How do I take care of my leather or canvas item?
Introduction to Leather Goods
Throughout the life of your product, you may notice a softening of the silhouette and a naturally occurring patina. This evolution along with the presence of natural aspects such as natural marks, wrinkles and veins are anticipated and serve as proof of the uniqueness and authenticity of our products. Each impression leaving a lasting memory to be cherished forever.
To preserve the shape of your product, it should not be over-packed. When product is not in use, it is best to store it in the felt provided at purchase in a ventilated area. Storage in boxes or near sources of heat are not recommended as it has a drying effect on the materials.
Natural Leather
This natural, vegetable-tanned cowhide leather, is deeply rooted in the History of Louis Vuitton. A hallmark of this leather is its transparency, which reveals natural markings such as veins and wrinkles, proving it has not been treated. This delicate, easily scratched leather will develop a rich amber patina, unique to each bag, and a greater suppleness in time. This patina, along with wear acquired through use, signifies proof of the product’s authenticity and journey alongside the owner.
Should this leather encounter water, blot immediately with a lint-free light coloured, absorbent cloth. Cleaning with any solvents or chemicals is not recommended. Home remedies to darken the leather such as mink oil, saddle soap, leather lotions, or substances of any kind should be avoided at all costs. If the leather gets stained before the patina develops, do not try to clean it. Let it darken and stains will fade among the colour. These chemicals can compromise the quality and integrity of the leather as it wears in time.
Calfskin and Cowhide Leathers
Through a rigorous selection process, calfskin and cowhide leathers are chosen for their refinement, suppleness and silky touch. To meet Louis Vuitton’s highest quality standards, only the best hides are selected. They may carry natural imperfections, such as veins or wrinkles.
These carefully selected leathers can be compromised with the use of any commercial cleaners. Elements such as oils, make up, perfumes, creams or sanitisers applied to the leather can compromise its natural beauty and performance capabilities. For surface stains, we recommend cleaning with a soft, damp cloth with water.
Vernis Leather
Created in 1998 for the Spring / Summer fashion show, Monogram Vernis is proposing a vivacious, sparkling and ultra-feminine look.
The Vernis leather should be kept away from any materials that may transfer their colour pigments onto the leather (for example magazines, denim, other leathers...). The risk of transfer may particulary affect small leather goods.
Exposure to sunlight should be avoided, as colour may fade. Light colours are more sensitive to light and may take a yellow tinge or fade.
Monogram and Damier Canvas
The symbol of Louis Vuitton, Monogram canvas, created in 1896, expresses the values and heritage of the House: authenticity, savoir-faire, excellence and luxury. It is inimitable and unique, created through a painstakingly developed and impeccably executed process. Being supple and sturdy, it is perfectly suited for contemporary lifestyles. Today, this iconic canvas is patterned with an exceptional print, produced in accordance with our exacting quality standards.
Coated canvas can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth and slightly soapy water. Home remedies such as mink oil, perfume, leather lotions, cleaners or chemicals, should not be used on any canvas products. The use of such remedies may cause the canvas wear adversely and prematurely.
Contact with highly pigmented materials increases the risk of colour transfer onto the canvas and should be avoided. Light coloured canvas such as Damier Azur is the most susceptible to such wear.
Printed Canvas
Printing on coated canvas is a technique used by Louis Vuitton since 1854. Since then, new innovations and printing techniques have been developed to allow for more complex and rich designs. Louis Vuitton incorporates various printing applications that are unique and chosen specifically for each collection.
Each printing technique consists of thin layers of ink applied on top of the canvas. Such techniques allow for intricate designs and colours but can be susceptible to abrasion and fading. This can appear with gentle use at the areas of greatest wear (such as the corners, folds and bottom).
To avoid such abrasion, limit the contact to hard or rough surfaces (walls, rugs, concrete) and rotate the use of your handbag to ensure optimal wear and longevity.
For cleaning, use a soft, damp cloth with slightly soapy water, avoiding the printed portions. Home remedies such as mink oil, leather lotions, cleaners or chemicals, should not be used on any canvas products. The use of such remedies may cause the canvas wear adversely and prematurely.
Exotic and Extraordinary Creations
As our exotic skins are processed naturally, it is essential to protect from humidity, water spray and rain. Avoid all contact with water or any other liquids, which may alter the texture causing permanently visible stains and color transfer. Should your bag encounter water, immediately and gently blot the affected area with a light-colored, absorbent, lint-free cloth. Exposure to sunlight should be avoided as color may fade.
