Ever notice how Japan always has cool stuff and they always get it before we do? Sometimes, they keep these things for themselves and we’re left to discover them on our own. In Disney fashion, this comes in the form of Samantha Thavasa accessories.
Samantha Thavasa is a Japanese brand that primarily sells handbags. They are high quality and have loads of different designs that we could only dream of in the United States. This expanded into a collaboration with Disney that has been alive for a few years now. Several Samantha Thavasa
The company was founded in 1994 and there are over 100 retail stores in Japan. The only American store is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Despite their small presence in the United States, they have involved multiple western stars in their promotions. Beyonce and Solange Knowles, Miranda Kerr, Taylor Momsen, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Penelope Cruz have been featured in their ad campaigns. Victoria Beckham, Nicky Hilton, and Tinsley Mortimer have lines with the brand.
(Photo credit: justjared.com (left); Samantha Thavasa (right))
The products that interest me, of course, are the Disney themed ones. Many prints are only available in wallet form. The wallets usually come in zipper and tri-fold forms. Wallets are good platforms for showcasing patterns and designs because they are flat and long.
Samantha Thavasa outdoes all other Disney designer bags by using many more of the movies and characters in their prints. Below are photos of some items and my commentary.
Among my favorites are the Nightmare Before Christmas wallet designs. Jack and Sally hold hands on the mountain overlooking Halloweentown in one and the other is a mix of characters from the movie. The purple wallet with the imprint of first version is gorgeous. It was available in long and short forms and in black, white, and orange colors in addition to the purple. The “scene” wallet, as I call it, came in color and in a black and white version.
(Photo credit: ebay.com)
(Photo credit: rakuten.com)
I have owned both of these wallets and I have serious remorse over selling the purple one. The truth is that I simply don’t use wallets, so I thought it made sense to make them available to fans who would get more use out of them. I still have the “scene” wallet and the Jack charm that is seen in the top picture. Samantha Thavasa has charms like that to match various products. They can be purchased separately to add to zipper pulls or to hang off of hardware on your bags.
At the 2013 D23 event in Tokyo, the Samantha Thavasa prints were a huge hit. They featured Sorcerer Mickey as well as Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Chip and Dale in Sorcerer outfits. This print was available on blue, beige, and red backgrounds. Beige was available in high-end stores, red was exclusive to the D23 convention, and blue was more widely available. I love Sorcerer Mickey more than any other character, so I had to have this print. This one is truly magical. I ended up selling my red tote because it was too small for me. The totes in this print were smaller than the cross body duffles and those are small to begin with. To put it into perspective, the tote was about as wide as the wallet.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
I love the quality of the images on this. I have the cross body duffle in blue and beige and the wallets in the same colors. Beautiful is an understatement. If I had to pick an absolute favorite designer Disney print, this would be it. Another beige wallet was available at the expo, using a sketched image of Mickey Mouse placing the sorcerer hat on his head.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
I don’t like this one nearly as much as the other pattern, but I see its appeal.
In 2015, the D23 designs focused more on Minnie Mouse. She holds hearts made of jewels.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
Again, we see a filled in version and a sketched version on a beige background. Minnie smiling with her diamond makes more sense to me, but there is also Minnie looking worried. I’d have kept things positive.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
Sorcerer Mickey holding the same hearts is cute too, but I will forever prefer the 2013 print more. The tote from 2015 is bigger than the ones released in 2013, making them far more useful.
Moving to princesses, there were several prints to represent some of the royal ladies. The wallets are imprinted with images of characters and iconic movie features and are a bit hard to see in photos.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
Here is a Little Mermaid cross body duffle and wallet. The duffle is too busy for me and seems to be more of a general underwater theme than specifically Little Mermaid, but it would certainly be a cute spring and summer bag. Flounder is a nice addition to the mix of marine features. The wallet has Ariel sitting and looking out at the ocean to the right of the Samantha Thavasa logo and fish and coral are to the left. Sebastian is on the back in the corner. The wallets were available in a couple of different colors.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
Easily the best choice of color for this Cinderella wallet is a pale blue to match her ball gown. Her coach is to the left of the logo and Cinderella poses with Prince Charming to the right.
