Below is a new "7 Questions" with Brad, over at Drink Moloko. In his answers, he mentioned his Il Bisonte bag. We've spoken about it before, when he was asking about roughing it up a little. I passed on to him a comment I was once told. About a year ago, I was buying a cowhide rug, for my sister, from a vendor on the sidewalk of La Cienega Blvd. You know, where the guy has all the rugs thrown over the chain link fence... yeah, I bought one of those. As I was paying him, I asked him about cleaning it. "What if she spills something on it", I ask. He looks at me, smiles (missing a few front teeth) and says, "Shit man, throw it out in the yard and hose it off. It was a cow for cryin' out loud. It lived in a fuckin' field".
Below are pictures of my Il Bisonte bag, which was given to me by someone who didn't like the "new" look of it (thanks Tom). After my friend gave it to me, I went home, threw it in the washing machine with some detergent, then let it dry in the sun. Beautiful. It might be expensive, but don't be afraid to add a little life to your leather goods by hosing 'em off, washing 'em, or leaving them out in the sun. It can handle the abuse... after all... it was a cow for cryin' out loud.
May 14, 2009
Il Bisonte Messenger
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6 comments:
My mother had an Il Bisonte Messenger similar to that but in black and threw it away when it had just the right patina. She told me the day after trash day. I flipped out. And I was only 10. I never thought about it till I saw this post, but I guess I had a liking for aged things even when I was little. Thanks for bringing back good (or bad depending on how you look at it) memories.
I once dated a girl who's family were cattle ranchers in Monatana. When I was visiting I tried to 'help' out as much as possible. Her dad's saddle was so amazing. His sentiments about it were exactly yours to. When he saw me taking pictures of it, he just chuckled and said: "Everyone always says it looks so good, I just say it looks like it's been used right."
Just remember to condition it after the "treatment" Lexol works really well.I have an amazing bag from saddleback leather that just keeps getting better the longer I have it. And the guy that makes them reminds his buyers that it is going to have scratches and such as it was an animal brushing up against fences, and living outside.
So wonderful. I have a similar bag from eddie bauer - back when EB was a real outfitter. 20 plus years ago now. When I bought it, it was almost a pure white hide, now it the most beautiful dark golden brown. Once every few months someone offers me $300 or $400 for it. I just smile and give them the look.
now i wanna out every leather thing of mine into the washing machine. this bag reminds me of the 700ish dollar leather postman bag from jcrew
I had some great il bisonte bags...where are they now?? And i still have a wallet. If you ever want to sell yours, let me know. it's gorgeous. I love your photos.
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