Welcome back to Chatting all things handbag care with Sandy from Moja Bag Repair
The interview: Part Two
- How important is it to use authentic parts and materials in luxury bag repairs?
I always recommend using only original replacements because they keep the value of the handbag. Every non-original replacement used decreases the value of the handbag. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find these spare parts and they are often very expensive for this very reason.
- Can you share a particularly challenging or interesting case of luxury bag repair with us?
The truth is that I adore completely destroyed and degraded pieces, it's amazing to see the difference in the before and after, but perhaps one of the most precious jewels was a previous customer who dyed a patent Chanel handbag with an industrial paint!
Another very funny incident was when a customer put the Chanel Deauville tote bag in the washing machine and the entire bag got stained from the inner lining and the handles were destroyed. So, we never wash handbags in washing machine.
We also should not store handbags in damp places. One customer left her Valentino handbag in the basement and after a long period of rain she found it completely mouldy.
- What advice would you give to someone considering investing in a luxury bag? What precautions should they take?
Handbags were 4th of the top-performing luxury asset classes last year. They are a great investment.
There are two brands whose handbags will never drop in value, that is Hermès, a huge dream of every bag collector is a Birkin or Kelly and the classic Chanel timeless double flap model is highly desirable too.
The value of the Chanel double flap bag has increased by 16% since 2022 and is still going up.
Of course, there are also other designer brands whose specific models keep their value like Christian Dior – Lady Dior bag.
Also, the Hermès brand forces you to play the Hermès game to get on the waiting list for the unique hand-made bag customised for you.
There are always rules to be aware of, such as vintage Chanel handbags, which are very rare because they contain real gold plating, which is no longer used today. When buying such a piece, make sure that the gold is in the best possible condition.
Also, in the case of restoration, if the leather is in good condition, only the colour of the bag is faded, it is ideal. Avoid handbags with torn leather and holes.
Also, if a designer piece does not have a legible serial number, its value drops rapidly, because the originality of the handbag cannot be verified. So always pay attention to the serial number, ideally if the handbag has an authenticity card or receipt. Always remember that there are many excellent quality replicas on the market that may contain all the elements of originality, even fake receipts. You have to be very careful in Italy and Turkey, they sell superior replicas. hard to recognise visually, also there are lot of vintage replicas in the world market. You really have to be careful; it is better to get a fully verified handbag online.
- What is your opinion on sustainability in the luxury bag industry? Are there ways to make the repair process more environmentally friendly?
We always keep these pieces in our wardrobes for life. Special handbags are handed down from generation to generation, so it's almost like a family heirloom.
Of course, there are casual women who only buy new pieces but more and more second-hand handbags are proving popular because customer can't find unique vintage pieces in the shops.
When it comes to restoration, there is the option of Clening's eco-friendly products which are environmentally friendly but can only be used for basic cleaning, if there is any specific stain that has become ingrained on the handbag, chemicals need to be used to treat it.
I would also like to mention the development of eco-leather foraging which I quite admire and have found great progress in recent years, now we can create leather from plants like mushrooms and pineapples, or even recycled materials, my favourite eco leather is from avocado, but still these leathers don’t have the same durability and longevity as real leather.
- What should customers look for when choosing a specialist for luxury bag repair? What are the signs of quality to observe?
If you decide to restore your handbag, ask questions to understand if the luxury handbag spa you are talking to have expert knowledge in restoration. Ask if they have already restored a similar problem or a similar bag. Check out their social media too. I always offer my reel video to customers so they can see a similar restoration before and after to imagine the outcome for their luxury handbag.
- What are common myths about luxury bag repair that you would like to debunk?
You often hear rumours that it is not good to restore handbags because they will lose their value. That can be true in the wrong hands, that is why it is of paramount importance to choose an expert and rather pay extra because only the proper and correct restoration will increase the value of the handbag.
- How are technological advances affecting the luxury bag repair industry? Are there new techniques or tools becoming more common?
The development of technology also affects the repair department, for example, special machines have been designed that can mix the exact shade of the colour of the handbag.
Technology has also made great strides in the luxury handbag authentication industry, where a spy machine with rendering capability and a camera system has been built that can read details and determine if a handbag is genuine.
- What are the best practices for owners to keep their luxury bags in good condition at home? Are there specific tips or care routines that owners can adopt to extend the lifespan of their bags independently?
If you want to keep your beautiful handbag beautiful as long as possible you have to take care of them. Leather is like your skin; you have to take care of it every day. If you can clean and moisturise your own skin, why not the leather of your handbag?
Periodically you should clean your handbags with a soft cloth. If you have a fresh stain, try to remove it immediately or go to a luxury bag spa expert as soon as possible. The longer you let the stain soak into the material, the more difficult it will be to remove it.
Use a professional leather cleanser and leather care product. Always read the label first and test the product in an unseen place on your handbag, especially if its colour is light.
And always store your handbags correctly with products from Bag Pillow which are specifically designed for luxury handbags and accessories.
For more details please don’t hesitate to contact Sandy Tuzemen at Moja Bag Repair - sandy@mojabagrepair.com