When some people are questioned 'what is your favourite' followed by song/food/movie, it's almost impossible to answer. There are so many good choices it's hard to pick just one.
However, when it comes to leatherwork, for me, the answer is obvious.
Nothing even comes close.
It's not an Alfred Dunhill attache case, Hermes Birkin, Moynat Mini Vanity, although these are all solid choices.
It is the 'La Gare' by Verbreuil.
Who?? Exactly.
Here is a quick 'making of' video to get you up to speed and in the mood:
Verbreuil (Ver-Bry) is tiny company. They are one of the last small boutiques that one can stumble into and discover a hidden gem whilst in Paris.
How tiny? Their YouTube account has 1 subscriber. I laughed until I realised it was me from about a year ago.
So..
What is it about this art deco piece of fine craftsmanship that resonates with me so much?
If I had to say why, it would be a combination of leather over a wooden frame with folding gussets that vanish upon closing, giving rise to it's beautiful silhouette.
There is no external hardware, and the whole ensemble is kept closed with hidden magnets.
All corners are box stitched, and even the feet are hand stitched triangles of leather.
It is the perfect combination of eye watering precision and craftsmanship, pared with thoughtful artistic design.
It's designed by Sylvie Véron who isn't a bag designer, just someone who had two things in mind, 'one, that is should sit and conform to the woman’s body just at the waist and that it should be as pleasant to look at from the side, or gusset, of the bag. A place that tends to be overlooked in handbag design'.
'The signature structured La Gare bag, which takes almost one hundred different pattern pieces, can best be described as geometric poetry. It's shapes are made from two scalene triangles with an obtuse triangle in between.
It is also striking for what it lacks; visible hardware.
A semi-cylindrical magnetic top handle glides open with the slickest of moves by pulling the two side up and away from each other.
A sleek thin removable and adjustable strap allows for that perfect spot to sit when carrying on the shoulder.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is what I look to whenever I need inspiration.
So, what inspires you? What pieces speak to you the most, and more importantly, why?
Please share your thoughts with the community, there are no wrong answers here, only different perspectives, and that's whats valuable!
I know what I like
Favorite Movie: Clerks
Favorite Song: Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms (Not the greatest song in the word, but great sentimental value for me)
Greatest Song in the Word: A Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum
Favorite Woman: My wife
like I said, i know what I like.
But, I honestly have no idea what my favorite leather product/maison is. For many reasons.
My leather appreciation is starting to shift towards the french style of things. I used to be appreciative of a finely burnished edges, what Instagramers call a "candy edge". But to be honest, it doesn't take skill to produce one. Get a 3000 grit sand paper, and sand the edge (without water, tokonole or anything) for 15mins straight, and you will get such a shiny edge that you can use it as a mirror. Just add tokonole after that to waterproof if and boom, you are done. But to edge paint an edge to a smooth finish without spilling any paint on the sides, now that is a skill. To know exactly how much tension you need to put on your thread when stitching on a goatskin, now that is a skill. To do a proper and consistent skive to have a thin edge, now that is a skill.
All of that to say that I still do not have a real vision of what I truly appreciate in leathercraft. I can name many people/products I find amazing but none of them is the "ultimate product" for me. Nothing like the jaw dropping bag Philip loves.
For now, the closest thing i have to my favorite thing is the Equus Case.
Hey, @philipjury,
I love this conversation-starter and the bag you've posted. It's a wonder of materials, craftsmanship and aesthetic geometry. A tough act to follow.
As for myself, I don't have "greatest" craftsmanship pick yet, but in the spirit of the forum I am posting the Tetbury bag by MacGregor and Michael. As I understand it, they are known for craftsmanship. Certainly, I've learned a great deal from Michael's book.
I love the lines of this bag, whose design, to my eye, straddles tradition and innovation.
Thanks for asking this question. I hope others will post as well.
I follow them on IG. I love their geometric shapes. It also looks nice opened as well as closed.