The LV Rescue Club

[Scooter0222]

I've been enjoying reading everyone's rescues and have a potential rescue of my own, a zippy wallet in damier ebene. Is the discoloration on the canvas color transfer or just worn glazing or something else? It doesn't bother me too much how it is, but if I could improve it at all, that would be amazing. Thank you for any suggestions. I sure got the LV rescue bug and I look forward to some future rescues!

 

[Bags_4_life]

I've been enjoying reading everyone's rescues and have a potential rescue of my own, a zippy wallet in damier ebene. Is the discoloration on the canvas color transfer or just worn glazing or something else? It doesn't bother me too much how it is, but if I could improve it at all, that would be amazing. Thank you for any suggestions. I sure got the LV rescue bug and I look forward to some future rescues! View attachment 4322461 View attachment 4322462

With heavy use the pattern on the canvas wears away, this is what has happened to this piece. Unfortunately this can’t be reversed or fixed, but as long as the glazing on the edge hasn’t worn away, this will still give you years of use. If the glazing has worn down, you should take it to a store to be reglazed. This will prevent wear to the edges of the canvas (and tears) if it hasn’t happened already, it’s likely you would be charged for reglazing due to the amount of wear the item has had.
Hope this is helpful

 

[Scooter0222]

With heavy use the pattern on the canvas wears away, this is what has happened to this piece. Unfortunately this can’t be reversed or fixed, but as long as the glazing on the edge hasn’t worn away, this will still give you years of use. If the glazing has worn down, you should take it to a store to be reglazed. This will prevent wear to the edges of the canvas (and tears) if it hasn’t happened already, it’s likely you would be charged for reglazing due to the amount of wear the item has had.
Hope this is helpful

That's very informative, thank you.
Any idea of a price range for reglazing something like this?

 

[Bags_4_life]

That's very informative, thank you.
Any idea of a price range for reglazing something like this?

I just did a search and found this

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/repair-costs-list.262384/page-134#post-32801751

The zippy is slightly larger than a zippy compact so might be more, but costs can fluctuate quite a bit. I took a preloved zippy wallet to my Sa and she reglazed it for free as it was in perfect condition otherwise. It was 5 years old at the time, my Sa didn’t know it was preloved.
If you do take it in, please show us some before and after pics, update the thread with the price and timeframe too. It’ll be really helpful.

 

[Scooter0222]

I just did a search and found this

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/repair-costs-list.262384/page-134#post-32801751

The zippy is slightly larger than a zippy compact so might be more, but costs can fluctuate quite a bit. I took a preloved zippy wallet to my Sa and she reglazed it for free as it was in perfect condition otherwise. It was 5 years old at the time, my Sa didn’t know it was preloved.
If you do take it in, please show us some before and after pics, update the thread with the price and timeframe too. It’ll be really helpful.

Great thank you! I think I'll just leave it for now. It doesn't bother me too much and it cost around what the reglazing would be. I will probably just use it for a while until I get the itch to buy another.

 

[Scooter0222]

Apparently buying your first LV bag and wallet gives you the itch to buy more! I recently fell in love with the Petit Noe and think it would be great to have a shoulder bag to alternate with the Alma PM I recently got. When I have both kids and groceries, snacks, etc I think the Petit Noe would be perfect to just sling over my shoulder and it would go with my more casual weekend style while the Alma is great for my office dress code during the week.

Anyway, has anyone rescued something with this dark of a patina?
It doesn't look like there are many cracks but I'm not sure if this one is worth rescuing and I don't have the experience to know what I'm really getting into. I realize I'll need to find a new drawstring, and I like the idea I've read here about getting baseball mit lacing from a sporting goods shop.
Part of me says to just get it to "live and learn." The other part says to just keep looking for something in better shape. I'd really appreciate some more experienced advice. Thank you!

 

[themeanreds]

The leather itself looks good in so far that it doesn't look cracked, which no amount of conditioning can fix. The second image shows that darker spot, which honestly, I don't think will even out too much with the use of water wipes or a damp cloth or leather conditioner. The canvas from what I can see looks great and like I said, the fact that there are no cracks is a good thing. I personally like the look of darker vachetta, and some unevenness or water spots don't bother me too much, especially when it comes to using the bag comfortably without the fear of constantly babying it. I think it might be a good candidate, for a good price.

