CARE GUIDE
KEEPING YOUR BAG BEAUTIFUL
Your Alessia Jade bag is made to be cherished and, with mindful care, will continue to tell a story as unique as you. Your Alessia Jade bag isn’t just an accessory—it’s a reflection of your values and your journey. Caring for your bag will help it stay by your side for years to come, aging gracefully and telling your story. The beauty of our Alessia Jade pieces lies not only in their cruelty-free craftsmanship but also in how easy they are to care for. With a little love and attention, your bag will stay as stunning as the day you welcomed it into your life.
We encourage you to treat your Alessia Jade pieces with the care and love they deserve. They’re designed to be your perfect companion, but like any treasure, they’re not indestructible. Avoid overstuffing, leaving them on rough surfaces, or exposing them to spills and stains—these little luxuries need gentle handling.
Over time, natural signs of wear will appear, such as light scratches on the hardware or surface. This is completely normal and a beautiful reminder that your bag is well-loved and well-used. Since we craft with coated fabric rather than dyed-through animal hide, small chips or scratches may reveal the textile beneath. A touch of shoe polish works wonders to freshen up these marks and restore the surface to its former glory.
The hardware on your bag is made from zinc alloy and coated in a delicate layer of plating. With time and regular use—especially where metal rubs against metal or touches skin—this plating may gently wear away.
This is part of the bag’s journey with you, not a flaw. The speed of this natural process can depend on how often you use the hardware or what touches the metal, such as oils or perfumes.
Protect it from prolonged sunlight: While our fabrics are durable and far less prone to sun damage than traditional animal leathers, constant exposure to direct sunlight can still cause fading or discolouration over time. Most of our bags come with a dust bag. We recommend tucking your item into this safe haven when it’s not in use.
Handle with care during humid or rainy days: Our bags are tested and verified for colour fastness, but we suggest being cautious when pairing your bag with light-coloured clothing in high humidity or heavy rain. The hand-painted edges, also known as edge paint, could transfer their colour under extreme conditions.
Avoid overloading: Though your bag is made to accompany you through life’s adventures, it’s not invincible. Overstuffing—pushing it to its limits—can cause distortion or place unnecessary stress on strap connections. Treat your bag kindly, and it will reward you with its lasting elegance.
Shape matters: Alessia Jade totes are thoughtfully designed to be semi-structured with a soft touch for comfort. To help maintain their graceful shape, store them hanging by their handles rather than laying them flat for long periods. If you notice any softening at the base, simply fill the bag with tissue or paper to help it bounce back to its original form.
Rotate for longevity: Just like your favourite shoes, sunglasses, or jewellery, giving your bag a break every now and then will help it last longer. Rotating your pieces ensures each one remains as fresh and stunning as the day you fell in love with it.
A note on texture: The unique embossed textures of our pieces are achieved through a delicate heat process, beautifully replicating the patterns of the natural world—without harming it. This process can create slight variations between the image on our website and the bag you receive, depending on how the fabric is cut. These subtle differences make each piece uniquely yours.
For light cleaning, simply wipe your bag with a damp cloth. For more stubborn spills, mix a little diluted shampoo into water, clean the area gently, and wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove residue. It’s important to avoid oil-based or ink stains, as well as any harsh solvents (like alcohol, acetone, bleach, or silicone-based products), as these can damage the delicate bio-based fabrics. Treat it gently, and it will love you back.
To keep your bag looking pristine, a soft, damp lint-free cloth is all you need. Household cleaners can be abrasive and might cause discolouration, so they’re best avoided. Be mindful of hand sanitisers and makeup—particularly pump packs—as accidental splashes can stain. A little extra care goes a long way.
For marks on your straps, a little mild detergent with warm water works wonders. Gently soap up the affected areas and rinse lightly under running water, being careful not to fully submerge the strap. Allow it to air dry naturally. Stubborn stains (like oil or grease) may need a repeat treatment but go gently—excessive scrubbing could cause colour loss.
Cleaning the lining of a handbag can feel tricky, but we’ve thoughtfully designed most of our bags with a loose lining that can be pulled out for easy spot cleaning. Prevention, as always, is the best approach:
Carry your makeup in a pouch to avoid lipstick or foundation stains.
Avoid placing anything damp inside the bag that could transfer colour.
If a mark does appear, don’t worry—spot cleaning can work magic. For greasy stains like lip balm or oil-based makeup, use a tiny amount of dish detergent. For non-oily marks like powder or blush, baby shampoo works beautifully. Dab a small amount onto a clean cloth or sponge, rub the mark gently, and finish with a clean cloth. Stubborn stains might need a second try, but patience will pay off.
