Louis Vuitton’s most coveted bag, The Neverfull, was created in 2007 and as the name suggests, is the tote bag to fit everything you need in, and a little bit more. The classic structure of the tote and over the shoulder handles mean it’s to throw on over any outfit.
The most popular version of the bag is the ubiquitous Monogram print which was introduced in 1896. It can be found in the timeless checkerboard Damier Azur and Damier Ebène coated canvas prints. The popularity of the classic Neverfull has lead to limited edition artist collaborations such as Stephen Sprouse’s graffiti print and Yayoi Kusama and her psychedelic spots.
Of course the tote bag to fit all our everyday needs is sure to be filled, and overfilled, which over time can lead to the handles stretching, wearing thin and at worse tearing. Before it gets too late, we encourage you to send your bag in for repair like this client who’s Neverfull was in need of a little TLC.
This particular Neverfull tote bag had been worn so much that the binding at the top was falling apart. Our approach was simple, to replace the leather binding with new ensuring the Louis Vuitton style remained. Learn more about replacing the binding on your tote bag and view prices here.
Louis Vuitton Neverfull Before The Restoration
The first step was to remove the old binding by unpicking the thread, making sure the body of the bag stayed in tact. Then, we needed to source the new leather.
The trims on Neverfull bags are made with Vegetable tanned leather which means the leather comes in a natural colour when you first buy it. With time the leather ages naturally, creating a patina and darkening its colour.
We wanted to use a new piece of the same quality of leather and to avoid the colour difference we used a special technique with wax and dye to darken it. We hand mixed the colour, keeping in mind the shade of the previous leather piece, and applied it to the leather.
Dyeing Leather
Once we’d achieved the perfect colour match, we thinned the leather so the binding could be folded over the edge of the bag. Then, we cut our leather to size and glued it to the bag, using a tool to ensure the leather is bent over the edge of the bag evenly.
Skiving The Leather
Glueing The Leather To The Bag
With the new binding on the bag, we needed to stitch it. Most Louis Vuitton bags that are made with vegetable tanned leather are stitched with a yellow thread. We sourced the correct coloured thread and kept in mind factors like stitch size in order to keep the design as close to the original design as possible.
Stitching The Binding
Even the most durable bags will start to wear down with use, especially the most practical ones that are worn regularly. We recommend sending them in sooner rather than later, a clean and condition will massively help with the wear of leather. Alternatively if like this one areas need to be replaced, we remake trims, handles, tabs which will extend the life of the item.
Restored Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Replaced Binding Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Book a collection to anywhere in the world through our online booking system or drop in-store at Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols across the UK. You can view prices and learn more about the process of repairing your bag here.
