Mimi Berry

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that you will find the answers to most commonly asked questions here, but please feel free to contact us via email at info@mimiberry.co.uk or call us at our showroom on 0207 729 6699 if you have any further queries.

Q: When is your showroom open? 

A: We are open 5 days a week by appointment only.  Our showroom hours are Monday to Friday 10.30 - 18.00.  The address is Unit 1, 7 Winkley Street, London, E2 6PY.  We accept cards (including AMEX) and cash.

Q: I have placed an order but haven't received a confirmation email - have you received my order?

A: It is very likely that the confirmation email has gone into your junk email folder - this is especially true with hotmail!  Please check here first before getting in touch.

Q: Where do I send returns/exchanges?

A: Please see our seperate Delivery and Returns section for full details.

Q: How long do I have to return/exchange my item?

A: You have 28 days to return and 60 days to exchange.

Q: Can you replace the lining in my Mimi bag?

A: Yes, depending on the style.  Linings don't last forever, especially if you love your Mimi bag and use it every day.  A different lining will give your bag a new lease of life and make it last for years to come.  Please email info@mimiberry.co.uk with the style name or a picture of the bag and we can tell you whether it is possible to re-line that particular style, and give you a quote - typically re-linings cost £40 + VAT and postage.

Q: Can you custom make a bag for me?

A: Unfortunately we do not have the time or the facilities to custom make individual pieces. The workshops we use have very small teams of workers who hand cut all our pieces. To go through the process of designing, sampling, pattern drafting and creating one-off pieces is just too time consuming for our workshops and us. 

Q: Where are the bags made?

A: All of our handbags are made in England, and a small number of purse styles are now made in Spain (e.g. Burt and Ernie).  This is because we cannot get these styles made in the UK.  We remain committed to supporting the UK leather industry and its skilled craftsmen, many of whom are located in East London.

Q: Are the bags and purses handmade?

A: Yes, specialist leather craftsmen make all our products in small workshops and factories.

Q: Where does the leather come from?

A: Mainly Italy, but we do also get some tanned in the USA.

Q: Can I order your handbags in any colour?

A: Unfortunately not - we plan our collections and carry out leather sampling months in advance of production, so we only have a limited supply of leather for each style of handbag and purse.

Q: How do I take care of my leather bag or purse?

A: Conditioning your bag 3-4 times a year with a natural leather wax conditioner will keep your bag soft, supple, and prevent it from drying out.  We use a product called Chelsea Leather Food, which is particularly good, and you can buy it from us here http://www.mimiberry.co.uk/leather_food.  Please be aware that adding a wax based product of any kind to your bag will darken the colour slightly each time.

Q: How do I take care of the oilskin fabric that my bag is made from?

A: British Millerain make the oilskin fabric we use for our designs.  Please have a look at their care advice page here for more information on cleaning and re-proofing your bag: http://www.britishmillerain.com/guide-product-care. 

Q: My bag/purse is slightly different in colour and texture to my friend’s, why?

A: Like most items handmade using natural leather, each Mimi piece will be slightly different. We use the entire skin rather then just selecting the best parts to cut our pattern pieces from, and most leathers we use have a grain which may have marks, creases and variations in colour and thickness.  Just think of your bag as unique…because it is!

Q: My pen has leaked all over my bag, HELP!

A: It is difficult to remove ink stains from leather, so it is a good idea to keep your pens and make-up in separate cases inside your bag. You can sometimes make stains lighter by using saddle soap, leather cleaner or baby wipes but please be aware that trying to clean the leather may make the stain worse.

Q: My bag has picked up dye from my denim, is this normal?

A: Yes, particularly when you are wearing new denim. Our bags are made from natural leather, often with no surface coating, and strong dyes from other pieces of clothing will transfer if in direct contact. Be sure that all denim clothing is thoroughly washed and colourfast before wearing your new bag.

Q: My bag/purse has changed colour, why?

A: All our leather is naturally dyed and tanned and as a result it will change colour and darken with use.  This is a natural part of the ageing and wearing-in process and all will make your Mimi piece special.

Q: My lovely new bag has got rain spot marks on it, what can I do?

A: In this case it is best to be patient.  In time these marks will completely disappear and new spot marks will dry and fade instantly as the leather takes on its own protective patina. You can see before and after examples here on our blog http://mimiberryhandbags.wordpress.com/category/gog/. 

Q: Do you sell gift vouchers?

A: Yes we can make a gift voucher for you, valid for 6 months and redeemable at our showroom (by appointment only).  Please call 0207 729 6699 or email info@mimiberry.co.uk for more details.