Rejuventating, Repairing or Restoring Your Balenciaga

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#466
Hi there! I have to say I don't know anything about bag restoration or any one who's had it done; but I agree that I would rather buy one thats already had the work done than have to get it done myself....
Sorry I haven't got any knowledge but I wanted to post this for you anthracite beg!! :yes:
 
#467
I didn't post a reply only because I know nothing about restoration firsthand. The only bags I've bought are current season bags (until tonight, that is, hee hee).

However, I'm always happy to give an opinion! LOL

I think prospective buyers fall into two camps -- the ones who want bags in original condition, meaning the leather wasn't treated with conditioner or Shine Restore or anything. These buyers won't buy a treated bag and they won't buy a restored bag, either.

Then there's the other camp -- of which I'm a member -- which is if it looks good, who cares if it's been restored or not, as long as the seller was upfront about it during the sale. I've seen some excellent restorations up for sale (like torn-corner repair) and honestly I couldn't tell the difference between the repaired torn corner and the intact corner. When I saw those bags I thought, "I'd buy that if I wanted that style/color."

It's kind of like antiques -- some folks want their antiques completely as-is, dings and all, while others want their antiques restored closer to their original beauty.

And on your last point, I've heard such great things about LMB restorations (and seen the results) that I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their restored bags. And if I ever see a bag at auction that I really want but is in terrible condition, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it and then send it to LMB. I think I read in one of the posts here that they do a "total restoration" for about $300 or so -- so I would make sure the bag's purchase price reflects the necessary outlay for restoration.

Hope that helps!
 
#468
Oh, and as for that auction you linked to...handle restoration is probably pretty common, especially for pre-loved bags where the handles were significantly darkened from use. The seller also mentions bag dying -- I think a lot of people may balk at a dyed bag because the Balenciaga leather is all about its color and variations in tone. That's what makes these bags so gorgeous. I think there's some fear that a dyed bag will be too monochromatic because the Balenciaga dying process is difficult to recreate. I think LMB has gotten really close, thought, from what I've read.

If I ever spill red wine on one of my bags, I will have LMB dye it and see what happens. But let's hope I don't ever have to do that!
 
#469
I had my 03 black city's piping restored by artbag. but they didnt redye or paint, they totally replaced the piping leather all the way around with a matching leather. I cant even tell the difference between the two different types of leather. I highly recommend them for cleaning too- I dont know what they used, but it was a miracle!

I stipulated that ArtBag didnt use paint or dye on my bag when I sent it to them and the guy sounded a little miffed that I would even suggest such a thing... so I'm not sure they do repainting/redying at all.
 
#470
I'm overjoyed personally to see how well those handles turned out as I am planning to do the same with my Pumpkin First. I know that it hasn't sold because of the handles and I know how much dark handles put me off too! I would say that as long as the leather's original colour and texture haven't been altered in any way, I am totally pro-restoration!
 
#473
I am all for cleaning, restoration, oil extractions, whatever. My 05 Caramel First is at LMB as we speak. I'd be happy to start a thread and post pics when she comes back so you can see before and afters.

While I can understand why some might stay away from a "restored" bag, I don't have a problem with them if the work is good and the bag is beautiful. If a seller has taken the time and money to make a bag as new again I can only praise them for it. I personally don't sell my bags so I don't think about resale value when purchasing one. If I like it, I get it. If it has work done to it, I don't care. If I need to do work on it to get it to the way I like it, then I'll do it.
 
#475
hrmmm. i recently bought an ice blue compagnon on ebay - as much as i love it, it is severly yellowed. can LMB restore the original ice blue color? also, do you guys think it would be $300 for the full restoration? seems a bit much consider i paid $300 for the wallet itself...
 
#478
don't blow! said:
hrmmm. i recently bought an ice blue compagnon on ebay - as much as i love it, it is severly yellowed. can LMB restore the original ice blue color? also, do you guys think it would be $300 for the full restoration? seems a bit much consider i paid $300 for the wallet itself...
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Don't Blow, I contacted Barbara about a pale pink that has yellowed, and she said the only thing that can be done for that is repainting. I opted not to do that, as the pink is a uniformed pinky beige now that I think is pretty :love:
 
#479
I have no problem with bag restoring and would consider getting a restored bag. I myself would not pay above retail for a restored bag if it was being sold even if it was a past color. But that is just me.
 
#480
Anthracite Beg said:
No one's responding to this thread. This is like the third time I've started a thread and no one's posted. I guess you have to be friends with everyone before you're part of the "in" crowd, huh? :shame:

I have one more question and then I'll shut up:

Has anyone sent a bag to LMB for work and had a BAD result?
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hi! over christmas i bought a flat brass classic that had a handle fixed by LMB.. the seller told me this before i bought it, so i was in the know. The handle had become bent, so lovin my bags replaced the inner piping. Honestly, if the seller did not mention this, i would have never known. I am still unsure which handle they fixed.. they did such a nice job. I also had my 04 black city reseamed at ARTBAgs.. they did an amazing job too, there was no tears in this bag at all, but some of the seams were white. and they reinforced the seams and checked all the stitching.. to make sure it lasts forever. it looks amazing....

so these types of restorations in my opinion are fantastic.. However, i have heard of restorations on colored bags where the bag was " painted"

this to me would definitely decrease the value of the bag... for me personally anyway, as i love the leather texture and unique variations of the leathers.... to "paint" a dirty bag really is not worth it to me.. Personally i would retire a real dirty bag and keep it for spare parts.. ie studs and buckles... :yes:
 
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