Twitter
Advertisement

The Luxury of Leather

From clutches and handbags to wallets and laptop bags, here are iconic brands that are the ultimate expression of opulence

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Montblanc
A combination of leather expertise and passion for the craft, Montblanc creates quality accessories for men from the finest leather possible. Be it belts, bags or wallets, Montblanc's leather products will be a mainstay in your wardrobe for years to come. Elegance infused with subtlety, Montblanc's new line of leather goods further extends the prestigious Meisterstück 90 Years Collection.

Touch to Believe
Embracing an overall 'Heritage meets Contemporary' philosophy, the Meisterstück Soft Grain Collection is made from the finest Italian leather carefully selected by their Italian craftsmen at the Montblanc Pelletteria in Florence with the lining in elegant lines, highlighted by a graphical historical jacquard pattern, based on Montblanc's original 1924 logo. The result is a sensual touch and a design that perfectly matches today's trends for technology, and the accessories that match it. The naturally soft-touch leather comes in black and beige: whether used for large or small leather goods, the precious material conveys a smart, casual, yet sophisticated aesthetic. Designed for all purposes, the full range consists of a Single Gusset Briefcase, Document Case, Messenger Bag, North-South Bag and Slim Tote, along with smaller pieces like Wallets, Passport Holders and Business Card Holders, Coin Cases and Key Fobs.

Tech Luxe
Designed for the customers of today, the timeless line also encompasses leather goods, crafted to host technical devices: contemporary in its design, the Meisterstück Soft Grain line features cases for smartphones and tablets (both for Apple and Samsung) that marry extra-slim design and refined details with protective synthetic mouldings. Also true to the brand's attention to details, metal accessories and metal fittings come in shiny palladium and while star emblems, elegantly embedded on every leather front, are casted in resin.

Gucci
In 1921 Florentine-born Guccio Gucci opened a workshop and store in his native city specialising in leather goods. He had previously worked at London's Savoy Hotel where he had the opportunity to study the tastes and mores of the nobles and upper classes. Having absorbed a distinctly English aesthetic, Gucci introduced this refined style in Italy.

Desirable Exclusivity
The original bamboo-handled bag was developed in a Gucci backroom in Florence in 1947, by craftsmen who were obliged to think creatively and innovatively around war-time shortages—yet still make objects that met the Gucci standards of desirable exclusivity. Constrained by sanctions on fine leathers and metal components, Gucci's Florentine craftsmen bent and burnished bamboo strips (which could still be imported from Japan) into an ingenious curved handle design. The innovative solution was a masterstroke that ushered this signature design into the annals of fashion history. The Bamboo bag was re-introduced by Creative Director Frida Giannini for the Spring Summer 2010 Collection as The New Bamboo, a 21st century reinterpretation of one of Gucci's most iconic handbag designs. For the Cruise 2015 Collection, Gucci has introduced Special Edition Icon Bags, a distinctive interpretation of the House's New Bamboo bag and New Jackie bag. Giannini has taken two of the best-loved styles and imagined them in bright, multi-coloured, ethnic-inspired versions in innovative materials. These new models show how heritage can combine with imaginative innovation to create pieces that epitomise contemporary luxury.

Devoted to Style
A stalwart of the Gucci archives, the Jackie bag holds a very special place. First created in the 1950s, the model became the preferred accessory for Jacqueline Onassis, who was photographed toting numerous versions throughout the 1960s. America's former First Lady was so devoted to the style that the bag soon assumed the moniker 'The Jackie'. The bags are exquisitely constructed from precious skins such as crocodile, python, ostrich, and a very soft New Zealand calf. These luxurious materials have been worked and treated to create an exceptionally soft body. The Jackie handbag has been reintroduced once again in the Gucci Autumn/Winter 2014-15 collection. This season's range of handbags all feature the distinctive piston closure from the original style.

Sober Sophistication
Inspired by an iconic model from 1975, this exquisite yet sober bag is available in soft calfskin, glossy ostrich, washed or shiny crocodile and painted python. Traditional manual techniques put in practice by master artisans further enhance the plush texture of the skins. The python instead is sprayed with three layers of colour before being polished and ironed. The Stirrup bag was re-introduced by Frida Giannini for the PreFall 2012 Collection as The Soft Stirrup, a supple interpretation of the House's distinctive stirrup-shaped handbag.
Creativity has been the driving force behind the leather accessories department at Hermès. In 1837, Thierry Hermès (1801-1878) set up a harness and saddlery workshop in Paris. Since then the house has continued developing new models, materials, designs and production techniques which adapt to constantly changing lifestyles.The Birth of Birkin and Kelly
In 1983, yesteryear actress Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas of the house of Hermès were sitting side by side on a flight from Paris to London. Ms Jane dropped her leather diary and wads of paper flew everywhere. She complained how no diary was big enough to fit her papers and no bag had enough pockets to hold her things. He offered to create her dream bag. Jean-Louis Dumas took out his famous red leather notebook and started sketching, they discussed, and she explained... He then put the sketch into his pocket, close to his heart. Thus was born Birkin—the bag of dreams created by Dumas. It was strong, spacious, well-designed, and could hold all the things that women love to carry with them. The Kelly was first created in the 1930s, but it took its present name in 1956, in homage to Grace Kelly, then Princess of Monaco.

—Compiled by@RamaSreekant

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement