Allllthoughhhh, what is this? http://forum.purseblog.com/balenciaga/new-member-of-my-brown-family-miiiiis-sienna-156404.html
It's very textured, it seems like.
It's very textured, it seems like.
Comparing leather by Year and Season (best, worst, characteristics)
- Thread starter mimz
- Start date
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As others have said, "good" leather is totally subjective. Some people don't like veins, others love it. Some people don't like shine, others love it. For me personally, good leather means that it's thick, matte, smooth (minimal crackling), and so soft that it collapses into a puddle.
You know, it's so interesting. I have no idea how or why 06 leathers got their "bad" reputation. Because every last 06 bag I've had (and I've owned six) had incredible, soft, smooth leather. In fact, the best leather of any bag I've had, regardless of the year, was my 06 BI City. It was like buttah. I think that generalizing from year to year is completely useless. Each bag was made with a different hide, and animal hides can vary just as much as human skin can!
You know, it's so interesting. I have no idea how or why 06 leathers got their "bad" reputation. Because every last 06 bag I've had (and I've owned six) had incredible, soft, smooth leather. In fact, the best leather of any bag I've had, regardless of the year, was my 06 BI City. It was like buttah. I think that generalizing from year to year is completely useless. Each bag was made with a different hide, and animal hides can vary just as much as human skin can!
Good leather.... I think good leather is whatever you like. I prefer some distressing but not veiny and dry. I also want the front and back to match. I don't want a smoothish front and a heavily distressed back. I also like thick leather but not if it makes the bag heavier as was the case in some of the f/w '06 bags.
I adore the 2004-2005 leather. It's spongy, smooshy, silky and super light. However if I didn't know better, I would think my f/w '06 white was from 2005. I think there is good leather each season, you just have to find a good one and their is usally a big variation from bag to bag in leather and often in color as well.
I adore the 2004-2005 leather. It's spongy, smooshy, silky and super light. However if I didn't know better, I would think my f/w '06 white was from 2005. I think there is good leather each season, you just have to find a good one and their is usally a big variation from bag to bag in leather and often in color as well.
Ok, so I couldn't afford the flat brass so I just purchased a 2005 first in black. I'm trying to decipher what "not veiny" is as the black leather on most Balenciaga's seems veiny to me (at least in pics). Is 2004 the best year for NO veins? How does 2005 stack up? Someone please explain...Thanks!!! 
2005 was a great year for leather! congrats on your new purchase 2004 was maybe a little more buttery, but it depends on the bag - some 2005 models are super smooth as well 
2006 was spotty, lots of veining and distressing, but even there some bags were smoother and thicker than others.
2004 was maybe a little more buttery, but it depends on the bag - some 2005 models are super smooth as well 2006 was spotty, lots of veining and distressing, but even there some bags were smoother and thicker than others.Hi Slinks! Thanks for the info. I got the 2005. The price was great (sold on ebay by another pF'er!!). I have checked out real deal collection and Ann's finds for the flat brass. The 2002 at real deal was just too much $$ for me. Ann had the 2001 I know you wanted but I guess it went quickly. I'm really excited to get my bag --it should arrive on Thursday!
Are you familiar with LMB? What is that exactly--on some threads I have read it helps reduce veins.
Are you familiar with LMB? What is that exactly--on some threads I have read it helps reduce veins.
Ah, the elusive Le Dix 
Maybe one day it will find me.
:back2topic: LMB makes producs for bags, including moisturizing stuff (conditioners, etc) which may help reduce the appearance of veins. Apple conditioner is another option. Some PFers feel strongly about not using any such products on their bags. The veins soften up a lot as the bag is broken in, and aren't nearly as apparent on bags that have seen a lot of use.
I'm sure you'll love your 2005!
Maybe one day it will find me.:back2topic: LMB makes producs for bags, including moisturizing stuff (conditioners, etc) which may help reduce the appearance of veins. Apple conditioner is another option. Some PFers feel strongly about not using any such products on their bags. The veins soften up a lot as the bag is broken in, and aren't nearly as apparent on bags that have seen a lot of use.
I'm sure you'll love your 2005!
my bags are all 2007 - recent addict 
Anthra Day is very smooth and silky
Black City has a small pattern distressing, but the veins are very small they almost sparkle (and get 'chewy' so i've been told by the veterans). Looks much smoother in the picture than IRL.
Black GGH Work is veiny and I like it this way because a black bag this big would be too much darkness for me if it were too smooth/uniform. The veins really lighten up the bag I think.
Each bag is so different!!! I love them all!
Anthra Day is very smooth and silky
Black City has a small pattern distressing, but the veins are very small they almost sparkle (and get 'chewy' so i've been told by the veterans). Looks much smoother in the picture than IRL.
Black GGH Work is veiny and I like it this way because a black bag this big would be too much darkness for me if it were too smooth/uniform. The veins really lighten up the bag I think.
Each bag is so different!!! I love them all!
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Is the original 2001 only called Le Dix? I get confused by all the nomers: First, motorcycle and "the 10." Ten, what?
Thanks for putting my mind at ease about the veininous(word?) of my 2005. I am excited beyond words.
I also don't like using products mostly because the majority are toxic. I will let time work its magic. That's the beauty of loved bags. How many B bags do you have?
Thanks for putting my mind at ease about the veininous(word?) of my 2005. I am excited beyond words.
I also don't like using products mostly because the majority are toxic. I will let time work its magic. That's the beauty of loved bags. How many B bags do you have?Brunettetiger your black city is gorgeous
. I don't see any veins to speak of at least in the photo. I hope my bag is that nice...
. I don't see any veins to speak of at least in the photo. I hope my bag is that nice...
I like shiny, squishy, thick, wrinkly leather, so I voted 07. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm the only 07 voter, because most people do seem to love the 05.
Can't really vote as I haven't possessed any pre2005 bags, but I think everyone talks about 2005 b/c it was the last year of the really good leather and that everything before that was good.
I know I didn't help much, but I wanted to give you some sort of answer to your question!
I know I didn't help much, but I wanted to give you some sort of answer to your question!