Like Bottega Veneta, which offers unlimited warranty and repairs for its iconic models, luxury is betting more than ever on sustainability.
On October 26th, Bottega Veneta launched Certificate of Craft, the fashion planet’s most luxurious after-sales service, a lifetime warranty program that allows its customers to bring their bag back to the store to have it refurbished or repaired as many times as needed. necessary. Via a card linked to the product’s serial number, this new 100% free service applies from the start to iconic models of the Italian label, such as the Kalimero, one of its bestsellers, the Sardine (a favorite of Kendall Jenner). , cassette, Jodie or even Knot minaudière. They are mostly made of intrecciato leather, a hand-weaving technique that has become one of the signatures of the house through which it claims the craftsmanship of its production. “We focus on responsible growth,” explains CEO Bartolomeo Rongone. Our goal is to make our bags last longer, reducing the need to replace them.” What if the bag becomes the new symbol of circular fashion?
The “World’s Most Expensive Bag,” signed by Hermès in the video, will soon be up for auction again
Added value
“This haute couture service is a safe and secure investment guarantee to provide customers with a long-term guarantee,” analyzes Osanna Orlovsky, co-founder of Collector Square, which specializes in the sale of luxury goods. In the age of vintage mania, a bag that is maintained or refurbished with a manufacturer’s brand can be a very interesting added value at resale. Not an insignificant detail. Because today a used part can exceed the cost 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.
Timelessly chic
Replacing the zipper system, repairing a seam, replacing a worn lining… At Hermès, this “lifetime” service has been around for a long time. Every year, more than 100,000 pieces are repaired (for a fee) in the Parisian house’s workshops, enabling the preservation of durable accessories. Like these precursors, major leather goods manufacturers and the fashion industry in general are looking for solutions to meet the new expectations of consumers who are more sensitive to the circularity, durability and life cycle of their purchases.
Pay the price
“In-house service and a more or less long-term guarantee of its product sales arguments (and, of course, a new marketing tool) is actually an offer inspired by the world of watchmaking,” emphasizes Osanna Orlovsky. An established system that has proven itself in terms of loyalty for many years. But, in my opinion, these excellent services are also part of the logic to justify the exorbitant prices. In recent months, under the guise of rising raw material duties, import duties and fluctuating exchange rates, the prices of new bags from major leather goods companies have steadily increased. But don’t we say “The price is forgotten, the quality remains?”
On video: Fendi’s 1997 Fendi bag campaign
Source: Le Figaro
