I saw this Valentino bag in person a few months ago and absolutely fell in love, it's adorable I've been stalking it on ebay ever since but have noticed that a lot of the auctions (for instance) state that dark stains have developed beneath the surface. Is this as common as it seems to be, and could I coat it with something to prevent that from happening? I'd just hate to spend that much on a bag if it's going to inevitably get spots all over it.

Thanks for any help

it's lacquered canvas, so i think if you avoid light colors, you would have better luck. i want one of the bow bags too, just waiting on the perfect color.

The colour was sort of the point, though it's pretty in black, too. I'm just not sure how many black bags I really need...But the style is gorgeous.

The ones on ebay are store returns, pre-owened, etc. Trust me, I'm a Valentino nut and have done my research on what's available right now on the *Bay. I wouldn't worry about stains unless you are really tough on your bags. I say go for it!

I have this same tote but in the style with the bow on the front in the same red patent. It is such a great and durable bag. The majority of my bags are Chanel and I use this bag the most. The color is amazing because it matches everything. It is so durable so I don't have to baby it. I have used it on and off for about 1 year and it is still immaculate.
I would not worry about dirt at all...

I see that this is an old thread, but I'm also curious how these bags hold up. I saw one on eBay at a great price, but the handles will need to be replaced. Does Valentino offer bag repair or restoration?

Originally Posted by goodric4

I see that this is an old thread, but I'm also curious how these bags hold up. I saw one on eBay at a great price, but the handles will need to be replaced. Does Valentino offer bag repair or restoration?

Hi, Valentino will only repair bags bought directly from them as far as I know. There are good places you can send your bag to be refurbished, but it is costly.

Sent from my iPhone using PurseForum

I have a similar bag...the betty bow tote. valentino had trouble with the patent getting stained from the black interior lining, but so did everyone else who did patent bags that year (I'm thinking of prada specifically). you absolutely cannot get the stain out. I've had my tote for 3+ years now, & I don't have any staining.

Originally Posted by frick&frack

I have a similar bag...the betty bow tote. valentino had trouble with the patent getting stained from the black interior lining, but so did everyone else who did patent bags that year (I'm thinking of prada specifically). you absolutely cannot get the stain out. I've had my tote for 3+ years now, & I don't have any staining.

What about cracking of the lacquer? The shoulder straps are shot on the one that I just bought (which is probably why it was a store return), but it was such a good price that I couldn't pass it up (under $100). I figured that if Valentino can't help me, then I'll just have a cobbler replace the handles.

Originally Posted by goodric4

What about cracking of the lacquer? The shoulder straps are shot on the one that I just bought (which is probably why it was a store return), but it was such a good price that I couldn't pass it up (under $100). I figured that if Valentino can't help me, then I'll just have a cobbler replace the handles.

I haven't had cracking of the lacquer, but I don't carry any specific bag for long periods of time. I like to switch out my bags fairly frequently. I can't say how it would hold up to heavy use.