During the last year of Nicolas Ghesquière all bags 2012 and before are his creations Perfect leather texture to reflect shine never used. Classic Balenciaga city bag. These older city bags were made better than the new ones. Why the 2012 Balenciaga City Bag Might Be Superior 1. Leather Quality • 2012 (Golden Era): Thicker, buttery lambskin with a matte, slouchy finish that ages beautifully. • New Models (Post-2019): Thinner leather, more structured, and often coated (less "vintage" feel). 2. Hardware & Stitching • 2012: Softer, antiqued brass hardware; hand-stitched details. • New: Shiny, lighter hardware; machine-stitched for consistency. 3. Rarity & Authenticity • The 2012 pre-rebrand bag is a collector's item (before Balenciaga's logo redesign). • New models are mass-produced, making yours more unique.