Today’s review features the Loungefly x Star Wars Darth Vader Sugar Skull Roses crossbody bag. One of the very first Loungefly x Star Wars designs, this crossbody bag features a Darth Vader sugar skull design, accented with red roses. This particular design is still used across the Loungefly range, appearing on coin purses and in handbag patterns.
Today’s item is provided by Play Distribution, the exclusive distributors for Loungefly here in New Zealand. This particular bag was used for advertising purposes, so it has a few minor signs of wear.
An older design, the bag is no longer available direct from Loungefly, but it still available from Amazon sellers (shipping rates/policies vary by seller). Prices correct at time of writing.
Loungefly Darth Vader Sugar Skull Roses crossbody bag – US$55.81 to US$59.00 each
The crossbody bag is made from black faux leather, with a large sugar skull style appliqué of Darth Vader’s helmet on the front. The appliqué features silver printed details, and embroidered details in red and black. The design matches the style used for the Stormtrooper sugar skull crossbody, which I already own – and love! While they are both crossbody bags, the actual shape and style of the bags are different.
The best feature of this bag is the beautiful appliqué design on the front. Darth Vader’s helmet is a separate layer, attached to the bag with top stitching around the edges. The helmet is decorated with printed silver details, and embellished with red and black floral stitched details.
There are 4 red roses on the helmet, fully embroidered in red with black edges – I never thought Darth Vader and roses would go so well together! Darth Vader is always associated with red (Sith lightsaber blades etc), so it a neat way of taking the colour and using it for something floral and feminine. Any other colour (like pink) would have clashed too much with the theme, the red is a perfect accent colour.
The helmet appliqué is made from black faux leather, but not the same faux leather as the bag. The bag has a more ‘real leather’ texture to it, compared to the smoother finish of the helmet appliqué. The smoother finish works really well for Darth Vader’s helmet, which is always smooth and polished, and helps the design stand out against the textured bag.
On either side of the helmet, there is a separate red rose appliqué. These are made from red faux leather, and accented with black stitching detail. The whole design is finished off with printed silver radiating lines around the top and sides, in a starburst effect.
The handles are attached with stitching and 2 gunmetal-tone round studs. The back of the top flap also features 3 of these studs, which is a great detail and adds a bit of a fun edginess to the design. Just below the studs is the classic Loungefly x Star Wars logo plaque, accented with black enamel. This comes covered with a clear protective layer which peels off easily. I love the logo plaques on Loungefly bags, they are a great way to show off who made your fabulous new bag to your friends!
The shoulder strap attaches to the back of the bag, not the sides like the Stormtrooper crossbody version. This strap style maintains the shape of the bag while wearing, so it doesn’t ‘sag’ across the top. The strap is adjustable, with 2 gunmetal-tone buckles. There are 3 buckle holes on each end, so there is a good amount of adjustment.
The shoulder strap is made the same black faux leather as the bag, from 2 layers stitched together. The strap also features a sliding shoulder pad, which is made from a slightly stiffer faux leather for structure, with the edges sealed. This is a nice feature, providing extra comfort for when you’re carrying a bit more in your handbag.
The shoulder strap measures approximately 103cm long at the shortest length, with around 10cm of extra adjustment length on each side. At the shortest length, I can comfortably wear this on my shoulder or as a crossbody, but taller people may prefer to adjust the strap a little longer.
The inside of the top flap is made from the same black faux leather as the exterior (not lining fabric). The bag closes with a magnetic snap closure on the front and flap – it does not zip closed. The magnetic snap closure has a good hold, which is always an important feature for handbags. Under the flap, there are 3 compartments – the large main compartment, a zip-up pocket, and a small pouch pocket with flap.
The exterior zip-up pocket features the classic metal Loungefly branded zipper pull – I love the sturdy quality of Loungefly’s zips. This zipper is black plastic, with a gunmetal-tone zipper pull. The pocket measures approximately 23cm across and 16cm deep, and is lined with Loungefly’s classic Star Wars logo printed black lining fabric.
The small pouch pocket measures approximately 11cm across and 11cm deep. The small top flap is stitched just above the pocket, and closes with a small dome snap. This pocket can fit a small smart phone, but it not larger styles like an iPhone. Personally I like to keep my keys in a small separate pocket like this, they always seem to get lost in larger compartments!
The pocket is top stitched onto the bag, with small darts in the bottom corners to add a bit more room. Even this small pocket features the Star Wars logo lining fabric, both inside the pouch and the underside of the top flap – I love attention to detail like this.
The main compartment is also lined with the black Star Wars logo lining fabric. There are no small internal pockets inside this main compartment, as there are already smaller pockets on the outside under the top flap. The main compartment measures approximately 29cm across and 30cm deep, a great size for stashing all your stuff. It can easily fit an iPad (something I always like, my tablet goes with me everywhere), small cardigan, drink bottle etc. The main compartment doesn’t have a flat bottom, but there are stitched darts in the bottom to give the bag width.
One of Loungefly’s first Star Wars designs, this handbag shows their attention to quality and detail from the very beginning. I love the combination of Darth Vader with red roses, a wonderful mix of hard and soft. The shoulder strap adds versatility so you can wear it on your shoulder or as a crossbody, and the shoulder pad ensures the bag is comfortable to wear while carrying all your everyday purse essentials. Loungefly crossbody bags are my go-to for an everyday bag, they always get compliments!
Disclaimer: this item was supplied by Play Distribution for review purposes. The Kessel Runway stands by the position that this, and all of our reviews, are an honest analysis and opinion regardless of whether the merchandise was purchased or supplied by a manufacturer/retailer.
