Fellows Auctioneers Ltd

Who is Vitalise?

Vitalise specialise in modern leather aftercare with a focus on reviving and preserving both luxury and fashionable items. Their passion lies in breathing new life into cherished leather pieces like handbags, footwear and small accessories through a range of treatments. From deep cleaning and conditioning to colour refresh and bespoke customisation, with sustainability and quality craftsmanship in mind, Vitalise aim to help clients rediscover the beauty in their personal collection.

Restoring the Chanel Handbag

For this project, one of our clients entered a pre-loved Chanel handbag (image below) into our auction that had visible wear and staining. Traditional cleaning methods couldn’t remove the damage, so Vitalise proposed a complete colour transformation from yellow to black. The goal? Give the bag a new, sophisticated look while preserving its iconic Chanel craftsmanship.

Chanel bag before with visible damage

Step-by-Step: How the Chanel Handbag Was Restored

Step 1 – Deep Cleaning

To prepare the leather for dye application, Vitalise started with a comprehensive cleaning process:

A specialised cleaning foam was applied using a soft horsehair brush.
The foam was gently removed with a damp microfiber sponge, then dried with a natural cotton pad.
A toothbrush was used to clean smaller exterior panels.
The interior was treated using fabric-safe foam.

Step 1 - Cleaning and preparing the Chanel bag

Step 2 - Structural Preparation

After drying for 20 minutes:

The bag was padded and stuffed to ease out creases.
This helped restore shape and allowed for smooth dye application.

Step 3 - Prepping for Dyeing

The Chanel logo plate and woven leather chain were removed.
Masking tape was used to protect internal panels.

Step 3 - Prepping the Chanel bag for dyeing

Step 4 - Recolouring the Leather

Dye was applied in circular motions with a dauber.
A fine-tipped brush was used on detailed sections for precision and to avoid oversaturation.
The leather strap for the chain was treated separately.

Step 4 - Recolouring the leather on the Chanel bag

Step 5 - Drying and Finishing

The bag was left to air dry overnight.
The next day, excess dye was removed using cotton towels and cotton buds.

Step 6 - Testing for Colour Transfer

A white cotton pad was rubbed across all surfaces.
This was repeated until no colour transferred, ensuring long-lasting results.

Step 7 - Polishing and Reassembly

Masking tape and stuffing were removed.
The Chanel logo plate and chain were reattached.
All hardware was cleaned and polished using Fellows jewellery wipes.

Step 8 - Final Touches

Patent leather conditioner was applied for protection and shine.

Step 8 - Giving the Chanel bag the final touches

What was once a stained Chanel handbag is now a sleek, stylish piece ready for auction, proving that with expert care, luxury items can enjoy a second life. By restoring rather than replacing, you're not only extending the life of cherished items but also supporting sustainable fashion.

Chanel handbag transformed by Vitalise

Nia Nguyen, Vitalise Specialist:

“It was a great experience working on this project with Fellows. We are delighted to demonstrate how a well-loved item can be transformed and given a refreshed appearance. It is a beautiful handbag for any wardrobe.”