When you love your handbag, it shows.
From the way you carry it to the way you care for it, the best bags deserve more than occasional attention. At FASHIONPHILE, we believe ultra-luxury handbags deserve spa days as much as you. So, whether you’re trying to preserve a structure’s silhouette or keep things clean, here are eight haute tips from the experts at FASHIONPHILE for protecting your wearable investments.
Disclaimer: Try these Haute Tips at your own risk. As with pretty much everything in life, if you overdo it, you may not like the outcome. Moderation is key.
Haute Tip #1: Store with Intention
You’ll want to stuff your off-duty bags to ensure they keep their shape—just be sure not to overstuff them for the risk of overstretching the material. Fill them with clean, undyed paper or soft white cloth to keep them in tip-top shape. Avoid plastic fillers that can trap moisture or cause distortion. Store them on shelves with soft lighting and cool temperatures, never in plastic bins.
Haute Tip #2: Restore Your Bag’s Shape
Leather bags are malleable, which is part of why they can lose their shape. For the same reason, there’s hope for restoring them. Stuff it to its original form (just not with plastic) and warm the exterior using a blow dryer. Allow it to cool in position for a restored silhouette. Always use low heat and move continuously to avoid burns.
Haute Tip #3: Wipe Away Messes
Unscented baby wipes are safe for most finished leathers—yes, really. They’re gentle on your skin, residue-free, and ideal for surface dirt and light grime. Always spot-test before using and avoid areas with dyed or embellished finishes.
Haute Tip #4: Snuff Out Smells
Spills happen. Odors may follow. For a quick fix, place dry coffee grounds inside a clean sock and leave them in the bag for several days. For persistent smells, try an Ozonoator. Never use loose grounds or strong-scented sprays, which can damage interiors.
Haute Tip #5: Avoid the Spotlight
Like skin, leather does not like direct sunlight or heat. Store your bags in cool, dark spaces, ideally in dust bags or breathable covers. Avoid storing them in plastic or overly humid or arid environments.
Haute Tip #6: Elevate Your Precious Cargo
A handbag hook is always a handy accessory when out and about. Use it to keep your investments off the floor and away from dirt, dust, and grime. It’s compact enough to fit in your bag and chic enough to take everywhere.
Haute Tip #7: Keep It Tidy
The inside of your handbag counts, and when it’s chaotic, it can leave a mark. Pens, lipsticks, keys—they roll around, leak, scratch, and scuff. Keep everything organized and together with a handbag pouch. It keeps your essentials secure, catches potential messes before they happen, and shields the lining from accidental care.
Haute Tip #8: ReNew Your Handbags
Even with great habits, your handbag deserves a proper refresh. Developed in collaboration with FASHIONPHILE Atelier, ReNew is a three-step care system made for ultra-luxury leather handbags.
What’s Included
Our one-kit wonder features a three-part care system:
Handbag Cleaner
A quick refresh in a bottle, this custom-formulated cleaner cleans and restores.
Handbag Conditioner
Our conscious cosmetic conditioner is custom-formulated to act as a powerful moisturizer.
Premium Microfiber Cloth
This lint-free, non-abrasive cloth applies both formulas smoothly and evenly.
The ReNew Ritual
ReNew your ultra-luxury handbags with a three-step ritual:
- Clean: Apply cleaner to the cloth and polish using soft circles. Let air dry completely.
- Condition: Use a clean section of the cloth to apply conditioner evenly. Allow it to absorb.
- Repeat: For everyday bags, ReNew weekly. For occasional use, refresh monthly or before storing.
Material Compatibility
ReNew is best for smooth or grain-finished leather, patent leather, coated canvas, nylon, and vinyl. Use with caution on Vachetta leather, as it may accelerate the development of its natural patina. Spot-test carefully. ReNew is not for suede, nubuck, exotic skins, painted or embellished leather, fabric bags, or cracked vintage pieces.
Remember, always spot-test before use.
Protect Your Investments
A well-loved bag doesn’t have to look worn out. With a little care and the right tools, your collection stays as iconic as the day you fell for it. Refresh, protect, and pamper your wearable investments. Shop the ReNew Handbag Cleaning Kit exclusively at FASHIONPHILE.