Also, this Etsy shop sells drawstring and also those little sliders to make it easier to open and close the string on the Noe bags https://www.etsy.com/shop/Mcraftleather?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=19661877

You can also use a bandeau or twilly as an alternate drawstring

As for what to use, I "rescued" a vintage Alma PM that I got for $150 and I conditioned first with the Apple brand leather conditioner, then I wiped down with unscented, non-alcoholic baby wipes, then I conditioned again. If you use a magic eraser, just make sure you condition first and after using it, that's more risky and can cause cracking.

Good luck!

 

[Scooter0222]

The leather itself looks good in so far that it doesn't look cracked, which no amount of conditioning can fix. The second image shows that darker spot, which honestly, I don't think will even out too much with the use of water wipes or a damp cloth or leather conditioner. The canvas from what I can see looks great and like I said, the fact that there are no cracks is a good thing. I personally like the look of darker vachetta, and some unevenness or water spots don't bother me too much, especially when it comes to using the bag comfortably without the fear of constantly babying it. I think it might be a good candidate, for a good price.

Also, this Etsy shop sells drawstring and also those little sliders to make it easier to open and close the string on the Noe bags https://www.etsy.com/shop/Mcraftleather?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=19661877

You can also use a bandeau or twilly as an alternate drawstring

As for what to use, I "rescued" a vintage Alma PM that I got for $150 and I conditioned first with the Apple brand leather conditioner, then I wiped down with unscented, non-alcoholic baby wipes, then I conditioned again. If you use a magic eraser, just make sure you condition first and after using it, that's more risky and can cause cracking.

Good luck!

Great idea with the twilly. Another plus for the petit noe...versatility.
That's an amazing price for an Alma! Can I ask if that was through eBay or elsewhere?
I offered and the seller accepted $250, and I think I'll pull the trigger. I haven't found anything else in that price range that didn't have cracked canvas or even chunks missing from the vachetta lining at the top of the bag. I'll try to clean it up as I do like a slightly lighter vachetta, but some marks won't bother me. Thanks for the very thoughtful reply.

 

[themeanreds]

Great idea with the twilly. Another plus for the petit noe...versatility.
That's an amazing price for an Alma! Can I ask if that was through eBay or elsewhere?
I offered and the seller accepted $250, and I think I'll pull the trigger. I haven't found anything else in that price range that didn't have cracked canvas or even chunks missing from the vachetta lining at the top of the bag. I'll try to clean it up as I do like a slightly lighter vachetta, but some marks won't bother me. Thanks for the very thoughtful reply.

Yes, it was eBay. Japanese shop

 

[alichelsealyn]

Does anyone know how to remove this lining? It's peeling, not sticky but it gets on my cards and is generally annoying.

 

[pink_cupcakes]

Apparently buying your first LV bag and wallet gives you the itch to buy more! I recently fell in love with the Petit Noe and think it would be great to have a shoulder bag to alternate with the Alma PM I recently got. When I have both kids and groceries, snacks, etc I think the Petit Noe would be perfect to just sling over my shoulder and it would go with my more casual weekend style while the Alma is great for my office dress code during the week.

Anyway, has anyone rescued something with this dark of a patina?View attachment 4326276 View attachment 4326277
It doesn't look like there are many cracks but I'm not sure if this one is worth rescuing and I don't have the experience to know what I'm really getting into. I realize I'll need to find a new drawstring, and I like the idea I've read here about getting baseball mit lacing from a sporting goods shop.
Part of me says to just get it to "live and learn." The other part says to just keep looking for something in better shape. I'd really appreciate some more experienced advice. Thank you!

I had the same dark stains in my Noe GM (1988). Caused by rain drops. I used Lovin My Bags to even out the color of the vachetta. Worked really well! But given the darkness of your stain, I think it will only lighten a little. If scrubbed too hard, the leather might dry out. Hope this helps![emoji4]

 

[myamericanheart]

Hi everyone! Best way to get this pen out of my zippy wallet?

