Vera Bradley Released a Harry Potter Inspired Line, But Sadly It’s Just Meh

Since the Harry Potter series first began hitting the shelves in 1999, there hasn't been a period when it wasn't a topic of conversation. Recently, these conversations have been negative, centered around the series’ author J.K. Rowling and her recent transphobic statements. But now there's something new to talk about! 

This week, luxury brand Vera Bradley released a new Harry Potter-inspired bag line for witches, wizards and muggles alike. If you’re interested in repping your house on a backpack, crossbody or lunch bag, this is the line for you.

While most of the products are still in stock, many in the Home to Hogwarts print — a multicolor floral which sprinkles symbols important to the Harry Potter franchise — have already sold out. An adorable Hogwarts acceptance letter charm has also gone out of stock and I must admit, I’m a bit jealous of that one.

For those who are interested in showing your house pride, those pieces haven’t sold out just yet. “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,” a company statement said. 

However, many fans have been unimpressed with the selections Vera Bradley’s Harry Potter line provides. Backpacks retail at $165, which many fans have found to be too expensive for what some have described as “a basic backpack with a patch.” 

Especially since, being branded as a campus backpack, the steep price is outside of the price range for the average college student, and since many of the products are made of corduroy, too many walks in the rain can lead it to lose a lot of its soft feeling. 

All that aside, Vera Bradley did pull out a definite win with their “dedicated wand pockets,” reserving a special space with easy access for all of your spell-casting needs.  

For those who are interested in purchasing merchandise from the line but are not interested in supporting Rowling, fear not. Vera Bradley has spoken out against Rowling’s statements, stating,  “Our brand fully supports the messages of diversity, acceptance, hope and equality that are woven throughout the books, films, and wider Wizarding World.” They added “...our relationship with this partnership has solely been with Warner Brothers.”

Either way, honestly, I don’t think this one is for me. I'm a huge Potterhead, but sadly these items just don’t scream magic to me.