The London Lounge

Has anyone used the bespoke program at Swaine Adeney Brigg for leather goods?

I'm looking for a iPod case in bridle hide and can't seem to find one I like. (The one at Dunhill is not quite what I'm looking for.)

Thanks.

When looking for someone to make a bespoke briefcase, I talked with SAB but they seemed to be able only to modify rather set designs (I don't believe they offer an -pod case).

Pickett in Burlington Arcade is well-regarded and staffed by a group of very helpful young ladies. My recommendation (and the firm with whom I am working on designing that briefcase) is Asprey. Specifically, I would recommend contacting Alex Howard. I can all but guarantee you that they can do just about anything you want. That said, they are not the least expensive option. Pickett if they can do it will be significantly cheaper.

The Hotel Bel Air magazine (LA) had an article last year on bespoke luggage, leather. There was an American contact as I recall for Swaine. If you call the hotel you could probably get a copy of the article (310 472-1211, ask for Dawn or Charles, two of the concierge, and use my name: Terry A. Teplitz, M.D.)---

I own some Swaine and old Tanner Krolle goods, I strongly suspect that they can only do the equivalent to MTM, not true bespoke. For true bespoke, at a price, Asprey could be counted on.

I like Pickett, they are also worth talking to. I think the new Swaine is probably not up to the task, but that is only my impression.

tteplitzmd wrote:. . . . I think the new Swaine is probably not up to the task . . . .

What happened to Swaine Adeney? Were they acquired by a soulless holding company? One object I yearned to own when a schoolboy was a fitted shaving case, and Swaine Adeney had a nice selection of handsome cases. Now that I am older and might actually buy one, fitted cases seem to have disappeared (as have the hickory stick umbrellas that, again, I remember seeing at Swaine Adeney and had hoped to buy as a man).

Swaine moved, scaled down, incorporated one of the Hatters, and I suspect changed some suppliers. The old Swaine used the old Tanner Krolle for leather goods. Tanner Krolle had some family squabbles and changed direction. I don't know who the current supplier is for Swaine.

Pickett seems to have more traditional leather goods, like the old Tanner/Swaine. Also, Asprey used to use the old Tanner too, I don't know who they use now.

The Bel Air magazine article had about 4 makers as I recall, two English, two Italian for true commissions.

I believe Swaine owns Papworth, near Cambridge, who make their machine stitched luggage.

Leon