Céline Ella Leopard Ponyhair Hobo Bag

Q: What is ponyhair and is it actually from ponies?
A: Ponyhair (also called hair‑on‑hide or calf hair) is typically cowhide with the short hair left on and printed with a leopard motif. It is not made from ponies or horses; the name refers to the finish rather than the animal.

Q: Will the ponyhair shed or go bald with use?
A: Some hair loss over time is normal, especially on high‑friction areas such as corners and the side that rubs against clothing. This finish is best treated with care and occasional rotation; once hair has worn off, it cannot be re‑grown or “filled back in.”

Q: How should I clean and care for the ponyhair exterior?
A: Brush gently in the direction of the hair with a soft brush or lint roller to remove dust. For light marks, dab (don’t rub) with a barely damp cloth and allow to air‑dry away from heat. Avoid alcohols, oils, and harsh cleaners. Do not apply leather conditioner to the hair‑on surface; you may condition only the smooth leather trim sparingly.

Q: Can I use the bag in rainy or damp conditions?
A: Try to keep ponyhair dry. If it gets wet, blot immediately with a soft cloth and let it air‑dry at room temperature. Do not use heat to speed drying, and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture to minimise lifting or matting of the hair.

Q: What typically fits inside this bag?
A: With approximate measurements of 40 × 18 × 12 cm, it comfortably holds daily essentials such as a long wallet, phone, keys, a small cosmetics pouch, sunglasses case, and a compact umbrella or small water bottle laid horizontally. It will not accommodate A4 documents or most 13‑inch laptops upright; smaller tablets fit easily.

Q: Is it comfortable to carry on the shoulder?
A: Yes. The handle drop is about 20 cm, which suits most people for shoulder carry under the arm. Dual rolled leather handles provide a secure, comfortable fit.

Q: How durable is this style in everyday use?
A: The frame structure and leather trim are sturdy, while the hair‑on panels are more delicate and prone to wear with abrasion. Avoid rough surfaces, heavy rubbing against denim seams or zips, and overstuffing to help preserve the hair and edges.

Q: How should I store the bag when not in use?
A: Store loosely stuffed to maintain shape, brush the hair flat, and place in a breathable dust bag away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Do not press other items against the ponyhair to prevent flattening or friction wear.

Q: How is this Céline bag authenticated and does it have a code?
A: Every item at A Retro Tale is thoroughly authenticated by our in‑house experts. Many Céline bags have a non‑unique internal date code whose format and placement vary by style and year; the absence or location of a code alone is not definitive. We evaluate materials, stitching, stamps, hardware and construction as a whole.

Q: What is included with this item?
A: Everything included is listed in the product information section. For this piece, no additional items are included unless specifically stated there.