Update on my Kelly that is at "spa" because of a funky back pocket. It missed quality control, is unacceptable to the artisans, and the issues cannot be fixed, so they are re-making the bag for me. It will take a long time, but they are being very lovely about it and I know they'll make it up to me.
So just a note to anyone who is concerned about a possible QC issue with a new bag, take swift action. Hermes does stand behind their products.
I also want to note that communication has been stellar throughout, with immediate response to emails, and it's very reassuring to be able to track the status of the bag online.
Also gives me an excuse to look for a new bag while I wait
So just a note to anyone who is concerned about a possible QC issue with a new bag, take swift action. Hermes does stand behind their products.
I also want to note that communication has been stellar throughout, with immediate response to emails, and it's very reassuring to be able to track the status of the bag online.
Also gives me an excuse to look for a new bag while I wait
Update: I got the quotes!
It seems that they only need standard cleaning/make up, and for the oldest one they suggest replacing all the hardware. It has a loose touret so I assume they want the hardware to match.
No need to replace the handle!
It seems that they only need standard cleaning/make up, and for the oldest one they suggest replacing all the hardware. It has a loose touret so I assume they want the hardware to match.
No need to replace the handle!
Hello Everyone, I have spoke with a handbag specialist and she told me that it is totally possible to clean and maintain Hermès bags (and all Hermès leather stuff) yourself with right products and material.
I am talking on a daily basis clean, not more.
If one of you already do it, could you maybe share your routine ?
Thanks a lot and happy holidays !
I am talking on a daily basis clean, not more.
If one of you already do it, could you maybe share your routine ?
Thanks a lot and happy holidays !
Hey all - considering purchasing this dream bag in vintage smooth barenia, but there is an ink mark right on the front (photo attached, looks like ballpoint pen). Does anyone know if the spa can remove this or is the ink there to stay? If it’s not fixable I think I’ll need to pass on the bag. Thanks in advance!
I just picked up my Barenia bag with a very similar ink stain right on the front. Hermes said they were unfortunately unable to do anything about it. I will have to live with it. I still love her but it does make me sad.
Thank you and sad do hear about your ink stain - preloved as well? I appreciate you sharing. I think I will probably pass on this one alas.
I bought it preloved a few years ago and the pen mark happened recently on an outing. Someone accidentally did it but I don’t know who.
Good luck with your search!
Good luck with your search!
Oh no! That's so sad, I'm sorry! I got a mark on a beloved piece recently and it was hard to stomach. I had to put it away for a couple of weeks while I adjusted, but now I use it without thinking about it too much
I think our scenarios are a bit different but in case it is helpful here is my vintage BBK repair experience (with regards to artisan recommendations). My BBK had a cracked handle and the leather piece connecting the handle ring to the bag flap was a bit torn, so naturally the whole handle was to be replaced. I was given a choice of single or d-rings and chose the d-rings knowing I want to wear the bag with a strap. The next recommendation came as a surprise: the Paris artisan also recommended all other hardware (except feet) to be replaced. The original hardware on my bag was in good condition but it was less shiny and a much deeper gold (almost bronze like) so it would have been a stark contrast to the new handle hardware hence the recommendation. I trusted the artisan so I gave them the green light on all the recommendations and I couldn't be happier with the results! I'm sure your kelly will turn out beautifully no matter what you choose in the endHi Everyone, I just got this lovely Kelly 28 sellier in graphite box from 1987(second picture with my gold b35 in gulliver, also vintage from 1997
). She was likely improperly stored by one of her previous owners and developed a crease in the front. First few pics were when I just unboxed her. Last pic was after I massaged her to help regain some structure back. My after sales specialist recommended a pillow which I have purchased when she returns from spa.
She’s currently en route to Paris. He is inquiring about making a strap for me and adding the double rings, in addition to cleaning/conditioning and minor glazing repair, etc.
I asked him if the spa can clean and polish the hardware but he suggested replacing completely with new hardware. I don’t mind the scratches/patina (no black/tarnish/chipping other than on the pins), but the lock and key are badly tarnished. He recommended replacing all so they match. I am somewhat torn about replacing the hardware when it’s not in terrible condition. Any thoughts? TIA!
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Wow she’s gorgeous 
and love the beautiful arch of the handle. Thank you for sharing your experience, as it definitely helps when the time comes to make the choice! May I ask how long the entire process took?
and love the beautiful arch of the handle. Thank you for sharing your experience, as it definitely helps when the time comes to make the choice! May I ask how long the entire process took?
I recently sent my 1999 box K32 to the spa and was surprised that it only took two months. However, they did not recommend any significant work/changes so perhaps that was why it was so quick.Wow she’s gorgeous
The preloved universe shined on me! After finding no barenia bags for what seems like forever, more than one came my way just this week. A few days ago I posted about a barenia preloved B35 with an ink stain and decided to pass on that bag full well knowing that the next right barenia bag may take a long time to find (I’ve been on the hunt for years already). And then what do you know, one that looks much better cared for popped up in the middle of the night and I grabbed it!!
Only now I am thinking of the specific issues of this bag.
There are small moisture (oil?) marks on the handles as well as corner scratches, oddly warped/bent sangles, and a big semicircular mark (assuming from a hanging lock). Barenia / spa experienced friends, do you think these be fixed by the spa? The semicircular mark and moisture/oil marks are the two that really bug me. Could the marks be taken out by a technician, or could they blend in with patina?
Second question: this bag is 17yrs old but seems to still be in the “ugly duckling” patina-less phase. Hoping I could ask spa to also condition or balm it to hasten a beautiful patina along? Can this be requested, and if so what is the service called to condition/darken the leather?
Only now I am thinking of the specific issues of this bag.
There are small moisture (oil?) marks on the handles as well as corner scratches, oddly warped/bent sangles, and a big semicircular mark (assuming from a hanging lock). Barenia / spa experienced friends, do you think these be fixed by the spa? The semicircular mark and moisture/oil marks are the two that really bug me. Could the marks be taken out by a technician, or could they blend in with patina?
Second question: this bag is 17yrs old but seems to still be in the “ugly duckling” patina-less phase. Hoping I could ask spa to also condition or balm it to hasten a beautiful patina along? Can this be requested, and if so what is the service called to condition/darken the leather?
Giant caveat- I am NO expert, nor do I purport to be one. But..
This bag makes me think VN, rather than Barenia. Barenia should be way past its "ugly duckling" stage at 17 years, and the coloring and leather just appear too light and "flatter" looking. Marks on the handle should be well blended by now. But photos can be deceiving, so in person, or better photos may give the leather answer.
Regardless ( and even if I'm wrong about the leather and it IS Barenia), stains on the handle and the scratch ( smile mark) are part of the bag, as is the corner wear- they can be blended a bit, but are not going to come out, no matter what leather it is. A great spa-ing or your own conditioning can do wonders, but I think these are part of the bags life at this point.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I'm interested to see what others who know more than me may think.
This bag makes me think VN, rather than Barenia. Barenia should be way past its "ugly duckling" stage at 17 years, and the coloring and leather just appear too light and "flatter" looking. Marks on the handle should be well blended by now. But photos can be deceiving, so in person, or better photos may give the leather answer.
Regardless ( and even if I'm wrong about the leather and it IS Barenia), stains on the handle and the scratch ( smile mark) are part of the bag, as is the corner wear- they can be blended a bit, but are not going to come out, no matter what leather it is. A great spa-ing or your own conditioning can do wonders, but I think these are part of the bags life at this point.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I'm interested to see what others who know more than me may think.