ODE to Box Calf

[catsinthebag]

Bumping this thread to ask a question of longtime box owners. I have two vintage box Kelly bags that, due mostly to the info on this forum, I am terrified to bring out if there is a chance of rain (or snow for that matter). Box is legendary for its ability to patina and also because it refurbishes well, but it sounds like the blisters from rain are permanent?

I’m a little confused because in the old photos of ladies wearing box bags a few decades ago, it looks like the bags held up really well. Or the photo of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with her Box Birkin on the NYC subway. I looks like she used the bag pretty fearlessly, and the bag looks good — a bit broken in, but good.

Does anyone just wear their box bags? Not trash them up intentionally of course, but really wear them as everyday bags? and if so, how have they held up? I would like to wear my bags with a little more freedom and less worry that I may completely ruin them if I happen to get caught in a passing shower. I’d appreciate any input you ladies can give.

 

[werner]

I wear my box bags a lot, because they are my favorite. Luckily, I live in a climate with little rain. However, if the forecast does call for rain, I won't take the precious box bags out under any circumstance.

 

[DR2014]

Bumping this thread to ask a question of longtime box owners. I have two vintage box Kelly bags that, due mostly to the info on this forum, I am terrified to bring out if there is a chance of rain (or snow for that matter). Box is legendary for its ability to patina and also because it refurbishes well, but it sounds like the blisters from rain are permanent?

I’m a little confused because in the old photos of ladies wearing box bags a few decades ago, it looks like the bags held up really well. Or the photo of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with her Box Birkin on the NYC subway. I looks like she used the bag pretty fearlessly, and the bag looks good — a bit broken in, but good.

Does anyone just wear their box bags? Not trash them up intentionally of course, but really wear them as everyday bags? and if so, how have they held up? I would like to wear my bags with a little more freedom and less worry that I may completely ruin them if I happen to get caught in a passing shower. I’d appreciate any input you ladies can give.

I would love to understand this too! I have seen some pictures of extremely well loved and used box Plumes as well. I suspect it is just a question of personal tolerance for the well used look.

 

[thyme]

Bumping this thread to ask a question of longtime box owners. I have two vintage box Kelly bags that, due mostly to the info on this forum, I am terrified to bring out if there is a chance of rain (or snow for that matter). Box is legendary for its ability to patina and also because it refurbishes well, but it sounds like the blisters from rain are permanent?

I’m a little confused because in the old photos of ladies wearing box bags a few decades ago, it looks like the bags held up really well. Or the photo of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy with her Box Birkin on the NYC subway. I looks like she used the bag pretty fearlessly, and the bag looks good — a bit broken in, but good.

Does anyone just wear their box bags? Not trash them up intentionally of course, but really wear them as everyday bags? and if so, how have they held up? I would like to wear my bags with a little more freedom and less worry that I may completely ruin them if I happen to get caught in a passing shower. I’d appreciate any input you ladies can give.

yes i do wear ALL my box bags in rain snow or sunshine. mine are nearly all pre-owned/vintage with patina and no scratches. i am pretty sure they were all used and loved too. i do polish mine with shoe cream maybe once a year if i remember. that's it. for brand new boxcalf, i would recommend protecting it first with shoe cream. if one doesn't use the bag, it may take forever or never to reach the patina stage.

i took these pics of my b35 when i was caught in heavy snowfall for 15 mins, walking from the office to the train station. and a pic showing the b35 day after.

 

[catsinthebag]

yes i do wear ALL my box bags in rain snow or sunshine. mine are nearly all pre-owned/vintage with patina and no scratches. i am pretty sure they were all used and loved too. i do polish mine with shoe cream maybe once a year if i remember. that's it. for brand new boxcalf, i would recommend protecting it first with shoe cream. if one doesn't use the bag, it may take forever or never to reach the patina stage.

i took these pics of my b35 when i was caught in heavy snowfall for 15 mins, walking from the office to the train station. and a pic showing the b35 day after.

View attachment 3872364 View attachment 3872365 View attachment 3872366

THANK YOU for this! It’s exactly what I was hoping to hear. Both of mine are vintage with some patina already in place. I’ve used DocRide’s old method of Blackrocks and Obenaufs on one, but haven’t done anything to the other. Shoe cream sounds like a good idea.

The snow photos are something else! I’m assuming you wiped the bag down to remove the snow once you got inside?

 

[thyme]

THANK YOU for this! It’s exactly what I was hoping to hear. Both of mine are vintage with some patina already in place. I’ve used DocRide’s old method of Blackrocks and Obenaufs on one, but haven’t done anything to the other. Shoe cream sounds like a good idea.

The snow photos are something else! I’m assuming you wiped the bag down to remove the snow once you got inside?

guess what i didn't have any tissues with me, i shook it off and used my hands too. but the strong heating in the train melted the snow very quickly and it dried quickly too.