 

[LVis]

Hello everyone... I’m new here and read most of the rescue and LV repair experiences.. But I have not encountered any information regarding bags being relined by LV aside from the bucket bag... Have you ladies and some gents had any of your bags, be it the speedy, neverful, etc (not including bucket bag please), relined? TIA

 

[Livstacy]

Hello ladies!! I'm new here, but have been reading about and seeing all the amazing transformations of pre-loved Louis Vuitton bags...and have been inspired to take the leap myself!!! I'm so excited to share this experience, but also afraid and hoping I can pull this off and come out with a beautifully restored piece of history!I But first I want to start with a little about myself to give you an idea of how much this all means to me!! I have always admired the LV brand. It's more than just a fancy high-end label, to me it represents what we can accomplish if we work hard and persevere towards our goals. I had always dreamed of owning a real Louis Vuitton, ever since I was little and saw my grandmother carrying hers and explaining the history and how well made they are. Fast forward to the present, becoming an adult and having 3 children, I had never been able to afford one like I dreamed I would, because in reality they carry a price tag equivalent to a more than a week's worth of my income!! I never thought I would be able to buy one, but then I started looking at buying used and searching places like eBay and online buying/selling apps. Finally, a couple months ago I found her, and she was well within my budget!!! I bought a 2000-2001 Stephen Sprouse black & white graffiti mini Alma (or Alma BB?)!!!! This is the original graffiti collection, and I had no idea that this collection marked the first ever Louis Vuitton collaborated , it marked the beginning of an era!! And I got her for a steal, under $100, can you believe it?! She has some cosmetic damage as you'll see in the photos, but no damage to the structure; the exterior body, leather trim, zipper, stitching, etc is all intact! So, what I'm hoping for is that I'll be able to correct some of the scuffed paint, especially around the edges and in the graffiti print itself. AfterA doing some researchri learned about Angelus leather paint and Edge-Kote. I'm thinking of thinly applying the edge kote around the edges of the bag after gently cleaning off the paint that has chipped, mainly because it's harder/tougher than the leather paint and should help give those edges extra protection. Then using the leather paint to fill in the black graffiti print where it's scuffed, and finally sealing and glazing it all once finished!!!! But, I've never done anything like this, and I doubt Louis Vuitton would be able to help restore it. So has anyone ever attempted anything like this, or even have any ideas?!!! Any help and opinions are welcome!! Sorry this was so long lol!!

 

[bellebellebelle19]

Hello ladies!! I'm new here, but have been reading about and seeing all the amazing transformations of pre-loved Louis Vuitton bags...and have been inspired to take the leap myself!!! I'm so excited to share this experience, but also afraid and hoping I can pull this off and come out with a beautifully restored piece of history!I But first I want to start with a little about myself to give you an idea of how much this all means to me!! I have always admired the LV brand. It's more than just a fancy high-end label, to me it represents what we can accomplish if we work hard and persevere towards our goals. I had always dreamed of owning a real Louis Vuitton, ever since I was little and saw my grandmother carrying hers and explaining the history and how well made they are. Fast forward to the present, becoming an adult and having 3 children, I had never been able to afford one like I dreamed I would, because in reality they carry a price tag equivalent to a more than a week's worth of my income!! I never thought I would be able to buy one, but then I started looking at buying used and searching places like eBay and online buying/selling apps. Finally, a couple months ago I found her, and she was well within my budget!!! I bought a 2000-2001 Stephen Sprouse black & white graffiti mini Alma (or Alma BB?)!!!! This is the original graffiti collection, and I had no idea that this collection marked the first ever Louis Vuitton collaborated , it marked the beginning of an era!! And I got her for a steal, under $100, can you believe it?! She has some cosmetic damage as you'll see in the photos, but no damage to the structure; the exterior body, leather trim, zipper, stitching, etc is all intact! So, what I'm hoping for is that I'll be able to correct some of the scuffed paint, especially around the edges and in the graffiti print itself. AfterA doing some researchri learned about Angelus leather paint and Edge-Kote. I'm thinking of thinly applying the edge kote around the edges of the bag after gently cleaning off the paint that has chipped, mainly because it's harder/tougher than the leather paint and should help give those edges extra protection. Then using the leather paint to fill in the black graffiti print where it's scuffed, and finally sealing and glazing it all once finished!!!! But, I've never done anything like this, and I doubt Louis Vuitton would be able to help restore it. So has anyone ever attempted anything like this, or even have any ideas?!!! Any help and opinions are welcome!! Sorry this was so long lol!! View attachment 4347860 View attachment 4347861 View attachment 4347860 View attachment 4347860

Congratulations!!! I was just looking at lovely Almas myself. That's a wonderful find at a great price, especially since you are ready and willing to rehab!

I'd recommend talking to some other rehabbers in other subforums, like Coach or Dooney (I believe the Coach thread is called Coach Rehab and Rescue). The ladies there are try experts at restoration and some have taken on incredible projects with great results!