How do I get a Leather Handbag reproduced?

November 3, 2008 8:47 AM

How can I get an old leather handbag reproduced?

I have a vintage leather "hobo" or "bucket" bag that I picked up at an estate sale for $1 years ago. The leather is high quality, heavy, but not stiff. It's a nice medium tan shade. I can't find a designer's name anywhere on it. I use this bag every day, except when I need a black leather bag.

I'd like to find a manufacturer to reproduce this bag in black leather. How do I go about finding such a manufacturer?

Thanks!

posted by parrotmom99 to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (4 answers total)

You could try requesting a custom item at Etsy.
posted by exogenous at 8:56 AM on November 3, 2008 [1 favorite]

Are you anywhere near New York? Artbag Creations on Madison Avenue does repairs and custom leather work. They're not cheap but I've heard very good things about them (never actually used them myself, though).
posted by Quietgal at 9:31 AM on November 3, 2008

I live out in Amish country so you may not have this option but I find that Amish cobblers can reverse engineer damn near anything made from leather. That's where I'd try. Of course they don't have phones or Web sites. I personally recommend Fishers in Madisonburg, here in central PA, but you get the gist. I've had shoes rebuilt, an Eames cushion recreated, and a moccasin replaced by that shop and they are very reasonable.
posted by Toekneesan at 10:32 AM on November 3, 2008 [1 favorite]

I second the Etsy suggestion.
posted by micawber at 11:03 AM on November 3, 2008