Vache Liegee vs Ardennes

[H_Luva]

I apologize in advance if this question has been answered. I tried doing a search but couldn’t find any posts with information comparing the two leathers.

I love Ardennes leather for its stiffness, the slight sheen, and its workhorse scratch resistant qualities.
I have read that Vache Liegee replaced Ardennes before it was also discontinued.

I’m curious about what, if any, difference there is between these two leathers. For those of you that have, or had both, is there one you prefer over the other? If so, for what reasons?

I had a Black B35 in Ardennes that I rehomed about 5 years ago. But lately, I’ve been regretting it and was interested in getting another B35 in Ardennes. But I started wondering if I should be looking at Vache Liegee instead.

I’ve considered other current leathers but I don’t love black in Togo. It doesn’t have the sheen that ardennes or VL seems to have. Clemence has a tendency to lose its shape. And I’m not a fan of the veining in Fjord. I love box, but that leather isn’t easy to find new and I’m not sure if I would feel at ease using the B as a workhorse if it was in box. It looks like the vintage discontinued leathers have the qualities that i desire in a black B.

Is one sturdier than the other? Does one holds its shape better? Are the grains the same? Is the sheen the same? What about resistance to scratches?

Thank you for your help!

 

[Rhl2987]

What a great question. I'll be following this. Sorry I can't be of any help! I've never seen either of these leathers in person. I have seen box though! It is wonderful although perhaps not quite as appropriate as the other two leathers in a workhorse bag.

 

[H_Luva]

What a great question. I'll be following this. Sorry I can't be of any help! I've never seen either of these leathers in person. I have seen box though! It is wonderful although perhaps not quite as appropriate as the other two leathers in a workhorse bag.

I love box too but I would save it for a Kelly.

Here is a pic I found that shows how I remember my Ardennes B. Such a dark black and the sheen! Seriously kicking myself for ever letting it go!

 

[Rhl2987]

I love box too but I would save it for a Kelly.

Here is a pic I found that shows how I remember my Ardennes B. Such a dark black and the sheen! Seriously kicking myself for ever letting it go!



View attachment 4528989

Gorgeous!!

 

[pinkorchid20]

I apologize in advance if this question has been answered. I tried doing a search but couldn’t find any posts with information comparing the two leathers.

I love Ardennes leather for its stiffness, the slight sheen, and its workhorse scratch resistant qualities.
I have read that Vache Liegee replaced Ardennes before it was also discontinued.

I’m curious about what, if any, difference there is between these two leathers. For those of you that have, or had both, is there one you prefer over the other? If so, for what reasons?

I had a Black B35 in Ardennes that I rehomed about 5 years ago. But lately, I’ve been regretting it and was interested in getting another B35 in Ardennes. But I started wondering if I should be looking at Vache Liegee instead.

I’ve considered other current leathers but I don’t love black in Togo. It doesn’t have the sheen that ardennes or VL seems to have. Clemence has a tendency to lose its shape. And I’m not a fan of the veining in Fjord. I love box, but that leather isn’t easy to find new and I’m not sure if I would feel at ease using the B as a workhorse if it was in box. It looks like the vintage discontinued leathers have the qualities that i desire in a black B.

Is one sturdier than the other? Does one holds its shape better? Are the grains the same? Is the sheen the same? What about resistance to scratches?

Thank you for your help!

I once owned both a Kelly 32 Sellier Naturel in Ardennes and a Burgundy (could have been Rouge H but am not entirely sure anymore) B35 at one point. To me, the leathers felt very similar in the beginning and one probably can’t compare leathers developing on different bag formats, but I preferred Ardennes since the Vache Liegee scratched more than the Ardennes over time. The corners also started fading on the B only the slightest bit and the VL also seemed to loose a bit of its sheen with use whereas the Kelly still looked like new (my avatar pic was taken end of last year when the bag had just turned 21). It was impeccable. I am sure there will be leather specialists who can chime in with more specific information but these were my observations with gentle and careful use. Both are lovely, sturdy leathers but I personally felt Ardennes was even better quality than VL. I sold both bags, though, and do regret letting go of the beautiful Kelly.

 

[H_Luva]

I once owned both a Kelly 32 Sellier Naturel in Ardennes and a Burgundy (could have been Rouge H but am not entirely sure anymore) B35 at one point. To me, the leathers felt very similar in the beginning and one probably can’t compare leathers developing on different bag formats, but I preferred Ardennes since the Vache Liegee scratched more than the Ardennes over time. The corners also started fading on the B only the slightest bit and the VL also seemed to loose a bit of its sheen with use whereas the Kelly still looked like new (my avatar pic was taken end of last year when the bag had just turned 21). It was impeccable. I am sure there will be leather specialists who can chime in with more specific information but these were my observations with gentle and careful use. Both are lovely, sturdy leathers but I personally felt Ardennes was even better quality than VL. I sold both bags, though, and do regret letting go of the beautiful Kelly.

Thank you pinkorchid20! That info and comparison is so helpful. I can see why you missed the Kelly. She looks fantastic. You would never be able to tell she was 21!

 

[Orange addiction]

Is ardenne heavier than Vache Ligee? Thx

 

[880]

Is ardenne heavier than Vache Ligee? Thx

I no longer have an Ardennes bag, but I do have a VL B30. I recall Ardennes as being a bit thicker and heavier. I find VL relatively light.

 

[SupaStar*]

I currently have 4 Bags in Ardennes Kelly 32 Retourne in Naturelle with GHW, Kelly 32 Sellier Vert Anglais with GHW, Kelly 28 Sellier Black with GHW and Birkin 35 in Rouge Vif with PHW. Owned but sold a Kelly 32 Retourne in Bleu Saphir with GWH. Would rather have a Sellier style instead, but it was a beautiful color.
Only one bag in Vache Liegee, Kelly 32 Sellier in Rouge Garance PHW... Similar shine, Ardennes a tad shinier, but barely noticeable. Similar structure, weight, thickness is very similar. Both leathers are resistant to scratches and water. I would definitely buy additional bags in other either leathers in mostly Kelly 28 & 32 and Birkin 30 & 35.... not entirely sold on a Birkin 40 !!!!

 

[duna]

I've had several Ardennes bags but no VL, so I can't really compare them, but only judging on how it looks I much prefer Ardennes. I like the texture of Ardennes and it's shine, it's lightweight and durable. I've never liked the look of VL.

 

[SupaStar*]

I've had several Ardennes bags but no VL, so I can't really compare them, but only judging on how it looks I much prefer Ardennes. I like the texture of Ardennes and it's shine, it's lightweight and durable. I've never liked the look of VL.

Owning both Ardennes and Vache Liegee, I can honestly say that both leathers are very similar in texture, shine, durability, and weight. Very difficult to differentiate both leathers, if it wasn't for the two-tone grain effect of the grain: The center of the grain is slightly darker...Worth checking out in my opinion.