Louis Vuitton Patinas
When referring to a Louis Vuitton Patina, we are not referring to a new model or canvas pattern but rather to the age of the bag or its “tan”. A patina is what happens to the Louis Vuitton bag as it ages – and it is the term that relates directly to the colour change of the vachetta cowhide trim and handles. Just like a good pair of jeans or leather jacket, Louis Vuitton handbags improve with age!
Pale Beige to Deep Brown
There is often a view that when the cowhide on the bag is a very pale beige then the bag looks fake. However, this is not the case. When you first purchase your Louis Vuitton bag brand new from the LV store and if the bag has been made to include a cowhide or vachetta trim, the colour will always be a very pale beige.
However, over years of use, and with exposure to the sun and elements, the vachetta will change colour from a pale beige to a beautiful honey, to a deeper brown and eventually until it is completely darkened and then reached its full patina.
The patina develops through exposure to sunlight, weather, oxidation, oil on your hands and exposure to dirt. The older the bag, the more patina’d (darkened) the vachetta cowhide trim and handles would be. This is something that cannot be avoided, but just like with a great pair of jeans or even with a leather jacket – as the bag patinas, the better it looks as it molds with you and your lifestyle.
Why Patina’d Handbags Have More Advantages than Some New Louis Vuitton Bags
A Patinated bag also has some advantages. One of the most obvious is that nobody will ever accuse you of carrying a fake – this is because the cheap fakes are always supplied with a very light beige “cowhide” trim and handle – however these do not darken (with exception to some really clever counterfeits). When the vachetta of the bag has been patina’d on the other hand, it is often evidence that the bag is genuine.
Another advantage is that within the Louis Vuitton range, there are certain bags that look better only when the vachetta has patina’d!
The Luxity Guide to Achieving a Gorgeous Patina
Here are some fabulous fashionista tips for achieving the best patina:
- After you have purchased your Louis Vuitton bag, always store your handbag in its original Louis Vuitton dustbag or the Luxity dustbag provided to you with your order.
- As best you can – if you are concerned about slowing the patina darkening the keep your bag out of direct sunlight. This step alone will ensure that your bag will not patina prematurely.
- Avoid water near your bag.
Craving to get your hands on a Louis Vuitton original? Get shopping at Luxity now!
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