Need a little help with cracking patent please...

[kuwa]

Hi all. This is my first thread here at tPF, but I've been looking around for at least a few months.

Back in March sometime, I bought a Stuart Weitzman Cala bag and clutch in patent. I was pleased with the bags at first, and stored them in their dustbags in my closet. The bag really didn't get used until a month or two ago; it's probably seen the light of day 8-10 times. Not much.

I've gotten a few other items since then, so the bag was out of rotation. The other day I pulled it out, and there are small cracks in the patent. Some places have actually started to peel away (maybe a cm? not enormous, but enough!). Needless to say, I am not very happy about this.

I've called BlueFly and they said it's past the return period. They did agree to do some investigation and see if they can at least exchange the bag, since it's been stored properly and used infrequently. I haven't heard back yet.

Is this known patent issue? This was my first patent bag. Can anything be done to repair it at this point? Would contacting the manufacturer yield any results? Please, any input or comments are appreciated.

[moi et mes sacs]

I think patent is tricky as the leather is under the vinyl like coating. I would assume it sould be conditioned but I wouldnt expect this from an expensive bag. I would keep on at the retailer. Its their responsibility to work it out for you

[kuwa]

I would assume it sould be conditioned but I wouldnt expect this from an expensive bag. I would keep on at the retailer. Its their responsibility to work it out for you

Yes, I agree, moi et mes sacs.

The retailer (BlueFly) has not returned comment yet, though they promised I would hear something by today.

Does any one have any experience with Stuart Weitzman bags? I know the shoes are good quality and thought the bags would be, too. Maybe not?



Anyone else??

[grayxie]

Patent can dry out just like any other leather. It probably goes back to manufacturing which BlueFly.com has no control over.

[kuwa]

Originally Posted by grayxie

Patent can dry out just like any other leather. It probably goes back to manufacturing which BlueFly.com has no control over.

I can see leather drying out over time, but a relatively new bag? Hmm.



Any other suggestions/comments? I'm so disappointed that a new patent bag would crack and even peel.

[Stormy Heart]

Did you Search this topic ? There is lots of information regarding patent leather on tPF.
Yes, patent leather can be 'coated' but is not always made entirely this way.
Patent leather is produced by rolling hides between heavy steel rollers to smooth the surface. Many modern techniques add a top lamination of plastic.
Real patent leather (natural) will require normal leather care.
Laminated patent is another deal. You cannot condition it- nothing will penetrate and a new chemical or lotion may harm the surface. If you have cracking, it is either intentional, as in the crackled or distressed versions of patent leather, or it's a 'wardrobe malfunction', where the laminate was not applied properly and evenly with the required heat at manufacture.
Storage handling may be an issue. You may have unintentionally exposed the bag to heat (if it was on a top shelf during home heating season) or moisture (if your home humidity is high for extended periods). In any of the above circumstances, the problem of peeling will only get worse, sorry to say.
**If the problem is very small and you can identify and correct the problem, there may be a fix to prevent future damage...

[kuwa]

Originally Posted by Stormy Heart

Did you Search this topic ? There is lots of information regarding patent leather on tPF.
Yes, patent leather can be 'coated' but is not always made entirely this way.
Patent leather is produced by rolling hides between heavy steel rollers to smooth the surface. Many modern techniques add a top lamination of plastic.
Real patent leather (natural) will require normal leather care.
Laminated patent is another deal. You cannot condition it- nothing will penetrate and a new chemical or lotion may harm the surface. If you have cracking, it is either intentional, as in the crackled or distressed versions of patent leather, or it's a 'wardrobe malfunction', where the laminate was not applied properly and evenly with the required heat at manufacture.
Storage handling may be an issue. You may have unintentionally exposed the bag to heat (if it was on a top shelf during home heating season) or moisture (if your home humidity is high for extended periods). In any of the above circumstances, the problem of peeling will only get worse, sorry to say.
**If the problem is very small and you can identify and correct the problem, there may be a fix to prevent future damage...

I had lost track of my own thread, as I've been preoccupied with other bags. I just came across the bag again yesterday as I was rearranging some things in my closet, and got sad/upset all over again. It's not a very good feeling when you don't feel like wearing a relatively new bag, especially one meant for the season that is coming to an end!

Thank you, Stormy Heart, for your detailed post. I had done several searches, indeed, before posting a new thread because I was unable to find an answer to my questions (new patent cracking, retailer/manufacturer responsibility & recourse of action, and Stuart Weitzman quality issues in particular).

Your previous post explains a lot about the patent making process, and the difference in care required between true patent and laminate. I can assure you it was not storage handling on my part!! I kept the bag in my closet, which is cooler than the rest of the house as long as the door is closed. It lived in the dustbag unless in use, and was used just a few times.


****If the problem is very small and you can identify and correct the problem, there may be a fix to prevent future damage...


Can you speak to this please?? I am almost certain that laminate was used (as it's not a terribly expensive bag). What is the "fix" you are talking about? I have a clutch by the same maker, in the same patent, that I am worried about.



Any other responses about cracking patent and Stuart Weitzman bags are still welcome....

[luckygirl83]

Stupid question... how can you tell if the patent leather is natural or laminated? TIA!

[andee]

does anyone know what the LV vernis patent is.... rolled or laminated?

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by luckygirl83

Stupid question... how can you tell if the patent leather is natural or laminated? TIA!

I answered this somewhere else but quickly; check a seam edge, you can tell there is a clear outer layer on laminates.