Image: https://behno.com/cdn/shop/files/ANATOTELARGEPEBBLERUCHEDAVOCADOONBODYARM.jpg?v=1694516378
Alt text: A model carries one of behno New York’s luxurious pieces, the Ana Tote in the shade of avocado.
A well-crafted leather bag is more than just a wardrobe basic. It is architecture in motion, meant to soften with you and gather stories along the way. Caring for it is an act of respect: A quiet ritual that keeps craftsmanship alive.
This conversation will walk you through how to revere your relationship with the leather bags that you carry every day. We will take you through everything from daily dusting to deep conditioning, so your piece ages gracefully. When you care for a bag, you are more than just extending the life of the bag; you are honoring its story.
Leather is an organic material; It breathes, stretches, softens, and develops alongside you. Over time, certain leathers develop patinas that record your life.
At behno New York we use responsibly sourced leather from Leather Working Group tanneries; Tanned in small batches, ensuring each bag is a unique item. The color may deepen, the edges may soften. These are not signs of damage; They are simply signs of life.
Light scuffs and mellowed edges of leather are not flaws; They’re character. Your role is simply to nourish, not to freeze time. The key is consistency: Gentle, intentional cleaning of your leather bag combined with frequent conditioning is all you need to maintain its feel and shape. Conditioning a leather handbag equates to treating it just as you would an artwork or an heirloom.
Think of the cleaning routine as a leather spa moment for your bag; Slow, measured, and deeply restorative.
Start off by dusting off dirt on the surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the exterior in a linear fashion and be cautious when wiping creases, corners, and stitching, as this area tends to attract dirt.
Before dousing the bag with a product, make sure to do a test dab on a hidden area on your bag. Each piece of leather has a unique feel and finish, and even the most gentle cleaner may react unexpectedly. Wait a few minutes after applying the cleaner and check back to see if it caused any discoloration.
Take a leather-specific pH-balanced cleaner. Follow the directions for dilution of the cleaner or soap, then dampen a soft cloth, but never soak.
Lightly scrub the surface in a circular motion with the cloth. Be aware that you should never over-saturate the leather. The key here is to use a little product to positively affect the leather, rather than completely saturating it.
