The London Lounge

I was in Swaine Adeney today. Saw some soft, unstructured holdalls that are made of bridle leather that is half the thickness that used on SA's traditonal holdalls.

I thought aloud - how lovely would it be if SA made an unstructured briefcase of the same half thickness bridle. Guess what - SA has a bespoke service and could make a one-off design given a good lead time.

So here I am starting to think about how I would like my little bespoke briefcase to be. First and most important - it has to be soft and light. The use of half thickness bridle will help with weight. Softness could probably be achieved by design.

In terms of function, it would have to hold a notebook computer, some files, and a pair or two of shoes when I am travelling. It must also be able to sit comfortably on a carry-on luggage to be wheeled around.

I have some ideas in mind, but would welcome some design inspiration. Fire away please.

I thought of doing something similar at my local tack shop. I have a patagonia "one bag" (www.patagonia.com) that functions as the perfect attache when traveling. It fits a modern notebook, meaning, they actually sized it to fit contemporary laptops versus the normal gaping hole better suited to earlier models. There are two zipper compartments on the front, where you can keep your blackberry, ipod, toothbrush, eye mask, ear plugs, passport, and anything you have in your pockets inflight. The best part is a collapsible second compartment, where I can fit trainers (or two pairs of dress shoes, I suppose), cords, a book or two, a jumper to keep warm on long-distance flights, and even a fifth of Bourbon on the way out, or wine on the way back.

I describe this because the volume is perfect for what you intend to do. The size is perfect for putting atop my cabin roller, and fits well under the seat. Good luck.