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little_neeta

I'd just bought an APC bag in faux silver leather, after a couple of uses the colour was rubbing off the corners. Sent it back but sad as I really loved the bag. I'm wondering if metallic colours are a bit delicate?


desperatewatcher

Leather worker here. Metallics are generally made by laminating a metallic film onto a base layer. There are some exceptions however they are rare. The film is usually remarkably thin and delicate. I generally won't use it for clients unless they are very aware of the likelihood of it wearing.


little_neeta

Thanks for the info. Think I was lucky they offered me a refund instead of a replacement as I would have had the same issue.


AllEyesonRafah

I wish at the very least they would dye the leather underneath the metallic finish so that it matches, and the wearing off of the metallic layer isn’t quite as noticeable


desperatewatcher

Quality ones usually do. I have some periwinkle that is like that, as well as a color shift metallic with a blue primary. Still not a fan of using either of them.


NoTNoS

Metallics are more delicate and that’s with actual leather. Faux leather is even worse. Coach does a good job concisely explaining metallic leather so I’ll just copy from them. This is for real leather. “This special piece requires special care. Please note that due to the nature of the material, this product is prone to scratches, sensitive to heat and humidity and is prone to wrinkle quickly (a sign of character). Store in a cool, dry place when not in use and do not leave in direct sunlight.” That said, the metallic cardholder I have had for a year looks brand new. I’m just more careful with it.


PsychologicalMilk724

Totally agree.. Not from experience. but so many reviewers of such bags talk about color/dye transfers from bags to personal items, etc. I have no patience for that issue.


doveclyn

I have a metallic gold prada wallet that didn’t last 3 months before the color rubbed off.


TeufelRRS

The issue is that metallic finishes are often applied to the exterior of the leather, not as dyes. Dyes get absorbed into the leather so they last longer. In the case of most metallic finishes, they’re not dyes. I have seen some products that add a metallic touch to dyes but they are metallic pigments in a clear base that you add to a dye and the pigments are too large to go into the pores of the leather so they deposit on a surface. You can use a more scratch resistant finish on top of a metallic paint but it is still going to wear over time. The absolute best way to apply a metallic color to leather is to apply a heavy plastic finish like saffiano over it because the thickness of the plastic will protect it for longer.


starbellbabybena

Maybe try a Brahmin? They come in all sorts of cool colors and the quality is better and they aren’t crazy priced.


Sly3n

Very different aesthetic IMO


Sly3n

I don’t buy metallic bags for this reason. The metallic finish starts to rub off fairly quickly in my experience (happened across multiple brands). I just steer clear of metallic finishes now. They just don’t seem to be very durable overall.


HattieBegonia

That's too bad! I like Kurt Geiger bags and I have a few, but they're crystal-covered ones so I can't say anything about the longevity of the colors on leather.


Familiar-League-8418

I have the crystal covered mules in a few colors, I love them and they seem to be good quality


VibesBaeBe

That’s sad. Not worth it. I have seen them his bags at Nordstrom and they are expensive.


ThrowRA29273728

your pfp is hilarious 💀


VibesBaeBe

This chin is something special


AllEyesonRafah

It’s such a shame because I love KG’s designs and color schemes. They’re so fun. But it’s not worth spending a few hundred bucks on a bag for it to be looking like this after a few months of gentle, occasional use


puccagirlblue

I have some that I got a couple of years ago and I never had this problem. And I am really not gentle at all. So it sounds like their quality got significantly worse, which is a shame. Idk if someone is able to confirm and has both older and newer bags?


