I personally love the sheen! Gorgeous!
How are your Swift Bags aging?
- Thread starter Rockerchic
- Start date
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I think the sheen on older swift shows up very differently depending on the light. I‘m pretty sure a while back I posted in one of the swift threads that my swift B wasn’t particularly shiny. I took a photo in the back of the car a couple of weeks ago and woah! really shiny in that one. The other pic was taken the same day by a window. I know in sunlight out doors the leather appears almost glittery somehow! I still think swift is weirdly robust when it comes to corner wear etc though.. and so so soft 
I may be in the minority but I love the way swift ages, slouches and shines. Actually I love aged box, barenia and VN (my first 30B, now with my mom) too. I don’t baby my bags. I’ve posted this pic elsewhere re the black barenia, but the gold one is swift 30B lovingly restored by docride.
I came late in the game to appreciating swift/gulliver but I find that I am most drawn to the smoother leathers. Your swift bag looks beautiful...I am a big fan of docride and she restored a box 35 I had a long time ago. Prior to selling it I dropped it at Madison for a quick spa and they were admiring how gorgeous it was, none the wiser of the shape it was in before Doc got her hands on it. Alas that was when I thought 35 too big for me and I kick myself ever since for letting that graphite go.
Do you have before and after of your swift?
rockerchic, thank you! Years ago, I had a similar experience at Madison Avenue with my first vintage BBK 28 that docride restored. H accepted BB K for spa (which IMO was a bit overrated), but also shortly after, H replaced the handle and sanglers which I did like very much. (tho they did warn me that there would obviously be a difference in the new box leather). I don’t remember the cost;it ended up being more than the price of the bag, but it was worth it to me at the time. I’m sorry, I don’t have before and after pics of the swift 30B but the handles were darkened. Docride worked miracles!
I'm curious if anyone owns a Jypsiere in Swift leather and how has it been holding up? Is it very slouchy/lost shape? Any bad scratches? TIA
I have a well-worn J28 Touch (Swift flap and Clemence body). Scratches are there but add character. I actually think Swift is a bit less floppy than Clemence so it's a nice contrast.
Thank you for the info. I am about to purchase a J28 swift and am wondering the best way to care for swift and if I should get an insert to help maintain its shape. (Only familiar with togo and country leather)
I use a Fourbi in all of my bags, which is a bit squishy and doesn't really act as a shaper. The J is a casual bag so I don't worry too much, and if it's a 28 the ratio of seams to body is pretty high so IMO not much opportunity for slouch, if you know what I mean.
Marks on Swift rub out a bit with your finger. Soft cloth to remove any dirt (but why would there be dirt?). Else spa. (Again mine is well used and has never needed spa.)
Do you use the Fourbi mainly to protect the interior leather then or does it offer more organization? (I've seen pics of the exterior but never saw one up close.)
Thanks for the advice about care. I'm always nervous to use anything on the leather because I don't want to damage it in anyway.
It seems from most everyone's experience here that swift is ok if caught in a little rain. Is that your experience? No need for protectant spray?
I don't use spray on my H bags (their care cards specifically say don't use any products and bring it in if it needs care).
With Swift a little rain is OK, just wipe it off as soon as you can. (My swift flap J is what I usually travel with so it's seen weather.) If you know it's going to pour outside stick a Baggu or similar to put it in.
The Fourbi is for organization and protection. I use the 20s in silk (I have multiples because I change my accessories seasonally and I like it to match. I know, but I am Bagnut!) So, in my bigger bags there is a ton of extra room but I don't mind (room for iPad or umbrella, etc.). The Fourbi with all of its stuff lives in a drawer between bag changes. The 20 has 5 exterior pockets and one large interior. I think the larger one has interior pocket(s) as well.
Check the inserts thread if you want something that's more specific to a J, but I find that the small Fourbi is a perfect fit inside.
Thank you so much for advice! I'll check out the inserts thread to see what they recommend. Again, I really appreciate that advice. Take care!