Pre-owned Valentino

Pick up a used Valentino piece and your hand finds the metal before your eye does. The pyramid studs, the V closures and the chain straps sit on top of the leather, so they take the knocks the leather is spared. Each part wears in its own way, and the wear shows you where the piece has rubbed and knocked. Here is what to look at on the Valentino in Kove’s catalogue.

• Pyramid studs. They run along the flap of a bag, across the strap of a sandal and around the heel of a pump. The point dulls first. Then the edges lose their plating and show pink or grey base metal. Run a finger along the row and check that every point is still sharp and every stud the same colour.
• V logo closure. It sits at the centre of a shoulder bag flap or on the front of a belt. The raised face picks up scratches from keys and fingernails. Lift the flap and feel whether the closure still holds without a push.
• Strap chain. The links rub against each other and against your coat. Turn the chain over and check the inside of each link for thinned plating, then compare it with the outer face.
• Buckle and tongue. On a belt or a sandal the tongue presses into the strap where you fasten it. The hole you use most stretches into an oval while the rest stay round.

Kove sorts its Valentino by what you wear and what you carry. Studded pumps, flats and sandals sit under Shoes. Dresses, coats and tailoring sit under Clothing. Shoulder bags, clutches and totes sit under Bags and carry the studs on the flap and the chain. Belts and wallets sit under Accessories and carry them at a smaller size. On every Kove page the condition is described piece by piece, marks of use included, and the published price is the final one.