Lambskin paranoia!

[Yodabest]

I got a black lambskin flap bag over a year ago and have only managed to use it two times so far and both those times were just out to dinner! I’ve been so nervous about using it because of how fragile the leather is. I need some real world advice. How crazy do I actually need to be? Can anyone share how they use their lambskin bag regularly and it’s held up great? Is that possible?

 

[Annabella4]

Yes it is! I have a jumbo in lamb and have used it a lot, it does get nicer with wear. The first little scratch you will notice but when lab gets used you don’t see it as much. Use the bag enjoy it! Otherwise I would put it up for sale and buy caviar instead. I have both but nothing looks as luxurious as lambskin.

 

[880]

I love lamb skin and don’t think it’s particularly fragile. It will get softer and shinier patina with use. Just enjoy. IMO it’s much nicer than caviar

ETA: I also have Chanel lanmbskin RTW, including a skirt that I bought from 57th st in 2003. Still in perfect condition.

 

[Burpieez]

Not all lambskin is the same. It depends how thick it feels. I find that the lambskin on the WOCs are very thin and stretched to fit over the interfacing. Therefore, the corners can wear pretty easily and surface scratches are noticeable. However, the lambskin on the 19 bags are very thick and I never worry about it. You can kinda tell when you handle the bag or rub the surface a bit. The classic flaps, I feel that the bottom and sides are pretty thin but the front and back are fine.

I look at scratches on lambskin the same way as Louis Vuitton vachetta leather that gets stained or patina over time. It adds to the authenticity and journey of the bag. Of course, to a certain extent. A scratched up classic flap with an evening dress is not so great. But that same bag during the day looks kinda cool to me. It's like how everyone used to hate the deflated quilts on the vintage bags and now it's an aesthetic. I believe it's possible to get over the fear in time. I used to prefer caviar, but lately I've been using my 19 and trendy CC without a second thought because I love the feel. I don't mind if they're not so pristine because they're everyday bags for me and it adds to the casual look. If it's black lambskin, even better because it will not show water marks easily. Also, when lambskin ages, it looks super pretty. It develops a sheen and gets more supple.

So for me, I use my lambskin bags everyday and they look the same. I do not baby them. They may have some fine scratches if i look hard enough. They are my 23B trendy CC, small/medium 19 in black and marron claire, and seasonal mini rectangular and WOC "coco love" from 23S. If they're everyday bags, you'll grow to admire the wear and tear. If it's a special occasion or date night bag, it will bother you and should probably opt for a caviar version instead.

 

[Swanky]

Lamb isn't fragile in my experience, enjoy the bag!

 

[LJChicago]

I have a hobo in lambskin and I wear the heck out of it. Looks perfect

 

[onlyk]

Oh the Chanel lambskin on classics, they are the most delicious feel leather to touch, don't worry about wear, part of luxury is to use the expensive items as if it had only cost $10

 

[sanarae]

I’m relieved reading these replies as I recently hesitated over a lambskin classic flap in a lighter, less versatile color at a boutique (I absolutely adored the shade, but it wouldn’t be an everyday wear for me and I worried any accidental damage would be evident despite the SA’s reassurances. Murphy’s (or Tucker’s) law and all that). Thank you for everyone who contributed their wisdom to this thread - @Yodabest , go for it! The joy you get out of using your gorgeous bag will be well worth it. We only have one life, and many opportunities to choose to spark joy: trite but true. (And that’s me back to the shop to see if the vaunted bag’s still available and make a final call…after happening across this thread despite work taking up most my time, I couldn’t pass up the style and happiness that lambskin bag would bring to my life and outfits on a regular basis - for Chanel I’ve only owned patent and caviar thus far). You’re such a lovely community

 

[Yodabest]

Thank you all for the responses! TPF never disappoints! I’m going to use my flap bag this week.

When I went for the lambskin flap I was nervous about it even walking out of the store. I just need to get over it!

Do you all “wrap up” your lambskin bags after each use? (Like wrap the handle, put the felt over the flaps, etc)

 

[guldengirl]

So happy to have joined this forum. My Lambskin WOC rarely gets used because I am so paranoid. I’m inspired to bring it out tomorrow night now!

 

[zaraha]

I love lambskin! Super luxurious!

 

[Swanky]

Thank you all for the responses! TPF never disappoints! I’m going to use my flap bag this week.

When I went for the lambskin flap I was nervous about it even walking out of the store. I just need to get over it!

Do you all “wrap up” your lambskin bags after each use? (Like wrap the handle, put the felt over the flaps, etc)

I don’t. I store the chain inside the bag, and my bags sit on a shelf in closet without dustbag/box

 

[guldengirl]

I don’t. I store the chain inside the bag, and my bags sit on a shelf in closet without dustbag/box

I store with the chain inside the bag and in the dust bag but that’s because I rarely use it. But I’m going to change that now thanks to you all so I’ll just have it on a shelf without a dust bag.

 

[imanda]

I have a pre-lovedJJumbo Chanel 3 in black lambskin that's absolutely delicious. Someone else already "broke it in" so I have no fears about using it.

 

[sanarae]

I don’t. I store the chain inside the bag, and my bags sit on a shelf in closet without dustbag/box

I’m reallllly going to have to start being more diligent about the ‘chain inside the bag’ endeavour, aren’t I—particularly with lambskin, I gather? (Also a Bags on Shelf type, here. Fabric-print/embellished bags I put a cloth or dust bag over the delicate section.) In days of yore, due to youthful insouciance, I habitually left a chain strap draped—read, smooshed due to inadequate shelf/closet space—over a not-exactly-inexpensive patent bag. No horrific garment-rending damage done, but…let’s just say I could’ve been a bit cleverer in that respect!