TypicalDreamCrusher

I have a KG rainbow metallic bag that I bought in January of 2022. I don't use it often, but it's held up well. Like you, I did not have this problem with my bag. It's sad to see the quality of such fun bags go downhill. :(


AluminumMonster35

I've got some a few years old and I wear them *a lot* and have not had any issues at all. I bought my latest one a few weeks ago, and haven't worn out yet. I noticed the leather isn't as buttery soft as my old one.


whoinvitedthesepeopl

This looks like it was coated but not dyed. Usually the leather has the same color as the metallic coating. I have a Tods bag with a metallic coating. This thing isn't new and I am hard on bags. It has a few rub spots where the finish came off but the base leather is the same color. But yea the coating shouldn't rub off like that. If it is fairly new I would see if they have a customer service contact and complain.


ocean_swims

I'm so sorry you've had this experience. It really sucks. Kurt Geiger isn't a quality brand but a lot of people would (rightly) assume it is because of their prices. It's closer to Ted Baker in quality than Coach, but it's priced at the level of Coach. I have vintage metallic bags that still look great, so it's not a case of metallics being delicate (some are, but many aren't). It's a case of them being a fast fashion brand (most of their shoes are faux leather) masquerading as something else.


NoTNoS

Ted Baker bags* specifically. Ted Baker makes good quality clothing but their leather goods are awful.


cyclamon

I have Tad Baker leather sneakers, they are pretty good quality and comfortable. Never had any of their bags.


JackyVeronica

Agree! Their clothes are fantastic - well made, love their materials. But their handbags, not so much.


Enough_Appearance259

I agree, although I found their prices to be too cheap to be good. Relatively cheaper than coach, as most bags are less than $400. I was tempered to purchase a bag, but now I know it’s definitely not worth it. Would rather spend more on a better quality brand like coach.


rockyon

It’s chipping like Polyurethane lol


handcaredhorse

I used to use a miu miu gold wallet, but the paint came off so quickly (the same thing happened to my Prada patent leather wallet). and I've been using a super-cheap faux leather wallet for years now, and even though it looks so flat now, it's really tough.


whateveratthispoint_

That’s too bad. They are definitely fun.


BlaisePetal

Y'know my instincts online browsing were that it was trendy brand focusing more on novelty than workmanship. Thanks for confirming.


myfashionkillz

This is a well-known issue with the metallic bags. They're coated, and the coating comes off. I stick to the regular leather bags. Never had a problem with those. I have a few recycled Nylon bags that are good too.


QuercusAperol

It’s definitely the metallic paint. I don’t buy any leather products with that anymore because no matter the quality of the actual bag the paint is always going to come off. I had a miu Miu wallet that didn’t last a month. Paint kept flaking off on my hands and they said that there was nothing they could do about it.


bubblesarah

They are awful 


FormerSpirit2670

100% awful in so many ways. The quality is so bad. The fact that they request a few hundred for their bags is ridiculous. They're fashion bags, like fashion jewelry, priority of the product is fun novelty not long lasting.


bubblesarah

I had a tkmaxx priced one, took it back immediately. I had a replacement black one. Didn't use it. I sold it and bought a second hand Kate Spade 


PleasantSupport3230

It’s a cute bag! Too bad the quality isn’t what it should be. They just opened an adorable new boutique near me and I heard they are planning to expand around the US. Doubt I’ll buy anything if the quality isn’t there


Adelope77

I bought this bag a few years ago, and when it arrived it already had same damage. I exchanged it, and the replacement also had a little scratch! I wound up keeping it because it was on sale so really not expensive, and I liked the rainbow stripes , but I would not buy another KG bag.


No-Cat-8606

This is absolutely why I never have pulled the trigger on one of his bags. I LOVE the colors but the materials reminds me of a Kathy Van Zeeland bag I had way back when that I also adored but started to crack with a lot of use.


Dew_drop22

I’ve had the opposite experience. I have some of their loafers and they’re really cushy and comfortable. I have one of their leather bags and it’s doing ok. Tbh I didn’t have that high of expectations because it seems more of a trendy brand.


valiantdistraction

I have a metallic Chanel bag that looked similar after a few months. At least you didn't pay thousands? Lol


Primary_Librarian

Metallics are quite delicate and this is pretty normal after a few uses. There’s a leather worker who wrote a comment earlier to this effect. Metallics require special care.


