The Louis Vuitton Diaries: Plentiful Neverfull

One of the most popular services that we provide are our Louis Vuitton restorations. Specifically, we are most widely known for replacing the leather on LV Neverfull bags.

The leather quality on a Louis Vuitton is one of the most important and crucial aspects of the bag. They are made with a special, untreated cowhide leather known as vachetta. Unlike other leathers, vachetta is unprocessed, untreated, and therefore has a buttery soft finish.

Over time, this light colored leather used on the handles, trim, and side-straps on the Neverfull oxidizes and darkens to become a beautiful deep brown color. While many love the look of the worn-in leather, it also poses some threats to the bag's condition (including ripping, tearing, and leather-breakage). The bag shown to the left is just one example of this. There are many instances where the handles break in half or the trim starts to crack off.

With our restoration services, we are able to replace the leather with similar quality vachetta leather that has the same color-oxidizing effect that Louis lovers want.

We are also able to replace the trim, handles, and side-straps with brown-leather Neverfull purses. In the photo example to the right, we replaced the brown leather with a more matte finish leather per the customer's request. We are, however, able to provide this service with a finish that resembles the original.

We are also able to accommodate more unique and creative requests, such as replacing the leather with black or another color (such as red or orange).

Other Neverfull services that we are able to provide include interior cleanings and conditioning.

We always recommend a conditioning on any Louis Vuitton to keep the leather moisturized. This will maintain the leather for longer and keep your bag looking healthy, while prolonging the need to replace the leather all-together.

The Benefits of Repair

One of the most common questions that we get asked is "why not just buy a new one?" in regards to repairing certain footwear and handbags. While it may seem like more trouble than it is worth in some cases, there are actually many benefits to bringing your pieces to a repair shop.

1. Sustainability

Repairing your already-loved pieces is environmentally friendly! In a world of "fast fashion" and "throwaway culture," millions of shoes, purses, and high-end accessories get tossed in the trash each year. These items are difficult to recycle (due to being made from multiple materials) and more often than not, are not biodegradable. When you choose to save your luxury items, you choose to save the planet 🌎

2. You Can Save 💰

When you throw out your damaged or well-loved pieces, you practically toss your hard-earned money into the trash! Depending on the condition, restoring your luxury purse or pair of shoes can cost a fraction of the price it would take to buy a replacement from a department store. We always recommend consulting with us before deciding to toss your pieces in case it is worth saving or can be salvaged & turned into something new. That is why we have developed an online evaluation form that allows you to get in touch with our expert cobblers 24/7 from anywhere in the United States. The best part? It's always FREE.

3. Vintage, Rare, or No Longer in Production

Sometimes they just don't make them like they used to! Sometimes they just don't make them at all anymore. Other times, there are pieces that are only produced in limited quantities. In all of these cases, it is important to show these pieces some TLC by having a cobbler maintain or restore them to their original state (or as close to as possible). Often times these pieces re-sell for more than their original value or are worth saving to keep a unique piece in your collection and stand out from the crowd.

4. Sentimental Over Monetary Value

Sometimes the sentimental value is more important than its monetary value. Whether the piece has been passed down from generation to generation or has memories attached to it, this is a valid and common reason for visiting our shop or sending us your items in the mail (click here to get started on an online repair of your own).

It's All About Customization

Here at Vince's Village Cobbler, we're not afraid to get creative when it comes to customizing your bags and footwear. Whether a customer comes in with a specific request or they need us to brainstorm a unique fix, we are always up for the challenge.

There are two main types of customization requests that we receive from customers...

1. Want

The first type of customization request that we receive is out of want. With this type, the item could be brand new or an older piece. Often if the item is new, it is bought with the intention of patina services or custom painting. It could also be brought in to be customized for an event (such as a wedding or sweet 16) or to be given as a gift. If the item is older, it has been likely been in the customer's closet for some time and no longer goes with their style. A simple fix for this could be a paint, dye, or color change, or changing a particular design feature.

2. Need

The second type of customization request is born out of necessity. These tend to be more popular among our clients. This is also our personal favorite because it often allows us to get creative and think outside of the box, while also challenging our expertise. This customization is often necessary in order to mask or restore damages made to the customer’s item. This could be a paint job that will mask a stain or a patch that will mask wear and tears. Another reason for a customization could be shoe discomfort, which can be fixed by adding a platform.

As always, the possibilities for customization at our shop are endless! If you are thinking about having a bag, pair of shoes, or accessory customized do not hesitate to DM us on instagram or submit an online evaluation form to see what we can do for you (even if you do not see an example of the service you'd like on our site).