Crocodile, python and lizard skins are particularly sensitive to humidity and heat, which can irreparably unstick their scales. We recommend that you avoid any cleansing cream or product that would deeply stain your product.
Extraordinary creations that include any metallic leathers, beading, feathers, sequins or printing, require special care and should only be cleaned with a soft, light-colored, lint-free cloth.
LEAFLET ENTRETIEN – ARTYCAPUCINES x MURAKAMI
The Louis Vuitton article you have just purchased is part of a numbered, limited-series collection. Our workshops have carefully selected the finest materials based on unique criteria, in keeping with the savoir-faire and quality that have earned the House its international reputation.
To preserve the beauty of your piece as long as possible, we recommend following these general instructions:
• Take care not to scratch your piece against abrasive surfaces and avoid placing it directly on the floor.
• Avoid all contact with oily substances or hand-sanitiser products that could degrade and stain its surfaces.
• Avoid prolonged contact with any materials that may transfer coloured pigments onto the leather or canvas.
• Protect from humidity and rain; keep away from direct sources of heat (radiators, car interiors in summer, etc.).
• Protect your piece from any prolonged sun exposure, which could alter the colour.
• Should the leather, canvas or lining become soiled, clean gently with a soft, light-coloured cloth (dry for leather and slightly dampened for canvas).
• When not using your product, place it in the protective box provided. Take care not to leave the removable accessories in place when storing your piece, as they may leave marks on the leather.
• To ensure your bag keeps its original shape over time, do not overload it.
• The carrying method for each bag has been carefully considered and incorporated into the design. We therefore advise against carrying your bag differently than was intended, as this could compromise the bag’s usability and durability over time.
Specific care instructions for individual models in the collection
Calfskin, Lambskin, Cowhide and Taurillon Leather (Body, Linings and Trim)
Louis Vuitton chose these leathers, with a silky texture and subtle shine, through a rigorous selection process. They are nevertheless delicate and may scratch or become soiled. We recommend that you avoid contact with abrasive objects and grease that could stain them. If, despite your care, the surface becomes soiled, wipe gently with a light-coloured, soft, dry cloth. Also avoid any prolonged exposure to sunlight, which could alter the quality of your bag’s colours.
Patent Leather
Patent leather has deep roots in the history of Louis Vuitton. It is created using a special treatment that gives it its sophisticated, glossy appearance. It must be kept away from any materials that could transfer their colour pigments onto the leather (such as magazines, denim, other leathers, etc.). Also avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which could alter the quality of your bag’s colours. Light colours are more sensitive to light and could yellow or fade. We recommend avoiding your bag’s coming into contact with abrasive objects and greasy substances that could soil it. To remove superficial soiling, we recommend using a soft, light-coloured, slightly damp cloth.
Crocodile Leather
Louis Vuitton has selected the most precious crocodilian species for you: the porosus crocodile, the niloticus crocodile and the mississipiensis alligator. The natural finishes applied to these precious leathers to give them a matte or glossy appearance inevitably lead to nuances in colour. Our leather craftspeople work with these differences in hue to create harmonious products. To keep crocodile leather in its best condition, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can damage the product. These naturally treated crocodilian products must be protected from moisture and rain. We therefore recommend avoiding all contact with liquids, which could cause a change in texture and slight colour transfer.
To fully enjoy the added features of the Capusplit bag, special handling is required. We recommend wearing gloves to protect the leather.
Mirror Canvas
In yet another expression of the House’s creativity, this mirror-look canvas is developed using cast-laminate technology. To preserve the mirror’s reflective surface, we recommend handling the bag with care, avoiding any contact with abrasive objects or surfaces. We also recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to heat and UV rays to prevent any unintentional alteration of the bag. To preserve the shine of the mirror-look surface, we recommend wiping away superficial marks, such as fingerprints, with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Denim
The use of denim, a symbol of Louis Vuitton, is a reminder of the values and heritage of the House: authenticity, craftsmanship and excellence. This 100%-cotton canvas is reworked with a jacquard weave to give its design added texture and depth. Over time, the jacquard will soften, while natural wear will develop with use. The Capucines XXL Camo bag is lined with leather and therefore should never be machine washed. To remove soiling or stains, dry cleaning is a viable option.
