Alexander McQueen Studded De Manta Tote in Black Smooth Calfskin
Tote / Shopper with fold-down magnetic corners · Alexander McQueen (Kering), Luxury Tier. Established by Lee Alexander McQueen; currently known for gothic romanticism and avant-garde tailoring.
Collection: De Manta Line, originally introduced in the late 2000s; this studded variant is from the mid-2010s collections.
Style
Tote / Shopper with fold-down magnetic corners
Brand
Alexander McQueen (Kering), Luxury Tier. Established by Lee Alexander McQueen; currently known for gothic romanticism and avant-garde tailoring.
Material
Black smooth calfskin leather. Structurally sound with industrial-strength machine stitching and painted edge finishing on the handles and corners.
Dimensions
Width: 38cm (15 in), Height: 33cm (13 in), Depth: 15cm (6 in), Strap Drop: 22cm (8.5 in). Fits large/standard tote profile.
Description
A bold, rebellious take on the functional tote, the De Manta is named after the Manta Ray due to its unique folded silhouette. This version is heavily embellished with gold-tone studs, merging Gothic punk aesthetics with high-end Italian craftsmanship. The standout feature is the sculptural skull zipper pull, a House signature.
Key Features
Magnetic fold-down corners, oversized 3D skull zipper charm, symmetrical conical studding, and the sans-serif foil logo gold stamp.
Material & Construction
Black smooth calfskin leather. Structurally sound with industrial-strength machine stitching and painted edge finishing on the handles and corners.
Color & Pattern
Classic black leather featuring an all-over symmetrical pattern of conical gold-tone metal studs.
Hardware Details
Gold-tone hardware, including a signature oversized 3D metal skull zipper pull, conical studs, and heavy-duty brass-tone top zipper.
Interior Description
Black canvas or microfiber lining, likely featuring one interior zip pocket and two slip pockets with a leather embossed logo patch.
Closure Type
Full top zipper with double-zip functionality; features unique magnetic 'mantra ray' inspired fold-down corner flaps.
Strap & Handle Details
Dual flat leather shoulder straps/handles integrated into the bag body with reinforced stitching.
Craftsmanship Details
High stitch-per-inch count; leather corners are folded with precision to allow the magnets to align perfectly even when the bag is full.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font spacing on the gold foil logo; high-quality 3D casting of the skull zipper pull; uniform depth of the stud placement; authentic 'Made in Italy' stamp (internal).
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy. Manufactured to luxury standards in Italian leather ateliers under the Kering group.
Era & Period
2010s 'Edgy Luxury' era, characterized by the heavy use of hardware, studs, and macabre motifs popularized under Sarah Burton.
Age Estimate
Circa 2013-2016, based on the specific font of the 'ALEXANDER MCQUEEN' foil stamp and the heavy stud trend of that period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Goth-Glam' movement in fashion that sought to bring subcultural elements into the luxury mainstream.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy scuffing and leather wear on the primary strap; loss of grain and surface abrasion on handle edges. Studs and hardware show minor hairline scratches.
Value Estimate
Original Retail: $1,800 - $2,200. Current Resale: $400 - $700 depending on condition (valuation lowered here due to handle wear).
Care & Maintenance
Leather requires conditioning to prevent further handle cracking. Hardware should be wiped with a microfiber cloth. Use a specialist for edge paint repair on the straps.
Similar Handbags
Givenchy Antigona (Studded editions), Valentino Rockstud Shopper, Philipp Plein Studded Totes.
Interesting Facts
The De Manta shape was inspired by the movement of a manta ray’s wings. It was a staple on the McQueen runways for several years and became a favorite of Rihanna and Kim Kardashian during the mid-2010s.