Fans Underwhelmed with Vera Bradley Harry Potter Collection

in Harry Potter, Merchandise

HP header vera bradley

Credit: Vera Bradley

Calling all Wizards, Witches, Muggles — The Vera Bradley Harry Potter collection is now available! While Vera Bradley fans were lining up yesterday morning to peruse the new wares exclusively on the Vera Bradley website, only a few items sold out (there seems to be a good supply) and the collection, in general, seemed to leave fans underwhelmed.

vera bradley harry potter
Credit: Vera Bradley

The Vera Bradley Harry Potter Collection

The new Vera Bradley collection consists of traditional Vera Bradley offerings such as lunch bags, backpack designs, drinkware, a lanyard collection, campus backpack, RFID wallets (think basic tech products), a sheared throw blanket, and classic travel duffles.

The new Home to Hogwarts pattern is an all-over print, created by Vera Bradley’s design team, which shows iconic symbols from the Harry Potter universe with a few hidden surprises. As busy as the print appears, it is true Vera Bradley fashion, as the company historically offers this unique aesthetic.

harry potter Home to Hogwarts VB print
Credit; Vera Bradley

The press release that advertised the new Harry Potter collection designs reads:

Launched in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, the captivating capsule collection embodies the imagination, courage, and spirit of adventure of the Wizarding World. From backpacks and lunch bags, to robes, lanyards, accessories and more, this collection has you covered – whether you’re gearing up for the back-to-school season, or simply looking to bring a little bit of magic to everyday life!

All styles in the collection are available in an exclusive Home to Hogwarts™ pattern, which includes iconic symbols from the Harry Potter™ series with Vera Bradley’s signature bright, colorful touch. Select pieces are also available in solid corduroy patterns styled after each Hogwarts™ house – so whether you aspire to the bravery of Gryffindor, the ambition of Slytherin, the wisdom of Ravenclaw, or the loyalty of Hufflepuff, there’s something for everyone. – Vera Bradley Press Release

vera bradley harry potter
Credit: Vera Bradley

Hot Harry Potter Items

The hottest item that everyone wanted appears to still be “coming soon,” though several people said they had purchased it. The Limited Edition Home To Hogwarts Vera Tote is a $175.00 quilted corduroy bag with shoulder-length handles, several access pockets, and most coveted, the wand pocket. The website says, “Coming Soon” with no hint as to when more may become available, but fans agreed that was what they wanted most. We wished there had been a Hagrid inspired or Magical Creatures item to covet.

vera bradley harry potter home to hogwarts tote
Credit: Vera Bradley

Fans React to Vera Bradley Harry Potter Collection

This was the most interesting aspect of watching the magical universe collection go live. Nearly all Vera Bradley fans were able to checkout with little issue, and only two or three items completely sold out (a keychain, a crossbody bag, etc.). But many dedicated Harry Potter fans and Vera Bradley collectors stopped short of checkout, signaling disappointment in the designs and Hogwarts House offerings. Ravenclaw fans specifically felt let down in the plain corduroy aesthetic, with a house patch slapped on. Other Gryffindor devotees shared a lack of enthusiasm for the collection as a whole.

HP eyeglasses zip case
Credit: Vera Bradley

Kristina: “My 16-year-old is so upset. After everything happening this year she was so looking forward to this. She said they look cheap. ‘Mom all the did was make a colored bag and throw a patch on it. Of all the amazing HP fabric they picked just a solid color….’ 🙁 I am so sad for her. Maybe Harveys will do HP one day… We can only hope <3”

Jody: “I got the Triple Zip Crossbody in the Home to Hogwarts print, but I am mostly underwhelmed. I thought they could’ve done so much more with the individual houses rather than a patch on corduroy.”

Bethany: “This collection is soooo disappointing for me. I can’t stand it, and I wanted to love it sooo bad.”

But not all J.K.Rowling and Harry Potter fans were feeling left in the lurch. Hufflepuff classmates, who are often subject to bright yellow items, appreciated the muted tones and solid prints. Others wanted to buy any bag that suited them just for the unique wand pocket, and let others know on social media:

Suzanne: “I love it too. I was hoping for something that wasn’t too crazy. I like the muted tones. And finally, a Hufflepuff bag that isn’t all bright yellow.”

Helen: “I got the tote in the Hogwarts print, but I agree that the house color bags are totally disappointing. Not creative at all, but the “wand pocket” sold me on the tote lol.”

If you need more Hogwarts in your life, checking on the Marauder’s Map dinnerware may be what your dining hall needs. Or with your spare time, try putting this glow in the dark Harry Potter puzzle together! Or lastly, try out this enormous ULTA collection of Harry Potter makeup. Any Harry Potter fan knows it’s better than trying that yucky poly juice potion!

When you’re done getting ready, hit the Disney Parks with the new Kswiss sneakers by Harry Potter on your feet. They ran a Back to School campaign with Hogwarts House shoes to match your Vera Bradley Harry Potter bags! Vera Bradley has also had a hand in other popular Disney related prints lately. The Disney Snacks edition was all the rage at Disney Springs in 2020,

Did you find anything in the Vera Bradley Harry Potter collection that you loved? Or perhaps you were disappointed, too? Leave us a comment below!

in Harry Potter, Merchandise

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