Marquetry
Some models feature a number of different materials artistically pieced together. Marquetry is a delicate savoir-faire that must be treated with special care to preserve its beauty and solidity over time. The combination of various colours of calfskin illustrates the technical complexity of this technique that gives the bag such splendour. We recommend taking great care with the product, which must be protected to the greatest degree possible from impact, friction, dampness and risk of abrasion.
Gold Leaf
Louis Vuitton has chosen precious gold leaf, the epitome of sophistication, as the material for its trim, a substance that must be handled with great care. This material is hand-applied using a brush and then coated with a delicate protective varnish. Gold leaf is vulnerable to any form of friction, may be damaged by abrasion and humidity, and may evolve in appearance over time. Any scratches or stains will be irreparable. Should the surface become soiled, we recommend using a soft, dry cloth. Never use solvents.
Mink Fur
Fur is a precious material by virtue of the natural beauty of the coat, the length of which may vary, the infinite range of hues possible and the special feel of the fur that varies with the species. The coat is unique in texture and colour and requires careful handling. We advise against exposing your product to damp environments; should this happen accidentally, let the article dry naturally, away from sources of heat.
Metal Trim
The bags are decorated with a number of metal elements, some of which are coloured or treated to give them a novel and desireable appearance. To keep these pieces beautiful as the years pass, we recommend avoiding contact with abrasive materials and repeated friction. We also recommend protecting the article from exposure to rain. If, despite your care, superficial marks appear, wipe gently with a light-coloured, soft, dry cloth.
Some elements of the Capucines Golden Garden feature delicate ornamentation, which could be damaged or broken by impacts of any kind.
To ensure the special opening systems of our Capusplit and Panda Clutch products function properly, these features should never be forced or disassembled.
Decorative Accessories in Resin and PVC
Some models feature decorative resin and PVC elements that adorn the bag. To protect these components, any prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided. To preserve their beauty, we recommend avoiding contact with abrasive materials and repeated friction. Any impact to the product, including being dropped, may cause it to break or become deformed.
These uniquely designed accessories are intended for decorative use and are not meant to be removed.
Lenticular Canvas
In yet another expression of the House’s creativity, some models boldly incorporate lenticular canvas, the aesthetic choice made by our design team to creates a visual effect that changes depending on the angle from which the bag is viewed. For minor surface soiling, we recommend gentle cleaning with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Paste Gemstones
One of our bags is adorned with numerous paste gemstones, which are meticulously hand-applied in a demonstration of exceptional savoir-faire. These delicate embellishments require particularly careful treatment and should not be subjected to rough or repeated handling. If needed, use a soft, slightly damp cloth to restore lustre.
Embroidery
Numerous embroidered details adorn our bags, each a demonstration of unique savoir-faire. These exceptional finishing details are executed with great care and, though sturdy, they are works of great finesse and must not be exposed to excessive abrasion or rough handling.
These uniquely designed accessories are intended for decorative use and are not meant to be removed.
iPhone Folios
The iPhone Folio is part of a new generation of technical cases embodying the heritage that Louis Vuitton has long prized: the world of travel and the ceaseless quest for innovation.
The iPhone Folio is a great expression of such innovation, showcasing an exclusive technology with a “gecko-inspired” material. The gecko is a lizard that has a smart, natural, adherence to any surface that can be 600 times more powerful than common adhesive tape. Inspired by this, Louis Vuitton has developed a functional material like that of a gecko without the use of any glue. This adherence surface is unlike any other, using millions of microscopic suction cups to safely secure your device. It is characterized by a somewhat dry feeling upon touch and the ability to be easily re-activated with simple cleaning.
Should the adherence grip strength diminish, simply wipe the surface gently with a cloth dampened with water to remove all particles. Allow ten minutes to dry to ensure suction cups are properly re-activated. Replace device by applying light pressure for a secure hold.
The use of any alcoholic solutions, chemicals or glues on the adherence may cause permanent damage. Application of other phone cases to the adherence will limit its performance capabilities and is not recommended.
Although this case reduces the risk of damage to your device, Louis Vuitton is not responsible for any direct and/or indirect damage to your phone, particularly resulting from use that does not respect the above care guidelines or involves non-standard use of the case.