Can anything be done to revive a tan leather handbag?

[naturelover]

It's only a year old, from Kew, cost 80 quid which is a LOT for me but I think the leather is poor quality. It seems faded, "dehydrated", a few marks, rough... The different parts of the bag seem to be made from "different" grade leather, IYSWIM.

I can't afford a new bag, and I really did expect a leather bag to last a few years. But it does get daily use as a nappy bag. I am careful with it but of course it gets hauled all over and slung over the buggy handles.

I use Clarks leather conditioner on it every couple of weeks, but it still looks bad.

Can leather bags be re-dyed?

Was I naive to think a leather bag would have lasted? I could have got more wear from a cheap nylon bag for a fraction of the price!

Anyone? Shall I post this in Good Housekeeping instead?

No answer I'm afraid, but I was very tempted by a tan Kew satchel style bag, a few weeks ago. I'm really glad I resisted, under the circumstances.

I use Collonil leather Gel, here, i've used on my tan bag and it came up beautifully. It's not that old though, but the leather looked good as when I opened it the first time. I would also suggest the spray to protect it from the rain too....

Never used clarks stuff, so not sure if its better or the same. Collonil has always been recommended to me for handbags though...