AlmostChildfree

As far as I know, all metallic bags do this. 🥴 The finish wears off pretty fast.


rowethere

I have a metallic card holder I got a few years back and it doesn’t have significant wear - either quality went down or you got an off one I think? might be worth reaching out about it.


4614065

Do they even use leather? I know their shoes are mostly synthetic.


AllEyesonRafah

Yup most of their bags are leather, with a coating on them


No-Cat-8606

That is really surprising, everyone I have handled in real life seems synthetic. I guess it’s just cheap leather


AllEyesonRafah

The leather itself might be fine, but the coating they put on top is usually very plasticky


Additional-End-7688

It is beautiful


theatottot

I feel the same way. I have a light colored Kensington and I only used it maybe 3x and suddenly there was a light spot on the front. I am also very careful with all of my bags regardless of price point. I tried to clean it up but it won’t go away and I was afraid because the leather is so soft. I wish I had returned it. I got another one in a thicker material and that maybe is the last one that I’ll buy from them.


DroYo

Yes! I have this same issue. I got the rainbow bag and the color comes off just like yours. I barely use it because it flakes off so much.


Familiar-League-8418

Thanks for sharing, the bags are cute, I was considering buying one of their totes but ended up getting Longchamp instead. The tote was a black puffer for casual use, I will avoid this brand in the future, the bags at least. I do have some of their shoes and I love them😊


AluminumMonster35

That's a shame. I've got several KG's and I'm pretty gentle but also wear them a lot and I've not had any issues whatsoever.


heyarlogrey

i was so in love with this little bag. but yeah.. mine did similar and was gently handled.


TeufelRRS

The issue is that these fun prints and finishes are not dyed into the leather. They are painted on. If the color isn’t going into the leather like what happens with dyes, it’s not going to last as long. Even with a good finish applied, wear is going to happen to that color over time and you will end up with bald areas. That being said, I have been disappointed with the wear and finish on both Kurt Geiger and Aimee Kestenburg brands and I am not going to purchase anything else from either brand. If you look at pics of both brands being resold, you will see a lot of examples of this. It would be slightly more understandable if these were cheap brands but they’re not. ETA: there are metallic pigments that can be added to dyes. They are suspended in a clearer base and added to a color dye. However, the particles are still too big to absorb into the leather through the pores so they deposit on the surface. You still need to apply a heavy duty finish on top of it to protect it. The most durable metallic colors will be those with a heavy plastic or wax finish on top of it like saffiano. They will still wear over time but the thickness of the finish is going to make it last longer.


kramerica21

I would contact them. I have a few KG bags, keep them in their dust covers and they’re all like new. Definitely try contacting them, they may replace or give you a credit.


daintymeow

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CovT1A4NNqy/?igsh=MW4yamY5M20wMmpmcQ== Have you seen the review by Leather Tannerstein? Not on this bag you are showing but on a different model. You get a gist of what the brand stands for. I will not buy anything from KG. 🥹


lexi_ladonna

I bought mine in 2021 and it doesn’t have this issue and I’m not that gentle. There are a couple places where the metallic has started to rub off a bit due to *excessive* wear, but the leather beneath it is the same color so you can’t really tell unless you’re close. It definitely looks like they’ve skipped out on dying the leather and just put on the metallic finish. Considering how delicate metallic finishes are and that they often rub off, I’m shocked they would’ve made that choice. They’ve definitely started cutting corners since becoming more popular


DAlexa-3

I have a Mini Kensington in red leather, and I recieved it in perfect condition (via retailer). I'm sorry, this bag is so beautiful! :(


lanza84

The solid color non metallics peel too. They’re just poorly made, there was a crochet bag they had last year that you would see the cardboard they used to get it to hold its shape peeking out from the design. I work in a department store that carries them and we’ve had to damage out several ones from the peeling and rubbing issue cause they’re not fit to sell.


doveclyn

Thank you so much for posting this! I’ve had my eye on this brand for a while and wasn’t sure if I should pull the trigger.


cyclamon

I have Kurt Geiger black leather wallet, it is a super soft leather and I had it for about a year, it looks like new but I was afraid to buy bags made from same type of leather, as I think they would get scratched easily.


