General Chat

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!