Everything Barenia Faubourg

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I know it can be confusing with different leathers called similar names, but this thread is for Barenia Faubourg only.

For the original (smooth) Barenia please post here:

 
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Hello all Barenia Faubourg fans,
I have a question.
1. I was looking for a gold with gold hardware Evelyne bag and was offered a Barenia Faubourg with gold hardware Evelyne.
I like it but a little worried how higher maintenance it could be..any input?
2. Would you have prefered A BF Hermes bag over other leather Hermes bag?
This is the 1st BF bag I ever bought...so, even though i like the color..it does look more weathered than other leather..and somehow looks used even though the box was sealed when she presented it to me which I am sure it is new haha.

Did I make the right choice? It was only 200 euros more than other leather and she was excited that she found me that and said I should pick that bag over another bag she was offering as the other bag could be found later on but this one in BF is rare. So, I bought it before I even read about the details haha.

p.s. I always prefer Clemence, Togo and Epsom in my other bags, so, I never wanted swift as I am scared of scratches from my nails.

Thank you.
 
I have a togo, clemence and BF. BF is my FAVOURITE. There’s something in the texture: togo is a bit 'dry', Clemence is too 'thick' and rubber-like. BF is perfectly in the middle. I love all three but there’s something special about the way BF falls and drapes. I know I don’t describe it well.

Second advantage, BF is not affected by water. Let it dry naturally and the watermark is gone. To me it’s a low maintenance bag but then, I do not 'maintain' any of my bags. Nicks, scratches don’t bother me.

My SA did say that Barenia or BF gets 'darker' almost immediately and it’s true. My Saut gets darker before my eyes :biggrin:, even though it’s not used. The colour is apparently not 'uniform' in BF. There are streaks or something. But I love it!
I know most people prefer the stability of Gold in clemence or togo but BF is the 'true' brown leather to me. I am glad I have a bag in this leather.
 
Hello all Barenia Faubourg fans,
I have a question.
1. I was looking for a gold with gold hardware Evelyne bag and was offered a Barenia Faubourg with gold hardware Evelyne.
I like it but a little worried how higher maintenance it could be..any input?
2. Would you have prefered A BF Hermes bag over other leather Hermes bag?
This is the 1st BF bag I ever bought...so, even though i like the color..it does look more weathered than other leather..and somehow looks used even though the box was sealed when she presented it to me which I am sure it is new haha.

Did I make the right choice? It was only 200 euros more than other leather and she was excited that she found me that and said I should pick that bag over another bag she was offering as the other bag could be found later on but this one in BF is rare. So, I bought it before I even read about the details haha.

p.s. I always prefer Clemence, Togo and Epsom in my other bags, so, I never wanted swift as I am scared of scratches from my nails.

Thank you.
"Higher maintenance" is subjective. BF will change over time (for the better if you are a BF lover) but if you like the predicable way that Clemence/Togo ages it may not be for you. Have you smelled it? If that doesn't thrill you perhaps you are not a BF person and would prefer another leather.
 
I think it's also worth discussing the more technical differences between the leathers, because they are significantly different.

Leathers like Togo, Clemence, Swift, etc are more modern "chemical process" tanned leathers which has several benefits:
  • It has significantly shorter processing time allowing for faster and less expensive production (chrome tanning takes a few days vs the few weeks for traditional vegetable tanning)
  • They can achieve a wider and brighter range of color which is also more even
  • It is less prone to aging and patina, aka looking "like new" longer
On the other hand, "heritage" leathers at Hermès are traditional vegetable tanned leathers, which as mentioned above take longer to produce, but also have their own list of benefits:
  • While they will be much more prone to quickly developing a "patina," vegetable tanned leathers, especially high-quality ones, can last far longer than chrome-tanned leathers
  • They're less prone or even nearly impervious to water exposure
  • Scuffs and scratches can usually be gently rubbed-in/away, or at least will fade over time, AND there's no worry of scratching "through" the color because the leather is usually the same color all the way through
  • Also the color will never crack with age/dryness
  • They have a deeper and stronger smell

With regard to maintenance, I think "higher maintenance" is subjective like said above...BF would be able to handle more incidents and brush them off than Togo, which if scratched deep enough would need taken to the spa for a fix. Also chemical tanned leathers will typically dry out a little faster than vegetable tanned leathers.

