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: Where do I send returns/exchanges?

A: Please send returns and exchanges to Mimi Returns, Unit 1, 7 Winkley Street, London, E2 6PY with a copy of your receipt and the reason for return/what you would like in exchange.

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 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 Conditioner, which is particularly good.  Please be aware that adding a wax based product of any kind to your bag will darken the colour slightly each time.

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://mimihandbags.blogspot.com/2010/04/growing-old-gracefully.html