(Photo credit: sumally.com)
The queen and princess of Arendelle are in a more singular image for the Frozen wallet. They stand back to back looking at their castle with large snowflakes floating around them.
(Photo credit: japaninabox.wordpress.com)
There are other princess designs, but it was difficult to find pictures that showed the imprints well enough to see them. In person, these look much better and you can clearly tell what the image is. If you like your princesses together, this wallet has you covered.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
This print is more cartoon-y, but features Jasmine, who is underrepresented on accessories.
Starting with movies and characters who aren’t usually found on designer items, Aristocats fans will be pleased to know that there are several Samantha Thavasa pieces that celebrate these French cats.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
This minimal design mixes Marie’s bows with little Maries.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
The streets of Paris and Madame Adelaide’s home are on display on the front.
Characters missing from the exterior can usually be found inside the wallets.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
(Photo credit: ebay.com)
Another popular Marie bag shows off the iconic Eiffel Tower with the Parisian kitten.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
For those who prefer all of the main cats out in front, this wallet is ideal.
If you need a daily reminder of Wonderland, these Alice in Wonderland designs will take you there. Alice holds up a piece of mushroom surrounded by teapots and teacups.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
(Photo credit: terapeak.com)
Here, Alice, the Cheshire Cat, and the White Rabbit mingle among teapots and the Rabbit’s pocket watch. I like the mixed patterns like this. There isn’t so much that you miss anything and there’s enough to keep it interesting.
(Photo credit: ebay.com)
Vertical strips help us imagine we are falling down the rabbit hole with Alice here.
(Photo credit: ebay.com)
Stills from the movie keep us focused on one moment in time. I’m not sure that I love large images on my bags. I rarely think they work, but this is common with Samantha Thavasa.
I had high hopes when I heard about Toy Story items. The print showing Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, however, is way too busy for my liking.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
It took me a little bit of time looking at this photo to realize that they were standing in Andy’s room. The background throws me off. However, I think quality is exceptional here, just like with the Sorcerer Mickey print. You can see the details of their outfits and even in Andy’s furniture.
(Photo credit: ebay.com)
This one is easier on the eyes, but more animated style seems a bit childish. I have been spoiled by Pixar. This is cute, but not quite for me.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
This wallet is very elegant. The rustic red-brown color fits perfectly with a cowgirl and her horse, and their images are not overwhelming. The inside has the busy print from the first photo as a liner.
(Photo credit: pinterest.com)
Of course, no Toy Story line would be complete without Woody and Buzz Lightyear. My comments are the same; this is understated Disney fun and classy.
Chip and Dale have not been left out of the designers’ thoughts. This bag is as simple as can be and would be very easy to match with different outfits and environments.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
If you prefer a more cartoon-y version of the chipmunks, this wallet has you covered. It is far more playful and colorful.
Bambi and Thumper have their place on a wallet, too. I really like these stamped on portraits of characters on the wallets.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
I don’t think anyone can say they have designer Monsters University gear. Thank you, Samantha Thavasa, for making that a possibility.
(Photo credit: pinterest.com)
This print screams fun and puts a big smile on my face. The background highlights the characters’ colors.
I love Winnie the Pooh. Pooh and friends are my second favorite characters after the Fab 5. I was thrilled to find some Winnie the Pooh designs.
(Photo credit: rakuten.com)
The honey pot detail over the logo is perfect. A small splash of color and exactly what I think of when I think of Pooh bear.
(Photo credit: rakuten.com)
Winnie the Pooh giving hugs to a heart makes my own heart fill with joy. This is adorable.
(Photo credit: ebay.com)
This would be a great spring print.
