In the world of luxury, high end fashion, few brands command as much respect and admiration as Burberry.
A new client came to me with her beloved Burberry coat. She emailed describing the once patent leather straps and buckle fastenings, which had lost their luster over time, needed to be replaced badly.
Once I had the coat in person, it revealed an unexpected disappointment beneath.
Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that the initially glossy patent finish had given way to a less-than-stellar substitute – bonded leather. Often considered the cheapest passable leather in the industry, bonded leather masquerades as 'genuine leather' but lacks the quality and durability associated with real leather.
Not only was this a letdown, but the hardware suffered from its own set of issues. Cheap, poorly finished, and roug, the buckles and straps screamed for an upgrade.
Determined to restore the coat to its former glory, a decision was made to replace the broken components and upgrade the materials.
I had chosen a standard smooth, black Italian calfskin, with the incorporation of non-stretch tape to ensured that the newly crafted straps would maintain their form and functionality for years to come.
To ensure the longevity and usability for the replacement components, each buckle and strap piece was hand-sewn to the coat, as this attention to detail guarantees a level of quality that surpassed the original design.
As the finishing touch, nickel-plated solid brass buckles were chosen. Elevating the coat's hardware and the result? A now rejuvenated Burberry coat, boasting not only a renewed visual appeal but a resilience that promises to stand the test of time.
This Burberry coat, once on the brink of abandonment, now stands as a testament to the transformative power of expert craftsmanship and the enduring allure of a timeless brand.