Goooood morning bag lovers! Today we’re getting into the nitty gritty of terms that are often used in the world of handbags (especially vintage handbags), and that are often confused or misused. Read on to position yourself as a vintage fashion expert and know exactly what the difference is.
Vintage vs. Archival
Vintage refers to a piece that is at least 20 years old
Archival refers to a piece that is culturally significant for a designer, that is rare, or one-of-a-kind
Example - A Louis Vuitton Neverfull from 1995 is vintage but not archival. The 2001 Graffiti Neverfull by Stephen Sprouse is both vintage and archival, as it’s 20 years old and from a historically significant, limited-edition collaboration.
Patina vs. Wear (in reference to leather)
Patina is the natural aging of leather from typical, everyday use. It is often subtle, and actually enhances the overall aesthetic of an older leather piece
Wear to leather is any form of deterioration or damage not caused by typical everyday use that compromises the item’s aesthetic
Example - A vintage bag in light-coloured leather may develop a patina over time, darkening naturally overall, and especially in areas touched most by our skin’s oils, like handles or pockets. Sporadic, highly-contrasted dark spots, however, are likely water damage and shouldn’t be called patina.
Date Codes vs. House/Style Codes
Date Code refers to a unique code, often skillfully hidden, within a handbag that tells you about its production history, often including the year it was made
House/Style Code refers also to a unique hidden code, however, this will only tell you about the item’s design model
Some bags have one or the other, some have both, and many modern bags have neither — instead, they come with a micro-chip that holds all the information and can only be read at the original retailer. What’s important to know is that while these codes are important for authentication, they may not always give you the exact information you want about the bag.
If you loved this guide, you’ll love what’s coming next. I write about vintage luxury in a way that feels fun, approachable, and never pretentious. Stick around, ask questions, and make yourself at home — you’ve always got a seat at this table.
XO Bags For Breakfast by Shay Prasad
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available research, archival materials, and my own analysis. I do my best to ensure accuracy, however, this is not a scholarly publication — just a deeply researched love letter to designer fashion.
Image Note:
All images in this piece are used for educational and historical commentary. Credits belong to the original creators and rights holders. If you own any of the imagery featured and would like an update or removal, please contact me and I’ll address it immediately.