Rejuventating, Repairing or Restoring Your Balenciaga
- Thread starter didi78
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It depends on the quality of restoration. Some coveted bags still increased in value with worn edges & wear, so I don't see how getting them fixed up would decrease it's value unless it wasn't done well. Personally, I prefer minimal restoration than the entire bag. I've had a couple of bags repaired and specifically tell them to only do those areas that need help and that's it. If they want to replace more of the original leather than is needed then I don't do it. I think the bag you got it very pretty...the only thing that might be a problem is if you have to replace the tassels and those don't match. You may want to find out from the seller where she got the bag done in case you need those dyed. I think the value is determined by how much someone wants the bag and loves the color. If you love the bag, it's worth every penny irregardless of how much you paid.
I think if the restoration affects the entire bag, then it devalues the bag slightly because it's not really the same bag anymore...especially if they had to have leather replaced too. However, since it's only the corners, I think it's ok as long as it's not obvious that it got restored. =) Congratulations on a beautiful bag!
Personally, I feel that re-dyed bags are a big no-no since the color is no longer original, the distressing is gone, and it feels different.
But if you love the bag, then it's not a problem.
But if you love the bag, then it's not a problem.
I already PMed you about this- but I just wanted to state....
My 03 restored city by ArtBags is fantastic! best bag ever! I highly recommend using them! (and they arent even paying me to say that!)
So, for me, if the restoration is just on the areas that darken or get the most wear & tear, I dont think it devalues a bag (corners, handles, piping, ink stain, small area) but I do think that a large scale repainting or redyeing changes the leathers, making it stiffer and more opaque.
I'd contact the seller and ask specifically about what was done to the bag, where it was done, where she bought it... everything- to get a handle on the wassups of it. The seller is a lovely PFer, I'm sure she will let you know what is going on honestly!
My 03 restored city by ArtBags is fantastic! best bag ever! I highly recommend using them! (and they arent even paying me to say that!)
So, for me, if the restoration is just on the areas that darken or get the most wear & tear, I dont think it devalues a bag (corners, handles, piping, ink stain, small area) but I do think that a large scale repainting or redyeing changes the leathers, making it stiffer and more opaque.
I'd contact the seller and ask specifically about what was done to the bag, where it was done, where she bought it... everything- to get a handle on the wassups of it. The seller is a lovely PFer, I'm sure she will let you know what is going on honestly!
In my opinion, it's a complete no-no.. as you don't know the original condition of the bag (ie. it could have been severely bashed/blackened/etc) and how the original owner(s) treated it. Since the restoration only 'glosses over' the faults, they can come through in a later stage.
I've also heard horror stories of restorations where the entire leather of the bag is not the same as the original - all crackly and the smell is completely different. The original leather is what sets Balenciaga apart from other regular bags, so to me, "retouched" practically means "counterfeit" - I have a very harsh view of restorations, I know
If it's a mere "cleaned with soft cloth" and such, then I'm all for it. But when it's been spray painted, spray glossed and such.. then EEEEK!!!
Just my opinion though, many have purchased "restored' bags and been happy with it! i"m just a real stickler for the old lush leather - untouched
I've also heard horror stories of restorations where the entire leather of the bag is not the same as the original - all crackly and the smell is completely different. The original leather is what sets Balenciaga apart from other regular bags, so to me, "retouched" practically means "counterfeit" - I have a very harsh view of restorations, I know
If it's a mere "cleaned with soft cloth" and such, then I'm all for it. But when it's been spray painted, spray glossed and such.. then EEEEK!!!
Just my opinion though, many have purchased "restored' bags and been happy with it! i"m just a real stickler for the old lush leather - untouched
She is a lovely PF'er.
o.k., here is the info she gave me, now give me your opinion.
She took the bag to Lovingmybags, Barbara and her husband worked on it and they restored color to the handles, corners, and buckle straps only. THe rest of the bag had a leather conditioner applied for protection only.
The entire bag WAS NOT RESTORED, ONLY THE HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS!!
I saw pics of the bag in archives and must say, I like it better restored.
She even encouraged me to contact lovingmybags for more info.
NOW I AM FEELING GREAT!!!!!!!!! She says the bag is smooshier than ever.
NOW, PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR HONEST OPINION ABOUT VALUE!!
thanks julie
o.k., here is the info she gave me, now give me your opinion.
She took the bag to Lovingmybags, Barbara and her husband worked on it and they restored color to the handles, corners, and buckle straps only. THe rest of the bag had a leather conditioner applied for protection only.
The entire bag WAS NOT RESTORED, ONLY THE HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS!!
I saw pics of the bag in archives and must say, I like it better restored.
She even encouraged me to contact lovingmybags for more info.
NOW I AM FEELING GREAT!!!!!!!!! She says the bag is smooshier than ever.
NOW, PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR HONEST OPINION ABOUT VALUE!!
thanks julie
^^If you love the bag as it is then that's really what matters. 
I think the value of older Balenciagas is highly subjective as its worth depends on how much somebody wants it. I think a lot of people that go for older bbags are seeking the original, true colored Balenciaga leather. That's what rare and valued about it. I personally think a dyed bag is just a pretty bag but it's NOT the original bag that people would pay big $ to get. I also do not believe at all, from the pics and that seller's history, that that entire bag was not color treated. But seriously if you love the bag like it is then you shouldn't worry about it. 
I think the value of older Balenciagas is highly subjective as its worth depends on how much somebody wants it. I think a lot of people that go for older bbags are seeking the original, true colored Balenciaga leather. That's what rare and valued about it. I personally think a dyed bag is just a pretty bag but it's NOT the original bag that people would pay big $ to get. I also do not believe at all, from the pics and that seller's history, that that entire bag was not color treated. But seriously if you love the bag like it is then you shouldn't worry about it. 
In my opinion, it's a complete no-no.. as you don't know the original condition of the bag (ie. it could have been severely bashed/blackened/etc) and how the original owner(s) treated it. Since the restoration only 'glosses over' the faults, they can come through in a later stage.
I've also heard horror stories of restorations where the entire leather of the bag is not the same as the original - all crackly and the smell is completely different. The original leather is what sets Balenciaga apart from other regular bags, so to me, "retouched" practically means "counterfeit" - I have a very harsh view of restorations, I know
If it's a mere "cleaned with soft cloth" and such, then I'm all for it. But when it's been spray painted, spray glossed and such.. then EEEEK!!!
Just my opinion though, many have purchased "restored' bags and been happy with it! i"m just a real stickler for the old lush leather - untouched
I second that Bev!
AT should cover the 50$. I'd give them a call and send them pics so they can see it for themself and I'd mention that it wouldn't be o.k. if you had to pay the shipping and handling costs because it's a manufacturers default. I'm sure they will take over the costs because they seem to want to make their customers happy.