Docride's Hermes Lazarus Thread (can this Hermes be Saved? )
- Thread starter docride
- Start date
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Hello docride,
I just purchased a birkin 35 in what I was told was barenia but there appears to be some spotting on it (like water spots) and I know the barenia is water proof. Do you think this is barenia or maybe it’s Vache natural? How would you treat this? I bought the cleaners you recommend but am worried to use them if it’s actually not barenia. Thank you for your help!
I just purchased a birkin 35 in what I was told was barenia but there appears to be some spotting on it (like water spots) and I know the barenia is water proof. Do you think this is barenia or maybe it’s Vache natural? How would you treat this? I bought the cleaners you recommend but am worried to use them if it’s actually not barenia. Thank you for your help!
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This is not barenia , it might be vache natural or vache espace I can not tell by the photos
Those marks will stay as permanent marks although in time they may look less noticeable as the patina if the bag develops further .
Are you looking for barenia leather ?
Doc
I do love barenia but wasn’t married to the idea of it. I just like the leathers that wear over time and patina. Is there a way to tell what leather this is? I don’t want to use the wrong condition or cleaner! Also I don’t necessarily mind conditioning the bag and letting the marks wear into the bag if you think that is possible.
Show me some more photos including the Hermes Paris stamp and some clear close ups of the leather and I can usually tell which leather it is . I’m not sure which products you have there if they say they are for unfinished leather you’ll be fine.
Ok?
Doc
Okay I attached a couple pictures. Let me know if you need other pictures. I tried to attach some where you could really see the wrinkling of the leather in case it might help.
Thank you for all your help! Seriously amazing and handbag knowledge goals (I love to clean bags too and I ride horses as well !)
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Hi again,
Well, congratulations that’s vache natural leather. It’s got a semi finish on top and with time and conditioning that fades/wears away more and more. I’d say live with the drip type marks you have , clean off any tarnish and surface dirt and start conditioning and weather protecting to push the patina . It will be one more beautiful with time.
All the best, doc
A horsey gal with a saddle leather Birkin sounds like a great match! Enjoy your special and rare vache natural Birkin!
Hi doc i cant find any information in the old thread regarding treating/spa of evercalf. Since its hard to find box calf manufactured in the past 5 years for a constance i was thinking to go with evercalf. This one has some scratches what would you recommend to use to help blend/buff and/or condition? I recently purchased the Saphir Renovateur not sure if thats appropriate for this leather?
Have attached some pics showing the scratches on evercalf
Have attached some pics showing the scratches on evercalf
Hello,
Those scratches and marks are not going to be much improved by applying a conditioner . You leather is a semi finished leather almost like an unfinished one . Unlike a finished leather where Light Surface scratches are often confined to the finish and not actually into the leather that’s when buffing and conditioner can help blend scratches best. An unfinished leather however, when scratched the scratches are on the leathers surface and are allowed to remain and become part of the leathers patina .
Your leather is an already rich buttery higher oil content with a semi finish I would treat this as I would swift or gulliver . I would not use a heavy greasy type conditioner nor a waxy one. I would use only a light lotion type conditioner you would not want to get this leather over conditioned or it could conceivably stretch and loose it’s shape.
I hope this was helpful?
Doc
Hey Docride, Me again.
The bag is with me now.
The good news: It looks better than expected. The not so good news: The dustbag smells slightly mildewy 
(I immedialtely put it on the balcony to air - can it be washed?). The bag does not smell of mildew but has a distinct perfume smell 
. I am hesitant to put it outside. I am even more hesitant taking it to Hermès smelling like this. Do you have any recommendations what to do about those smells (bag, dustbag)? Many thanks in advance.Hi ,Hey Docride, Me again.
The bag is with me now.
Perfume scent often is improved by using damp alcohol wipes , Mildew & mold use a mold killer for leather products, smoke and mothballs scents all have remedies there are companies which make odor out products specifically for handbags. Additionally activated charcoal and baking soda can be helpful
You can also ask a bag spa facility or your local dry cleaner if they have an ozone room to remove scents available.
I hope this helped?
Doc