Ode to Barenia - please show your bags and accessories :o)

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What an amazing thread full of gorgeous bags!!!

How would I know if the Barenia is for me? I don’t baby my bags (but definitely my scarves!!!) but none of them show real scratches or stains as they are mostly black or in a more durable leather. I’m worried that I would be too careful with my bag, then drop some oil or cheese on it (cue sleepless nights) or that the patina may age me (I’m at the age where how I dress can age me 10+ years). I am also still a little hesitant about the bag ageing badly or unevenly (eg the handles patina faster, or the bag ages in patches). In addition, would the white contrast stitching get dull or dirty over time? Your bags seem to hold up very well in this regard! I also don’t wear a lot of brown (including shoes and belts) so I have no idea how I would style it!

Bonus question: how do you store your bags if you won’t be using it for a long time?
For me when it comes to Barenia I just accept that it will get scratches and I dont mind. I think the color is so rich and the leather was meant to be worn so that is how I look at it. If you always want a pristine looking bag or scratches bother you then I would say it is not for you. Others may have a differing opinion.

I just sit my bags on the shelf where I can see them. Hope this helps.
 
What an amazing thread full of gorgeous bags!!!

How would I know if the Barenia is for me? I don’t baby my bags (but definitely my scarves!!!) but none of them show real scratches or stains as they are mostly black or in a more durable leather. I’m worried that I would be too careful with my bag, then drop some oil or cheese on it (cue sleepless nights) or that the patina may age me (I’m at the age where how I dress can age me 10+ years). I am also still a little hesitant about the bag ageing badly or unevenly (eg the handles patina faster, or the bag ages in patches). In addition, would the white contrast stitching get dull or dirty over time? Your bags seem to hold up very well in this regard! I also don’t wear a lot of brown (including shoes and belts) so I have no idea how I would style it!

Bonus question: how do you store your bags if you won’t be using it for a long time?
I agree with @girlhasbags . If I cannot see a bag, it doesn’t get used. It sounds like Fauve barenia, which can easily age unevenly; show marks; and darken handles, is not for you. perhaps barenia faubourg or even gold togo might be a better choice.

re storage: bags need to breathe and should not be stored air tight; moderate temp, not too much humidity, no direct light. I simply leave mine as is, sometimes stuffing them with dust bags if they look like they will topple over.
But I like natural slouch.

im 56, and if I feel like something has aged me, it is usually not the bag
 
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For me when it comes to Barenia I just accept that it will get scratches and I dont mind. I think the color is so rich and the leather was meant to be worn so that is how I look at it. If you always want a pristine looking bag or scratches bother you then I would say it is not for you. Others may have a differing opinion.

I just sit my bags on the shelf where I can see them. Hope this helps.

Thank you! Scratches don’t bother me, I have many bags with scratches that won’t ever buff out anyway!

I agree with @girlhasbags . If I cannot see a bag, it doesn’t get used. It sounds like Fauve barenia, which can easily age unevenly; show marks; and darken handles, is not for you. perhaps barenia faubourg or even gold togo might be a better choice.

re storage: bags need to breathe and should not be stored air tight; moderate temp, not too much humidity, no direct light. I simply leave mine as is, sometimes stuffing them with dust bags if they look like they will topple over.
But I like natural slouch.

im 56, and if I feel like something has aged me, it is usually not the bag

Thank you! I’d probably have twillies on the handles regardless, so darkening handles may not be a big issue either. I really love the look of all of the bags in this thread and nothing I’ve seen scares me, but I just need a push or a ‘go ahead’! I like the ‘clean’ and smooth look of Fauve barenia too!
 
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Q for the experts: was the hac40 ever produced in barenia?
Yes, it was, although it's been a long time since I've seen a current full Barenia HAC40. More recently the HAC40 was released with Barenia and wool felt; now the Barenia seems to be mostly gone from HAC production, and H is currently using gold Evercolor for mixed media HACs, mostly with toile from what I am seeing in store. Looks a lot like Barenia....til you get close :smile:
The HAC32 of course is discontinued in all leathers.
 
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Yes, it was, although it's been a long time since I've seen a current full Barenia HAC40. More recently the HAC40 was released with Barenia and wool felt; now the Barenia seems to be mostly gone from HAC production, and H is currently using gold Evercolor for mixed media HACs, mostly with toile from what I am seeing in store. Looks a lot like Barenia....til you get close :smile:
The HAC32 of course is discontinued in all leathers.
Thanks for this info! ♥️
 
Hi, I’m a rather noob here and cross-posting photos of smooth barenia C18 to get some insights. I purchased a barenia c18 in excellent condition from fashiophile, but there are a few indented lines that were not disclosed.

I am not so bothered by those light scratches/scuffs on the bag or the scratches on the H buckle per se, but i am not really sure how the pressure lines/indentations will age? I am concerned whether the pressure marks won’t develop patina well and will look even more noticeable over time. I was reading that the body oils and touching from normal use can be one of the key factors of the patina process. Theoretically, the indented areas won’t be exposed as much? I appreciate any help on this question. TIA!

 
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