthetic with uptown sophistication.
Key Features
Structured rectangular top frame with handle cut-outs; recessed magnetic closure; side adjustable buckles; and oversized crocodile scale pattern.
Material & Construction
Crocodile-embossed calfskin leather with a semi-matte finish; Machine-stitched with reinforced top frame and painted edges.
Color & Pattern
Cognac / Tobacco Brown; Features a large-scale crocodile scale embossing with varied texture to mimic genuine exotic skin.
Hardware Details
Silver-tone / Palladium hardware; Features circular grommets for strap attachment and side buckled straps common to the PS11 line.
Interior Description
Black jacquard fabric lining with PS logo motif; Includes one large interior zip pocket and leather brand plaque.
Closure Type
The bag features a distinctive recessed rectangular magnetic closure on the top frame with an additional internal bridge strap.
Strap & Handle Details
Dual flat leather top handles and a detachable leather shoulder strap with silver-tone lobster claw clasps.
Craftsmanship Details
Consistent 8-10 stitches per inch; expert edge painting on the frame cut-outs; high-density leather used for the frame to maintain magnetic closure alignment.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the croc-embossment; exact spacing of top frame stitching; 'Proenza Schouler' font on interior heat stamp; weight of silver-tone hardware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy; Produced in high-end leather ateliers in the Tuscany region known for quality finishing.
Era & Period
Early 2010s 'It-Bag' Era; Defined by the shift toward utilitarian, architectural silhouettes in New York fashion.
Age Estimate
Circa 2011–2014; Based on the logo debossing style and the specific heavy texture of the croc-embossed calfskin used during these seasons.
Cultural Significance
A staple of the 'Downtown Cool' movement in the 2010s; it moved Proenza Schouler from a niche runway brand to a dominant force in the global luxury accessory market.
Condition Notes
Very Good; Shows some softening of the leather structure (slouching), minor scuffing on the bottom corners, and slight creasing on the handles.
Value Estimate
Original Retail: $2,150 - $2,450; Resale Value: $400 - $750 depending on condition and secondary market demand.
Care & Maintenance
Condition with high-quality leather cream to prevent embossing cracks; store stuffed with acid-free tissue; avoid overexposure to direct sunlight to prevent cognac fading.
Similar Handbags
Celine Phantom Luggage Tote (similar size/shape), Proenza Schouler PS1 (softer construction), Givenchy Antigona (structured alternative).
Interesting Facts
The PS11 was designed to be 'sharper' than the PS1; it gained massive popularity after being carried frequently by Kate Beckinsale and Mary-Kate Olsen.