I would try cleaning vachetta first with a damp cloth, it should even it out. If it does not help much, then you could have it replaced.
Do any of you sell your bags due to aged vachetta?
- Thread starter afcgirl
- Start date
TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others
I had the vacchetta changed on mine. It was not due to wear and tear, and actually looked fine. SA commented that the bag was in excellent condition, and I had only had the bag for a few years. However...I used a product on the trim and handles that was supposed to protect it, but made it rough and darkened it. I didn't want to buy an new bag because it was my first LV and I love it. So....expensive lesson. If you don't want to replace the bag, look into replacing the leather. The other thing I would add is that there is a difference (to me) between the normal patina of age and use, and "dirty". I don't like dirty, but LOVE patina.
Thanks for the additional responses! I agree with those who responded that there is a difference between dirty and patina. I don't mind a caramel patina, it's actually very pretty and you don't have to worry about water so much, but I do have very dark areas on the handles. I am not sure if it is dirt or just extreme patina. I have tried to clean it which did help a little but I am scared to do more. I think the issue is that it is one of only a few items I bought preloved and I feel like maybe it wouldn't have happened if I had owned it the whole time as I got it with a medium patina (and maybe the previous owner used a treatment on it). I realized since then that I much prefer buying new as then I can only blame myself for issues. I didn't even get that great a deal on it. I do not baby my bags but I am reasonably careful. I am hesitant to take it to the store with Covid but will update when I do go in and get a quote on replacing the leather.
Last edited:
This is my 10 year old used and abused NF MM - I actually just bought it as a die hard school run/mom bag to just throw everything in - the patina is very dark but mostly has a beautiful sheen. It’s perfect as I will just throw it into the car lol. It’s not for everyone - my other bags are virginal in comparison vachetta wise but I love the way this looks used to death but still kind of cool. The side pulls are knotted lol and I will attempt to clean the very dark edging at each corner but other than that I’ll just use it to death.
Last edited:
I was having the same dilemma on my handles and in a few spots on the trim. I actually cleaned it carefully with apple guard leather cleaner and alcohol free baby wipes and it made a huge difference. The one thing to consider is that you are removing the oils that help protect the leather from drying out. Of course I did it because I figured if I ruined it, then I could just replace the vachetta.