I have a suggestion, I have found that this has caused a problem with my bags in the past. I keep my bags in my closet there is vent in my closet and when the central heat is on the hot air would get into the closet, I noticed that one of my leather bags started cracking and I had hardly used the bag so I knew that this was not from wear, also I take very good care of my bags. I closed the vent and keep it very cold in my closet now and so far I have not had any further cracking issues. Just FYI. Sorry about your bag.