how to restore the leather on a bag

[supadupapupascupa]

I have a 6 year old Marc by Marc Jacobs bag in Purple which I haven't worn in AGES. It's been sat in the back of my wardrobe. I cleared it out today and was really shocked to find that the colour has really faded and the leather has a really dry and cracked look to it even though it is still very soft. What do I do??? I guess the leather needs 'feeding' in some way but can I do this myself or do I need to see a professional??

[Cheesyslice]

Collonil leather gel. And polishing cloth. Waterproofing spray will help prevent further deterioration. Leather needs regular treatment to prevent it losing condition so you're looking at damage limitation rather than restoration unless you want to fork out lots of money.

[supadupapupascupa]

oh :-/ may need to speak to a specialist then.....

[cloudskitchen]

I bought some shoe cream in russell and bromley that I bought for my mulberry bag. I also have waterproofing spray.

[supadupapupascupa]

ok. I've emailed customer care. I tried some leather cream on it and it is just sticky now . I've had a £300 quote from a restoration company which is almost the cost of the bag originally so that's a last resort - I can't afford it.

Surely it shouldn't do this?

[cloudskitchen]

was the cream water based or oil based. I know for mulberry bags they advise the water based one recommended down thread. Maybe it just needs time to absorb.

[Manchesterhistorygirl]

I've just done a leather bridle in flexalan and it's made a huge difference, It might be worth trying.