In my opinion, it's some mix of (1) personal preference and (2) how long you want to be able to functionally use and carry the bag. For example, if you just want your bag to look the same or at least develop minimal/no patina for a number of years, then a chemical process leather is a great choice and an Hermès leather of this category, with thoughtful use and care, should easily look great for at least 10-15 years, many go longer. On the other hand, if you really want a bag that could be in it for the long-haul, say 40+ years, a vegetable-tanned leather is the better choice, as long as you enjoy a healthy dose of patina along the way.
 
"Higher maintenance" is subjective. BF will change over time (for the better if you are a BF lover) but if you like the predicable way that Clemence/Togo ages it may not be for you. Have you smelled it? If that doesn't thrill you perhaps you are not a BF person and would prefer another leather.
Hi Bagnut1,
I smelled it, and it is heavenly. I can't describe the smell but it is very comforting.
I think I was a little surprised at the look when I first saw it as it looks like a used bag even though it is new. While my other leather Hermes bag looks new even after years of owning it.
But I believe since I wanted to have a collection of Hermes bags like my mom, I am glad to own this.
I always wanted everything to look new (I'm older generation hee hee), so, even when people are buying Maison Margiela sweaters with holes and rips, I went with the classic ones which looks new. So, this is a wonderful introduction to BF leather for me as this is not a Birkin or Kelly. So, great chance for me to enjoy it and see if this leather should be in my B/K/C wish list.

Thank you so much for the input. I am smelling it as I type hee hee.

Have a great day.
 
Thank you everyone for the details. (duggie84, BVBookshop and Bagnut1)
Even though I have been collecting Hermes for years, I have never been exposed to Heritage leather before I moved to France from North America.
It is your generosity in offering knowledge which makes this a wonderful support group :smile:
I am sure as I venture more into the Hermes world, I will learn more and more.

p.s. I just thought of how this BF Evelyne reminded me of my cute puppy. Even though at 1st sight it looks a little used (as some mentioned the very minor irregular color which gave the illusion that the bag is not symmetrical, but it is really well made, just the color variation playing tricks on me. Just like my puppy, I would not want to change it in any way. Perfect in its uniqueness of patina and color variation.
I will use it soon (as soon as the rainy week is over, it is raining every day here), even though it should be safe in minor rain exposure with an umbrella, as 1 step at a time LOL. I do notice the beautiful patina fresh from the box. I believe this leather would be gorgeous in a Kelly 28 which is on my top wish list.

Thank you so much, everyone,
Any more input are welcome :-)

Enjoy your day.
 
BF, like smooth Barenia, gets marks if you breathe on it, and yes tends to look "handled" even brand new in box. My brand new BF mini Roulis started to look "used" within literally hours. It's just a different experience and a different process, and IMO it can be disconcerting on a grained leather (we are more used to smooth "saddle" leathers looking marked up). But once you start enjoying rubbing out the scratches :D
I do think, personally for smaller bags that get banged around a lot like an Evie TPM, I might prefer Clemence which is so carefree. But I'd never turn down a BF Evelyne. :no:
 
i have a Fauve barenia B and a K. Different bags so not redundant! If you like the leather, go for it!

Hello mp4,
Do you mind showing both bags? I recently purchased a BF bag (not a quota bag) and really wonder how it looks after some use? It is still brand new in box for the past month haha. Love the scent but worried about the leather.
any tips on how to take care of that leather?

p.s. I have been using my Birkin in Clemence worry free. but I am not sure how worry free BF is. :smile:



Thank you.
 
Hello mp4,
Do you mind showing both bags? I recently purchased a BF bag (not a quota bag) and really wonder how it looks after some use? It is still brand new in box for the past month haha. Love the scent but worried about the leather.
any tips on how to take care of that leather?

p.s. I have been using my Birkin in Clemence worry free. but I am not sure how worry free BF is. :smile:



Thank you.
You should check out the Barenia Faubourg page in the Clubhouse. Lots of great info on BF there!
 
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Hello mp4,
Do you mind showing both bags? I recently purchased a BF bag (not a quota bag) and really wonder how it looks after some use? It is still brand new in box for the past month haha. Love the scent but worried about the leather.
any tips on how to take care of that leather?

p.s. I have been using my Birkin in Clemence worry free. but I am not sure how worry free BF is. :smile:



Thank you.

My bags are smooth barenia. I do have one BF bag. just use your bag! BF is pretty forgiving! Put put my BF bag in a work backpack and it’s held up surprisingly well.
 
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