On October 26, Bottega Veneta launched Certificate of Craft, the most luxurious after-sales service on the Fashion planet, namely a lifetime warranty program allowing its customers to bring their bag back to the store. to have it refreshed or repaired as many times as necessary.
Materialized by a card associated with the serial number of the product, this new 100% free service initially concerns the iconic models of the Italian label, such as the Kalimero, one of its best-sellers, the Sardine (the darling of Kendall Jenner), Cassette, Jodie or even the Knot minaudière.
They are mostly made of intrecciato leather, a technique of hand-weaving leather that has become one of the house's signatures, through which it claims the
craftsmanship of its production.
"We focus on responsible growth," explains CEO Bartolomeo Rongone.
Our intention is to keep our bags in use longer, reducing the need to replace them.”
What if the it-bag became the new symbol of circular fashion?
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Added value
“This haute couture service is a way of guaranteeing customers the assurance of a safe and secure investment over the long term, analyzes Osanna Orlowski, co-founder of Collector Square, the online platform specializing in the sale of luxury items.
In the era of vintage mania, a bag maintained or repaired by the manufacturer's brand can prove to be a very interesting added value when reselling.
A not insignificant detail.
Because, today, a used part can exceed the value of a new one.
Proof: according to the latest report from the American company Rebag, based on data from July 2021 to July 2022, Hermès handbags resell 103% of their price in stores.
Timeless Chic
Replacing the zipper system, repairing a seam, changing a worn lining… At Hermès, this “lifetime” maintenance service has existed for a long time.
Each year, more than 100,000 pieces are repaired (for a payment) in the workshops of the Parisian house, making it possible to preserve accessories made to last.
Like these precursors, major leather goods manufacturers and the fashion industry as a whole are looking for solutions to meet the new expectations of consumers who are increasingly sensitive to the circularity, durability and life cycle of their shopping.
Read alsoDive into Kering's discreet laboratory in Milan, which is inventing the eco-responsible fashion of tomorrow
The price to pay
“Making in-house maintenance and the more or less long-term guarantee of its products sales arguments (and of course a new marketing tool) is in fact a proposal inspired by the world of watchmaking, underlines Osanna Orlowski.
A well-established system, which has proven itself in terms of loyalty for many years.
But in my opinion, these excellent services are also part of a logic of justifying extremely high prices.
In recent months, under cover of rising raw material tariffs, import duties and fluctuating exchange rates, the prices of new bags from the big names in leather goods have steadily increased.”
But don't we say “The price is forgotten, the quality remains”?
