Leather restoration & refinishing
custom color matching, re-dyeing, surface repair for all leather types
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About Us
George Merrick was a poet who named his streets from Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra and built his city from coral limestone and Spanish tile. He incorporated Coral Gables on April 29, 1925, with Mediterranean Revival architecture mandated throughout and strict zoning that has held for 100 years. Spain’s King Alfonso XIII awarded him the Order of Isabella the Catholic for his contribution to Spanish culture in the Americas. The Biltmore Hotel opened in 1926 and became a National Historic Landmark. The Venetian Pool — a former quarry transformed into a Venetian lagoon — is the only public pool on the National Register of Historic Places. Miracle Mile remains Coral Gables’ commercial heart. The City Beautiful did not become beautiful by accident. It was protected.
Artbag has operated on the same conviction since 1932 — that beautiful things deserve protection, not approximation. Our Coral Springs workshop at 927 N. University Drive is approximately 40 minutes north of Coral Gables via I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. We serve The Gables’ collectors, University of Miami faculty, and Biltmore-area residents who expect nothing less than museum quality.
Salt Air & Marine Moisture Exposure
Summer Humidity
Every service we provide reflects our unwavering commitment to authentic restoration practices. We believe that proper repair not only extends the life of luxury accessories but preserves their investment value. Our approach combines reverence for traditional techniques with an understanding of modern materials, ensuring results that honor both the original craftsmanship and your personal connection to these cherished pieces.
Take I-95 north or the Florida Turnpike north toward Fort Lauderdale — our Coral Springs workshop is approximately 40 minutes from Miracle Mile. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Thursday 10 AM–5 PM and Saturday 10 AM–2 PM, no appointment needed. Our secure mail-in service is available: complete artbag.com/repair-form/, pack without flannel or dust covers, ship via a tracked insured carrier, and we return your bag via UPS. Call (954) 688-3052 or (212) 744-2720, or email info@artbag.com with photos for a free preliminary assessment. A 50% deposit is required before work begins; most restorations complete in 4–6 weeks, rush service available.
custom color matching, re-dyeing, surface repair for all leather types
authentication-preserving finishes for all luxury and designer labels
authentic or brand-appropriate components
structural reinforcement and full replacement
safe for all luxury leathers including the most delicate exotics
tropical monsoon damage restoration
heirlooms and investment-grade pieces
Coral Gables has maintained its standards for 100 years. Artbag has maintained ours for 90+. Every consultation is free and every estimate is written with no obligation.
Artbag
At Artbag, we understand that a luxury handbag is more than an accessory. It may be an investment, a collectible, a family heirloom, or a piece you simply love.
For Boca Raton clients, our Coral Springs workshop offers expert handbag repair, restoration, cleaning, refinishing, exotic skin restoration, hardware repair, lining replacement, and water or humidity damage restoration.
With more than 90 years of experience, third-generation craftsmanship, and a reputation trusted by collectors nationwide, Artbag restores every handbag with care, precision, and respect for its original design.
Merrick built Coral Gables to last and mandated that everything inside it be authentic — no substitute materials, no deviation from the plan. Artbag was founded in New York City in 1932 on the same principle. Hillel Tenenbaum, a Fashion Institute of Technology professor, established a practice where every repair used authentic materials and every craftsman understood the original construction. Donald Moore joined in 1959. Chris Moore — our third-generation master craftsman — brought that tradition to Coral Springs in 2022, forty minutes from The City Beautiful.
serving Coral Gables from Coral Springs since 2022
Tenenbaum → Donald Moore → Chris Moore.
On all repairs, excluding zippers and cleaning.
Authentic, brand-appropriate materials only.
Detailed written estimate, no obligation.
147+ five-star Google reviews · featured in The New York Times.
Yes. Artbag serves Coral Gables from our Coral Springs workshop at 927 N. University Drive — approximately 40 minutes north via I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. Walk-ins welcome Mon–Thu 10 AM–5 PM, Sat 10 AM–2 PM. Our nationwide mail-in service is fully available for those who prefer it. Call (954) 688-3052 or (212) 744-2720.
Completely. Coral Gables is home to collectors who carry Hermès Birkins and Kelly bags, vintage Chanel flaps, and investment-grade exotics. These are not casual purchases — they are deliberate acquisitions maintained over decades. Our museum-quality restoration process uses only authentic, brand-appropriate materials, preserving authentication status and resale value. We treat each piece with the same care Merrick insisted on for every building in his city.
Yes. Coral Gables’ tropical monsoon climate and proximity to Biscayne Bay create elevated marine humidity that accelerates hardware corrosion and leather surface degradation. Combined with Miami-Dade’s intense UV exposure and 85–90% summer humidity, stored bags in Coral Gables homes face conditions comparable to coastal properties throughout South Florida. Annual professional assessment is our standard recommendation.
Minor repairs from $50–$150; comprehensive restorations $300–$800+. Detailed written estimate before work begins. 50% deposit required to start. Free consultation available in person, by phone, or by email with photos.
Most restorations complete in 4–6 weeks. Rush service is available for firm deadlines — let us know your timeline when you first reach out.
All repairs carry a 9-month warranty on workmanship and materials, excluding zipper repairs and cleaning services.