Samantha Thavasa is a Japanese fashion brand founded in 1994. Its founder is Kazumasa Terada, who is still the CEO and president of the company. The brand is known mainly for handbags that are popular among women in their twenties. Its name comes from two characters in the American comedy series Bewitched, Samantha and Tabitha Stephens. Besides the main line, there are other lines such as Samantha Thavasa Deluxe, Samantha Vega, and Samantha Thavasa New York, which were made for different markets. Its advertising is also distinctive, using Western celebrities as the faces of its campaigns. For secondhand buyers, having this many lines means one brand can show up with quite varied character.
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Samantha Thavasa was founded in Japan in 1994 by Kazumasa Terada. He still leads the company as CEO and president. The brand name comes from the characters Samantha and Tabitha Stephens in the American series Bewitched. The company has more than 130 stores in Japan. At the end of 2006 they opened their first store in the United States, in New York City.
Its marketing strategy rests on Western celebrities and socialites. Beyoncé and her sister Solange Knowles, as well as Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton, have appeared in its ad campaigns. Some of them even have their own bag lines with the brand, including Nicky Hilton, Victoria Beckham, Penelope and Monica Cruz, and Tinsley Mortimer. Jennifer Lopez endorsed the brand in 2009. Taylor Momsen joined as a Samantha Thavasa Muse in 2011. The model Miranda Kerr became a muse in 2012 and launched the "Miranda Kerr for Samantha Thavasa Collection" bag line in 2016.
The brand has also expanded beyond bags. There is the Samantha Tiara jewelry line, promoted by Lee Byung-hun. From 2006 to 2008, the company sponsored the Super Aguri F1 team to promote Samantha Kingz. In 2013, the group Girls' Generation was named as the ad model, with skinny jeans as the product they wore. For secondhand buyers, this history is useful: many lines and collaborations mean the design, label, and quality can differ from bag to bag.
- Samantha Thavasa Deluxe: an accessories line made to reach a different market from the main line.
- Samantha Vega: a bag line that Taylor Momsen advertised together with Tomomi Itano in 2013.
- Samantha Thavasa New York: another line made for a different market, in step with the opening of the New York City store in 2006.
- Miranda Kerr for Samantha Thavasa Collection: a bag line made in collaboration with the model Miranda Kerr, launched in 2016.
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What we check before listing
For bags made of croco-embossed leather, we first look at how even the pattern is: an embossed pattern that is too uniform, or that looks like it is peeling in the creases, needs a closer look. We check the corners and edges of the bag, because edge paint wears easily there and the leather layer peels easily. Hardware such as zippers, clasps, and rings is checked for smooth function and even color. Labels and brand stamping are compared against the line the bag is claimed to belong to, since this brand has several lines with different looks. We also pay attention to the inside, such as the lining, the stitching, and the smell of the bag. This is our usual checking routine, not a guarantee of authenticity.
Caring for it
Wipe the bag regularly with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid water because it can leave stains on the leather. Dust that gets stuck in the creases of the croco pattern can be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush. Store the bag in a dust bag and stuff it with paper so it keeps its shape, away from direct sunlight. If you use a leather conditioner, test it first on a hidden area and use only a small amount.
FAQ
Where is Samantha Thavasa from?
The brand is from Japan. It was founded in 1994 by Kazumasa Terada, who is now the CEO and president of the company.
Where does the name Samantha Thavasa come from?
The name comes from the characters Samantha and Tabitha Stephens in the American comedy series Bewitched.
Are all Samantha Thavasa bags the same model?
No. Besides the main line there are Samantha Thavasa Deluxe, Samantha Vega, and Samantha Thavasa New York, as well as several collaboration lines with celebrities. Because of this, the look and details can differ.
What should I check on a secondhand croco-embossed leather bag?
Check how even the pattern is, the condition of the edges and corners, and whether there are cracks or peeling leather in the creases. Also check the zippers, clasps, and the inner lining.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).