 

[bagidiotic]

yes i do wear ALL my box bags in rain snow or sunshine. mine are nearly all pre-owned/vintage with patina and no scratches. i am pretty sure they were all used and loved too. i do polish mine with shoe cream maybe once a year if i remember. that's it. for brand new boxcalf, i would recommend protecting it first with shoe cream. if one doesn't use the bag, it may take forever or never to reach the patina stage.

i took these pics of my b35 when i was caught in heavy snowfall for 15 mins, walking from the office to the train station. and a pic showing the b35 day after.

View attachment 3872364 View attachment 3872365 View attachment 3872366

Wow
Astonishing
Still looking fabulous

 

[catsinthebag]

guess what i didn't have any tissues with me, i shook it off and used my hands too. but the strong heating in the train melted the snow very quickly and it dried quickly too.

Ha ha, that reminds me of a story my SA told me a long time ago. A woman came into the store out of the pouring rain carrying a croc Birkin. The SAs were all rushing around to find something to use to dry off the bag, but the customer just gave the bag a good shake and said, “Don’t worry, it’s FINE.”

To me the definition of true luxury is being able to really use these items and not be overly precious about them. It was bothering me that I haven’t been using my box Kellys. I’m gonna follow your lead (just as soon as I get some shoe cream, lol).

 

[thyme]

Wow
Astonishing
Still looking fabulous

thank you!

Ha ha, that reminds me of a story my SA told me a long time ago. A woman came into the store out of the pouring rain carrying a croc Birkin. The SAs were all rushing around to find something to use to dry off the bag, but the customer just gave the bag a good shake and said, “Don’t worry, it’s FINE.”

To me the definition of true luxury is being able to really use these items and not be overly precious about them. It was bothering me that I haven’t been using my box Kellys. I’m gonna follow your lead (just as soon as I get some shoe cream, lol).

it's the law of nature. i had to run out of tissues that day! i agree with you about the definition of true luxury. and yes please do use your box bags. too gorgeous to sit in the closet. it is one of the original H leathers after all and have been around for at least 7 or 8 decades I think! box calf ages the best out of all H leathers imho.

 

[honhon]

yes i do wear ALL my box bags in rain snow or sunshine. mine are nearly all pre-owned/vintage with patina and no scratches. i am pretty sure they were all used and loved too. i do polish mine with shoe cream maybe once a year if i remember. that's it. for brand new boxcalf, i would recommend protecting it first with shoe cream. if one doesn't use the bag, it may take forever or never to reach the patina stage.

i took these pics of my b35 when i was caught in heavy snowfall for 15 mins, walking from the office to the train station. and a pic showing the b35 day after.

View attachment 3872364 View attachment 3872365 View attachment 3872366

great recovery!! thats a FROZEN birkin and first time to witness it.

 

[Hermezzy]

To me the definition of true luxury is being able to really use these items and not be overly precious about them.

I so agree with this. H products are gorgeous but they were meant to be used, worn, loved, and enjoyed. As we all know, very few companies stand behind their products via after sales refurbishing like H does and I'm convinced that part of the reason that is the case is that they want us to use their products without treating them like they are full porcelain tea cups being carried on an ice-skating rink. I will say that part of the joy of owning my H leather goods is doing some of the spa work myself (usually via the excellent LuxuryAgain products) and seeing these items being given periodic face lifts. That said, I've owned many "luxury" brand leather products and none...repeat, none...hold up like Hermes. Beautiful, exquisite, and the most durable in the industry? Yes, there's a big markup, but at the end of the day H really is the platinum standard.

 

[Pinkdiamondlove]

Just got a Vintage Chocolate Kelly. I am planning on wearing it fairly often so I'm glad to see these pics as well. =)

 

[Tittlemouse]

Im bumping this thread with a new vintage purchase!

Introducing my vintage 1971 Navy Box Calf GM Jige clutch

 

[cutepuppy76]

Bump up this thread.
I always love Hermes box leather as it is so exquisite and gorgeous. I sold my k32 box as Its too big for me to handle without getting any scratches n now a trustable reseller offer me a mini ile de shiki in x stamp, box leather and comes with a shoulder strap(size almost like a mini bolide). It has some deep scratches but otherwise it looks awesome. But It is so cute and dainty!! I can see myself carrying this to dinner and weekend dating! But I could hardly find any information on this bag..anyone know about this model? should I take it??

 

[plastic-fish]

I, like the poster above, have been bitten by the Ile de Shiki bug! I’ve been obsessing over this bag for years. While I’ve seen some in reseller markets, I was unwilling to pay the high prices however my patience was rewarded. Introducing my tri-colour Ile de Shiki, in box, after B&O, with some mod shots, with and without flash. I think this bag looks like an emoji, eyes and a big smiling mouth...