I cannot believe this!!! You need to call the boutique back and ask to speak with a manager. LV's policy here where I live is the warranty is for 2 years; HOWEVER, if something happens that the bag needs repaired in 6 months or less from purchase date than a new replacement is given! You need to call the manager, this is a gift from your aunt. When you took the bag in, did you take the receipt with you because if they did not have the receipt, they will go by the date code inside the bag to determine time frame from purchase? I would be demanding a new replacement!