Way back in 2011, I bought a tan Kooba Devin Hobo at the thrift store for $12.99. The bag was kindly authenticated here on TPF by @BookWriter. It was made of Italian Lambskin and had been released in 2007. It originally retailed for $535.
The bag was in bad shape, it was dirty inside and out and had some pen-marks. At that time I had already rehabbed some other bag brands - but I was not familiar with Kooba or with lambskin - and so it seemeded like a challenge. I was afraid to try to rehab it, so I put it away and then I forgot about it!
Last year I got lucky again and I found a NWT gray Kooba Sloane bag at a thrift store for only $3. It was in great shape and all I had to do was moisturize it. I have worn it several times and I really like it a lot. It is also made of Italian Lambskin and the bag feels so soft and luxurious!
Recently, I was digging through my "Rehab Pile" looking for a "project purse" and I found the tan Kooba Devin stuffed inside of a tote bag. I was so surprised to discover that I already owned another Kooba! So I decided to finally attempt a rehab.
The bag was so dirty that I had to bathe it in mild soap and water and then stuff it with towels to reshape it while drying. I gave it 3 treatments with moisturizers, allowing it to rest in-between applications. That was all I did besides gently buffing the brass hardware.
The bag developed a nice, rich tan patina after rehabbing. I was able to remove/lighten the ink marks but it still shows some signs of wear. At least it is clean and it looks much better IMO. I've already carried it a few times and it is a lovely, comfortable bag; I'm glad that I found her again and gave her the attention she deserves!
Here are some before pictures of my $13 tan Kooba Devin:
Here are pictures of the tan Kooba Devin after rehab:
The bag was in bad shape, it was dirty inside and out and had some pen-marks. At that time I had already rehabbed some other bag brands - but I was not familiar with Kooba or with lambskin - and so it seemeded like a challenge. I was afraid to try to rehab it, so I put it away and then I forgot about it!
Last year I got lucky again and I found a NWT gray Kooba Sloane bag at a thrift store for only $3. It was in great shape and all I had to do was moisturize it. I have worn it several times and I really like it a lot. It is also made of Italian Lambskin and the bag feels so soft and luxurious!
Recently, I was digging through my "Rehab Pile" looking for a "project purse" and I found the tan Kooba Devin stuffed inside of a tote bag. I was so surprised to discover that I already owned another Kooba! So I decided to finally attempt a rehab.
The bag was so dirty that I had to bathe it in mild soap and water and then stuff it with towels to reshape it while drying. I gave it 3 treatments with moisturizers, allowing it to rest in-between applications. That was all I did besides gently buffing the brass hardware.
The bag developed a nice, rich tan patina after rehabbing. I was able to remove/lighten the ink marks but it still shows some signs of wear. At least it is clean and it looks much better IMO. I've already carried it a few times and it is a lovely, comfortable bag; I'm glad that I found her again and gave her the attention she deserves!
Here are some before pictures of my $13 tan Kooba Devin:
Here are pictures of the tan Kooba Devin after rehab:
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