How dark is too dark when it comes to vachetta?

LVBagLady

LVBagLady

O.G.
Jan 19, 2006
2,621
126
#1
Here are my Speedy's handles. I bought this pre-loved. I have always been picky a about vachetta patina but I bought this Speedy because I knew it was authentic, the bag itself is in great shape, the interior is clean and smells wonderful. But I am selfconcious about the dark leather.
IMAG0128.jpg
 
#3
I think the darkness of the vachetta leather is a personal preference. If you dont like how dark it is try cleaning it with a non alcohol baby wipe. It will help lighten it up. Just be sure to wipe all areas the same amount so its not spotty.
 
#4
I'm afraid to try baby wipes after what I read on another forum. Someone used baby wipes on their Speedy handles and it dried them out and there was cracking in the handles. I had tried Magic Eraser and that dried them out but I conditioned them with Apple conditioner.
 
#8
I got my Damier Azur pre-loved for Christmas and I was a little self-conscious about the vachetta too. I really would like to know the best way to clean it. I have non-alcohol baby wipes here at home, but it seems that half the people on the forum say it works and half of them say it does not work, so I am stuck wondering the best way to clean them. :/

But I think it is preference. I personally think the handles on yours look fine, they might just need a little cleaning.
 
#9
i bought a pre-loved Speedy a couple of years ago and had the handles replaced. all the other vanchetta was fine but the handles were dark and had water spots and it drove me crazy. when i took the bag into LV the SA tried to talk me out of it, he didn't think they looked bad but i knew i would feel better once i did it. when i picked it back up the bag looked kind of funny to me ... all the vanchetta had a honey patina except for the handles. so i used baby oil on them and between the baby oil and just using the bag it's begun to even out so the handles don't stand out anymore. my point is: i'm really glad i changed them out, i knew i wouldn't be happy with the bag until i did it. so ... what will make you happy with your bag?
 
#11
I love a deep honey patina but once it starts to get darker than that I can't stand looking at the bag anymore. I sold my Azur and Mono Speedys when they got too dark for me.
 
#12
IMAG0126.jpg


This is the handle to my Lockit, another pre-loved bag. The handles have a gray tinge. I try not to touch the handles. I carry it on the crook of my elbow or pull my sleeve over my hand if I hand hold the handles.
 
#15
LVBagLady said:
I'm afraid to try baby wipes after what I read on another forum. Someone used baby wipes on their Speedy handles and it dried them out and there was cracking in the handles. I had tried Magic Eraser and that dried them out but I conditioned them with Apple conditioner.
Click to expand...

This is true, from personal experience :smile: If you really wanna go for DIY cleaning, try the honey butter cleanser from www.lovinmybags.com. That moisturises while it cleanses...great product. Having said that, I think the very dark patina on your bag is due to age & usage, not so much dirt, which means cleaning may not make a huge difference. If you are really concerned you may want to consider replacing the vachetta.
 
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