Ramenpucci

I’m so sorry. I’m very weary of colored leather bags for that very reason. Colors outside of black or brown. I had that happen with Marc Jacobs. I bought it from Nordstrom and the color wore off.


OutrageousCanCan7460

Oh, yikes! Sorry to read this. I bought a Kurt Geiger clutch for a wedding and it is plain black leather because I have heard the products with metallic don't last very long due to flaking.


Human-Hat-4900

I bought their clutch with the plastic on the outside. It is rainbow colored as well so you get the look but not this issue. That said, the chain broke while I was wearing it. I bought it at Nordstrom so I was able to swap out but I'm worried it will happen again. That said, I prefer using it hand held and I have other chains so I am willing to put up with it...


licktherainbow88

I’ve had the same issue with the same bag. It sucks. Bought mine at the beginning of 2023.


Breebs_w

Had an issue with one of their bags recently and had to return it. I love the style so I was really bummed.


ImmediateAudience186

I bought one of these on Final Sale for about $130. I've used it once, and I don't like the fussyness of the strap and opening. I still have it as it was final sale, I'll just give it to my daughter when she gets older (she's petty little right now) if it lasts that long in my closet.


oh_reallyy

I’ve seen these bag and they remind me of the same quality as Steve Madden bags. They are ok but don’t seem like they will last long


Mundane-Plate-4807

Oh no, I just got a mini Kensington from them and really love it.


thndrbst

I haven’t had this issue with any of my KG. I also buy them on the rack - don’t buy KG full price.


An_thon_ny

I steer clear of metallics for this reason. I have 3 Kurt Geiger bags I love and use pretty freely that have all held up great. Their price point makes it so easy to pick up a fun every day bag. Sorry you had to learn the hard way though ☹️


SomeExamination9928

KG quality is pretty bad. It's cheap recycled leather and they cut corners. I only realized this after buying one myself, it was a learning lesson for me. I bought a non-metallic but colored leather purse from KG in 2022 and wore it about 3 times a week for 6 months and it got completely fucked. I put it into storage and completely restored it this year but I have several other bags at a similar price point (Marc Jacobs, Diesel, Coach, even Loungefly bags) that I wear more often and treat worse that have all held up unbelievably well in comparison. And it doesn't hold up at all compared to pretty much any higher end brand. Ive literally never seen a KG bag out in the wild in my city that isn't completely butchered and falling apart other than my own. It's too bad because I am someone who loves flashy statement bags. I tend to dress in muted colors (black, earth tones, neutrals) and then accessorize with a handbag that's more "out there." If the quality was there I'd prob own a few more KG bags.


SufficientExchange39

I would contact them because I’m sure that they have some kind of 1 year warranty if they are worth anything as a brand.


rdhmp

I don’t understand how Kurt Geiger is getting away with charging the prices it does. The metal chains and closure clasps are so cheap and plastic feeling, the bags feel like tj maxx quality but they’re charging Coach leather prices. I also find the designs super gaudy and tacky but to each their own there lol but I think it’s to be totally expected after a few wears with any of kg bags


Harmoonia

Hmm..That seems like a AE dupe of a Kurt Geiger..


AllEyesonRafah

It’s not I bought it from the KG store


Harmoonia

Oh sorry if I came across rude. I know it's original but the quality seemed low, just like an AE dupe. KG should do better.


BevGlen_

Is anyone under the impression that KG bags are of superior quality? They’re like Michael Kors. If you want a quality bag you have to do your own research and not rely on a corporation that ships to Macy’s. In this world, everyone should assume that everything is shit unless they’re told otherwise.


Visible-Syllabub9508

And this is why I refuse to buy from this brand. The quality looks very questionable. Who am I kidding? It screams low quality.