My poor black city is dry and crackly. It has practically no wrinkles or veins, and no character. =( I got it from Bal NY in Jan/Feb. I didn't know any better regarding the leather because it was one of my first bbags, otherwise I would have sent it back and picked another one. Worse, the back of the bag is sagging more than the front, so it's doesn't slouch evenly. I don't want to buy another one, because I have this one and there are so many other colors to get (if I were going to spend another $1200!). BUT on the other hand, I mostly wear my Black City, so I wish I loved it! =( Probably sounds silly, but I want to cry...