I know I already mentioned the Dunst Classic 28 Bag in my Korean Bag Brands Review, but I decided to take the time to write a dedicated post about Dunst because I’m in love with their clothes as well (or more specifically their Leather Logo Half-Zip Sweatshirt).
First off Dunst is a Korean brand that I’ve been purchasing through W Concept. Dunst has their own website as well, but I find W Concept convenient and their prices are good (many times slightly better than the Dunst website).
As for the brand, Dunst reminds me a bit of The Row. In fact, you might be able to say they’re a dupe for The Row without being an exact copy cat. But the vibes are similar. And as much as I love The Row, I can’t afford all their stuff so Dunst is a good way to try out a similar style without emptying the bank. Of course the quality isn’t going to be the same, but for things like a 100% cotton sweatshirt, it doesn’t need to be.
The Leather Logo Half-Zip Sweatshirt has been my go-to sweatshirt all Fall and early Winter, and I’ve worn it 30 times so far. I love the feel of the terry cloth inside and the overall heavy-ish weight of the sweatshirt. There’s contrasting leather details on the front that’s chic (and I had no problems with in the wash). Overall I love the sporty look and feel of the sweatshirt, and wish I had purchased it in navy blue as well when I had a chance (it’s all sold out now).
As for the Classic 28 bag, as I said in my past review I really like it. It has the look of The Row Domino or Hermes Plume 28, without the price tag (and of course the feel). But it’s my go-to bag when it’s raining. The only drawback to this bag is that it can’t fit my 13” laptop, which is a real bummer now that I have to sometimes lug it around for work.
And lastly, I do have to mention I don’t know anything about the sustainability or the work conditions of their suppliers. I don’t think it’s as big of a thing in Korea so there’s little to no transparency. I do know that the bag is made in China and the sweatshirt in Vietnam. So I’m assuming Dunst is like every other conventional brand with a mix of suppliers, where working conditions of the factories are decent at best or murky at worst. But these days even luxury brands have dubious practices (ahem looking at you Dior) so my general practice is to purchase only natural fibers (ie no plastic/polyester), very few things brand new (so I mostly purchase secondhand items) and use it well.