the leather started getting flimsy when they changed factories after gucci took them over to mass produce the bags . it used to be very difficult to get these bags! i wanted a repair one by bal to an old suede hobo i had. they told me they would not accept it bc they changed factories since it was made. this was afew years ago. when the contract was up, they went to new place and then we started seeing signifant changes. i believe there will always be a cult following for these bags, and you guys know who you are! (me included) and regardless of whether vogue says they are "out" this or that season, they become even more desirable to carry. when they first came out , there were no copies bc people didnt know what they were. i would get stopped all the time about my bal bags but no one had ever seen them. i would be happy if they were less popular and stop these sleexy copies!! i will be a bal motorcycle bag girl forever!!!!!
