Before I got an epsom kelly, I would've said box all the way. However, over time, epsom leather tends to "relax" in such a way that the embossed sheen wears off leaving a more muted but highly structured leather.
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Thanks! I placed an order for a Gris Asphalt and my SA called one month later to offer an Etain instead. I was in a dilemma but accepted it in the end as a darker tone can hide dirt and stains well.That etain is really awesome, and I don't usually like etain. The epsom gives it an interesting texture and sharpness.
K28, Etain Sellier Epsom and K28, Gold Retourne Courchevel (predecessor of Epsom)
Before I got an epsom kelly, I would've said box all the way. However, over time, epsom leather tends to "relax" in such a way that the embossed sheen wears off leaving a more muted but highly structured leather.
Totally with you there, that's what I was interested to find out. The pros and cons of each.I have both Box and Epsom bags. I like them both for differing reasons. In a Kelly Sellier, I would do either leather in a heartbeat. In a Retourne Kelly, I would only do Box due to corner wear.
Lovely! Do you find you reach one more than the other? Gold is a perfect warm weather colour And etain is great all year round.
Interesting- how long have you had the Epsom before it 'relaxed'?
View attachment 4062744
Totally with you there, that's what I was interested to find out. The pros and cons of each.
This is my beat up BBK retourner. I took the photo especially to show the true look of the leather, rather than just the glossy shine. It's been used quite extensively for travel. The corners don't look too bad, but I think box can be stretched and loose some of its shape over the years. Please post photos of yours if you can.
Lovely! Do you find you reach one more than the other? Gold is a perfect warm weather colour And etain is great all year round.
Interesting- how long have you had the Epsom before it 'relaxed'?
I use the Gold Retourne more bacause the leather is not as stiff as the Etain. Etain epsom is new and hence I find it hard to open and close the flap. Gold is 27 years old and the leather is already “relaxed” when I bought it . That was the reason why I bought it cos I need something easy to use on a daily basis.Lovely! Do you find you reach one more than the other? Gold is a perfect warm weather colour And etain is great all year round.
Interesting- how long have you had the Epsom before it 'relaxed'?
Gosh ! 27 years old? She doesn't look it at all! Do you do anything special to maintain her?I use the Gold Retourne more bacause the leather is not as stiff as the Etain. Etain epsom is new and hence I find it hard to open and close the flap. Gold is 27 years old and the leather is already “relaxed” when I bought it . That was the reason why I bought it cos I need something easy to use on a daily basis.
Sorry for the late reply. I did nothing. I could see some stains but Gold is dark enough to hide them well. I love that the bag still looks structured and yet the leather is no longer as stiff as a brand new. Hence, I could access my stuff readily from the bag.Gosh ! 27 years old? She doesn't look it at all! Do you do anything special to maintain her?
Wow! How old is the bag?View attachment 4062744
Totally with you there, that's what I was interested to find out. The pros and cons of each.
This is my beat up BBK retourner. I took the photo especially to show the true look of the leather, rather than just the glossy shine. It's been used quite extensively for travel. The corners don't look too bad, but I think box can be stretched and loose some of its shape over the years. Please post photos of yours if you can.
Still looking good!This lovely old lady (brown retourn 32 cm) is from 1970, so I cannot agree on box falling apart in shape
Oh ! The bag had slight bulges front and back when I bought it. I stuff it every time when I am not using it (but do not over stuff) and lay it flat to rest. Since then the shape has improved. I realized that this method cannot be used on Swift. I used to have a B30 swift and over time, the back pocket left an imprint on the bagGosh ! 27 years old? She doesn't look it at all! Do you do anything special to maintain her?
Hello miss Newbie88- why don't you peruse this thtread in detail, there should be a lot of info on the pros and cons...Hi all, I've been looking at a couple of vintage box K32 and was wondering if it would be able to hold up if I use it daily for work? Would they need any special care or regular treatment? I've a very young child so less hassle is ideal... Thanks!