“Luxury is that which can be repaired”
– Robert Dumas Hermès

In the past, repair or restoration awareness was primarily limited to electronics and computer-driven goods. However, as the concept of repair has evolved, we are finally here in an era where fashion sustainability is gaining momentum. Being reunited with garments or accessories you already cherish, which are refreshed and refurbished yet still carry the memories of past journeys together, is what makes a well-repaired piece superior to brand new. Furthermore, our discussion extends beyond personal preference for a capsule wardrobe to addressing the urgency of tackling the climate crisis. 

Courtesy of Hermès Maintenance & Repair

Talking about brands, restorations and repairs are being embraced by many luxury brands, whether it is due to the brands’ consciousness or because they have been pushed by current society. Let’s take a journey through two billionaire-favorite brands: Hermès and Brunello Cucinelli. As stated in Vogue Magazine, Hermès artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas said, “I remember my grandfather telling me as a kid, I heard him tell me, literally, that "luxury is that which you can repair." And he told me that back in the '60s, the '70s -- back when people didn't care about repairing.” Meanwhile, Cucinelli, who has made repairs a feature of his company since the very beginning said, “Beyond a practical choice, it is also an ethical one, I come from a culture of farmers, and growing up, we had a truly humble life. We couldn’t simply throw things out. This stayed with me.” Both brands have their own in-house repair workshops to ensuring the longevity of their products. 

Accessing repairs from luxury brands is not as straightforward as it may seem, especially for those living outside the fashion house’s countries (mostly in Europe). Shipping issues, tax considerations, as well as the time duration outside process time can complicate the whole process. Thus, many local experts have established their workshops to cater to the growing demand for repairs among luxury consumers. One such workshop is KAYALEATHERS, based in Indonesia, which offers a range of repair and restoration services including color restoration, reshaping, leather and hardware replacement, and more.

At KAYALEATHERS, clients can enjoy all-in-one treatment for their beloved items, starting from deep cleaning to touch-ups and finishing (coating). Whether you wish to rejuvenate a vintage piece to be similarly treasured by your descendants someday, or simply maintain your collection, our team provides free consultations to determine the best solution for your item. Our primary goal, as stated at the beginning of this article, is to ensure that a well-repaired piece is not just as good as new, but better.