For a return to classic characters, there are several options.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
I’m a bit confused about the Union Jack shirts, but they make another appearance in a Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto wallet. Maybe they are trying to appeal to an English following. It’s still cute, but I’m not sure where the inspiration comes from.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
I’m unsure of the expressions on the characters’ faces here. The Daisy and Donald Duck wallet is flirtier and more playful. This one looks like they’re worried about something and Pluto thinks Mickey and Minnie are overreacting. The autographs are nice, but overall I would prefer to carry around a more cheerful wallet.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
These smiling older style cartoon versions of Mickey and Minnie are better Union Flag models.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
This wallet is one of the darkest Samantha Thavasa pieces I’ve seen. There are other imprinted designs set on black leather, like the Jack and Sally print we saw first. Mickey looks like he’s running toward something exciting. As much as I want to like this one, I’m not sure I’d get it. I see the appeal, but it’s not my style.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
This is way more my speed. The Walt Disney quote is one of his most famous and inspiring. My only complaint is that Mickey is in overalls, which I don’t recognize from any significant Disney movies or cartoons. Of course, I have not seen them all, but it’s certainly not an iconic outfit.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
A sketchy version of Tinker Bell posing with her legs crossed is on small totes and wallets. I especially like the pixie dust circling Tink on the wallet.
(Photo credit: Annie EH)
This print is adorable. One of the first times we see Tinker Bell in Peter Pan is when she is stuck in a drawer with sewing supplies. This is a great reminder of that scene. The only improvement I’d make to this would be on the color, which might as well match Tink’s green dress since it’s in a shade of green anyway.
The prints shown above are only a small sampling of the Disney pieces released by Samantha Thavasa. Part of the difficulty in finding them is the language barrier. I recommend trying a search with “Samantha Thavasa” and adding in your movie or character of choice to see if you have any luck.
Many of the photos above came from Annie EH’s collection, and we extend a special thanks to her for allowing us to share her pictures with you. Some of the information included about prints are courtesy of her knowledge as well, and we are grateful for her help with this extensive line.
Head over to Google, search for different prints, then check different websites for the pieces you want. I recommend ebay, rakuten.com (where several photos featured here came from), and personal shoppers for your shopping needs.
You should give Samantha Thavasa more of your attention when considering designer Disney items. They are high quality and have more unique patterns that make carrying them easy. Mixing and matching these prints with those from the Dooney and Bourke or Harveys collection is a fun way to ensure that you have your favorite characters with you. If I had to rank my all-time favorite Disney-designer collaborations, I’d easily put Samantha Thavasa in my top three, and perhaps even at number one. As someone who owns Disney bags by multiple designers, I can tell you firsthand that these are not to be missed and will likely become some of your top choices for outings.
We’d love to hear what you think of this designer! Tell us in the comments what you liked, what you’d like to see, and if you buy any of the Samantha Thavasa pieces.
Emily spends her days pretending to be a Disney princess in New York. She makes it down to Disney World every year for the holidays and soaks in enough magic to hold her over until her next trip. Emily loves fireworks, parades, and eating all the yummy food at Disney. She collects Disney Dooney and Bourke bags and the Disney-themed Alex and Ani bracelets, so she can keep a bit of magic in her life day to day.
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I enjoyed this article very much. I had never heard of this designer. I will certainly research her. I love the Alice in Wonderland items as she is my favorite character. I am curious what the price point of these items are. Are they comparable to Dooney & Bourke prices? Thank you.
I would say Dooney and Bourke is definitely the closest price point comparison. They are Japanese and can be a little difficult to get here but it can definitely be done!
I read your article after I found this designer on Ebay. You mentioned that they do sell this make in Hawaii. Do you know the name of the store and have you contacted them about possibly shipping to the mainland? Please let me know. Thank You Sandy
I’m sorry but I do not know the name of the store nor have I tried to contact them. In research about the brand we found that they carry them in Hawaii. Sorry I cannot be of more assistance :/ Good luck!