I hate to say it guys - I have an Olive Brown Classique and the handles on my bag are almost as dark. And yes .... I wash my hands thoroughly several times a day! (I also use the shoulder strap about half the time). The body of the bag, though, is almost as light as her bag is. It's just the handles that have darkened over time.
Have you ever seen a frequently carried, vintage LV? Those handles get just as dark, if not darker - I don't believe it's caused by dirt and/or dirty hands - I think it's part of the aging process on these types of leather.
(maybe the body of the bag stays lighter because the leather is thinner and not rolled the way the handles are??)
that is interesting. thank you! i expect that most people who spend upwards of $1200 for a bag are also pretty good with the hygiene, especially people like you who had the style/taste/luck to buy these gorgeous bags back in '03 (wish i did). i actually didn't think they were caused by dirty hands. anyway, i have not had any bbag for more than a few months so i definitely can't comment on what causes the darkening of the handles or whether mine will do the same thing. i tend to think that when mine get to be more than a year old, then they too will show some signs of darkening -- just the nature of the beast.
on a side note, if i ever see you with that bag in chicago, be careful because i may want to snatch it from you. i love it!!! i don't see many ladies around the city with bbags especially not older ones like yours.