Balenciaga lambskin leather quality/durability

[Zillow]

Hello everyone!
This is one of my favourite leather jackets (not that i have too many, lol) and the most expensive item in my wardrobe.

I was wondering how it was going to fare up in the future, especially regarding patina and durability; can’t really find info about lambskin and black leather patina.

Judging from the pictures of the leather, how do you think it will act with time? Also, is it good quality?

 

[Canuck Panda]

Not everyday a Balenciaga pops up around here...

Lambskin don't really patina. So they keep their appearance well through time. One of the main reason luxury fashion loves to use them, not just for the drape but the smooth surface that stays smooth and new ish looking. It will be on the opposite end of what usually get posted here, full grain horsehides.

Balenciaga is actually an old brand. Had some controversial dealings during the Nazi occupation. Now they just like another luxury fashion brand.

 

[Zillow]

Sorry for the late reply!
Ugh, exactly what i’ve been fearing came out to be true :/ i love a leather that can patina nicely, transforming into a new garment in time which only reveals the bond that you have effectively developed with it.

Regarding lambskin in general, judging from the pictures (the pics where the jacket is folded were taken so as to try to showcase the leather’s thickness, rigidity and drape) does it appear to be a high quality leather?

 

[Monitor]

Balenciaga uses good leather but lambskin be lambskin. It'll fair as well as any lambskin which is... Well, you'd better be mindful wearing it. But it'll age for sure.

Lambskin will crease and age just like cowhide or horsehide but just about the only patina you can expect from it is the fading of the finish - Also exactly the same as any cowhide or horsehide coated with acrylic.
As a matter of fact, you can see it already happening on the shoulder seams, on the photos you've provided. With time, more and more of the jacket will fade from shiny black to mate gray; First all the edges like cuffs, hem, etc., followed by the bottom of the sleeves & finally creases. It's a looong process, though.

Lambskin is often coated with a shiny acrylic finish in order to further weatherproof the hide & give it longevity. Shitty coating is plasticy and looks bad, good one looks like your jacket. So yeah, while this might be an older jacket, it does look nice. I like it. Leather is quality in any case.

In short, it will age nicely. Won't go tea-core or anything like that but as far as black leather goes, it'll age just about the same way you'd expect any black jacket to fade.

 

[Zillow]

Balenciaga uses good leather but lambskin be lambskin. It'll fair as well as any lambskin which is... Well, you'd better be mindful wearing it. But it'll age for sure.

Lambskin will crease and age just like cowhide or horsehide but just about the only patina you can expect from it is the fading of the finish - Also exactly the same as any cowhide or horsehide coated with acrylic.
As a matter of fact, you can see it already happening on the shoulder seams, on the photos you've provided. With time, more and more of the jacket will fade from shiny black to mate gray; First all the edges like cuffs, hem, etc., followed by the bottom of the sleeves & finally creases. It's a looong process, though.

Lambskin is often coated with a shiny acrylic finish in order to further weatherproof the hide & give it longevity. Shitty coating is plasticy and looks bad, good one looks like your jacket. So yeah, while this might be an older jacket, it does look nice. I like it. Leather is quality in any case.

In short, it will age nicely. Won't go tea-core or anything like that but as far as black leather goes, it'll age just about the same way you'd expect any black jacket to fade.

This is exactly the type of information that I was looking for, and you have provided it thoroughly.
Thank you!

One last thing, would you suggest conditioning or to let it go as it wants?

 

[Monitor]

This is exactly the type of information that I was looking for, and you have provided it thoroughly.
Thank you!

One last thing, would you suggest conditioning or to let it go as it wants?

Sure thing. Glad I could help.

Conditioning is needed when it's needed. For now, just clean the jacket with a clean cloth, especially where it comes into contact with skin and keep it stored in a dry place, away from moisture. Airing it out is fine.

Keeping the jacket clean is much more important than conditioning it.

 

[Damon141]

My mother has had a Italian fashion house lamb skin jacket for like 15 years and hasn’t done anything to it. Probably un coated since it’s not shiny.
These brands like Balenciaga, Celine, Tom Ford, Prada, Saint Laurent vary in quality being that they usually don’t actually produce anything themselves or own the factories, for the most part they just contract the design out to a workshop that could be making several brands at once.
If your Tom Ford or Saint Laurent you can then charge $7,500 for a jacket or wait for it to go to Yoox or similar for around $1,500 as past season. Quite the markup

 

[Kfz]

Balenciaga uses good leather but lambskin be lambskin. It'll fair as well as any lambskin which is... Well, you'd better be mindful wearing it. But it'll age for sure.

Lambskin will crease and age just like cowhide or horsehide but just about the only patina you can expect from it is the fading of the finish - Also exactly the same as any cowhide or horsehide coated with acrylic.
As a matter of fact, you can see it already happening on the shoulder seams, on the photos you've provided. With time, more and more of the jacket will fade from shiny black to mate gray; First all the edges like cuffs, hem, etc., followed by the bottom of the sleeves & finally creases. It's a looong process, though.

Lambskin is often coated with a shiny acrylic finish in order to further weatherproof the hide & give it longevity. Shitty coating is plasticy and looks bad, good one looks like your jacket. So yeah, while this might be an older jacket, it does look nice. I like it. Leather is quality in any case.

In short, it will age nicely. Won't go tea-core or anything like that but as far as black leather goes, it'll age just about the same way you'd expect any black jacket to fade.

 

[Dredgen Yor]

I love my saint laurent l17 lamb skin for its comfort levels far exceed that of any horsehide or cowhide I’ve owned from freewheelers (la brea), Schott (618,613,626vn) and rmc (j-24l and j-24) the one I have is from an older lamb (2016 ss (Hedi!) season aged mutton/agnello) which has a larger grain pattern and more durable to scratches to smooth lambskin that I’ve seen. One problem I’ve noticed is if you aren’t mindful the leather isnt close to the strength of leather isnt like horsehide or even cowhide, as a result I have a tiny tear where I’ve fallen with my hands still in my pockets where the left pocket meets the top seam of said pocket has a micro tear about half centimeter even with that I

still prefer the look, the fit and levels of comfort cannot be beat for my frame and tastes. My favorite so far… and as a plus my wife looks good “holding” it for me.

 

[Kfz]

You got some serious collections of just the double riders. I have tried a new Schott 613S before. Don’t have the patience to break it in. And just bought a 6 years old 613 S on the way, but l already know l will still wear my Buck Mason lambskin 90% of the time. 613S will be more of a famous brand admiration

 

[Dredgen Yor]

Yes that picture was taken before the great cull. Only have three jackets now and only two that I wear regularly, j1a-gt by acronym and that l17 , they fit two very distinct purposes/aesthetics.
Great cut on your jacket it fits great as well!