‘It’s not the same material.’
When people buy designer bags, they expect them to last for years. The last thing you want is for parts to start peeling after just two or three years. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened to TikTok user @ceo_ofthesoftlife.
In a video that’s gone viral, she shared how her Louis Vuitton bag, which she’s kept in good condition, started peeling in just a couple of years. Despite paying $2,800, the gold accents on her bag are fading, and she is understandably upset.
Taking care of a Louis Vuitton bag
When you buy a Louis Vuitton, the brand gives you instructions on how to care for it. They advise against scratching or rubbing the bag on abrasive surfaces. Also, they recommend keeping it away from heat, sunlight, and humid places. Most importantly, Louis Vuitton bags should be kept away from water, which can damage their material.
For the gold plating specifically, Louis Vuitton suggests avoiding contact with greasy substances, perfumes, or cosmetics, as they can stain the purse. These are tips that a Louis Vuitton worker shared with @ceo_ofthesoftlife in a follow-up TikTok.
Noticing peeling on a Louis Vuitton bag
In her original video, @ceo_ofthesoftlife says she primarily uses her bag while traveling, yet the gold hardware still faded. “The zipper has completely changed color,” she showed in the video.
While the leather part of her Louis Vuitton bag is still in good shape, the hardware around it isn’t. “Why is my bag looking like it’s a $160 bag when this is a $2,800 bag?” she laments. “Louis Vuitton, what are you doing?”
Her bag seems to be a Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Speedy 30 Satchel. It’s currently being resold for prices ranging from $760 to $1,310. While the brand no longer sells the same model, they offer similar ones, all featuring “gold-color hardware,” although the exact materials used are unspecified.
Many commenters on her video could relate. One user said, “Same thing happened. It’s not the same material from back in the day.”
Some offered solutions, suggesting she should demand a replacement. “I’ve had that same bag for about 5 years and haven’t had an issue. Take it back and get a new one,” someone wrote. Another commenter advised, “You can take it into the store for a new one.”
She responded saying, “That’s the plan. This is the second bag I’ve had to send back. WHY? If I’m paying so much.”
Louis Vuitton’s website also has a section helping customers with repairs, either via online appointments or in-store visits.
Confronting Louis Vuitton workers over peeling hardware
Taking advice from her online followers, @ceo_ofthesoftlife visited a Louis Vuitton store and filmed her experience. The worker there told her that all Louis Vuitton bags have the same type of metal, and constant touching can cause peeling.
Her viewers were also displeased. One commented, “Loui… uses vinyl… NOT REAL LEATHER.”
Though Louis Vuitton does use real leather for some products, the commenter is partly correct. The Monogram and Damier Canvas lines use “coated canvas,” which is a canvas material covered with PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. So, @ceo_ofthesoftlife’s bag isn’t actually leather.
In a follow-up video, she recapped her visit to the store. According to her, the Louis Vuitton worker mentioned that bags could start peeling in about six months, which frustrated her. “I didn’t want to get only six good months on a $6,000 bag,” she said.
The worker also suggested that most people don’t handle their bags as much as she does, which she found ridiculous. After all, if you’re spending that much money, you should be able to use the bag freely.
The Louis Vuitton employee recommended the same care steps mentioned on the site.
Despite this, @ceo_ofthesoftlife remained frustrated. She ended her video by asking, “Why is their gold plate so tender?”
Louis Vuitton has yet to respond to this situation.
