Bespoke Briefcase

[~ Monsieur Xu ~]

Gentlemen,

I am toying with the idea of commissioning a bespoke briefcase and originally thought to commission one of the better bespoke shoemakers for this job, but it seems that they outsource leather goods to specialist makers. Hence, I'm thinking that commissioning these artisans directy might be a better idea. The style of briefcase will either be a traditional topframe, or a soft three-gusset reproduction of a Berluti RTW style which is my current fave.

I'm considering those in the list below - does anyone have any opinions on any of them, and also any additional suggestions?

Guy Chanel
ABP
Valextra
SAB bespoke
April in Paris
Glaser

I'm looking for the best quality imaginable, something to last a century and be carried every single day, superior to any RTW or "brand". To quote Benz with regards to the Merc 600, "engineered without regard to any budget".

[hgb3]

I have had a Glaser briefcase for several years and I am very happy with it. You might check with Will of a Suitable Wardrobe, he designed and had them build a case last year I believe. They were very accommodating to work with. Good luck........

[~ Monsieur Xu ~]

I have had a Glaser briefcase for several years and I am very happy with it. You might check with Will of a Suitable Wardrobe, he designed and had them build a case last year I believe. They were very accommodating to work with. Good luck........

How is the quality and wear of the synthetic lining? They seem attractive for the price, but the design to be honest is a little rugged for my taste

[DD MacDonald]

Go to SAB, if they can design what you want you will never have a question about the quality. Their bag handles are the best. DDM

[~ Monsieur Xu ~]

Go to SAB, if they can design what you want you will never have a question about the quality. Their bag handles are the best. DDM

I have the SAB Whitehall and have no doubt as to the quality of their bags. However, the construction is extremely rigid and robust and not the most convenient as a casual bag about town. The bridle leather and suede lining weigh the bag down and the A-frame shape doesn't allow a laptop to be carried.

How does SAB's quality compare with the small leather goods ateliers on the Continent? For example, many of the Parisian shops employ the saddle stitch method and pearling, which I doubt SAB uses.

Essentially, I am looking for a Bugatti, as opposed to the "world's fastest lorries".

[hgb3]

No problems with the lining and the quality of the construction is excellent. I have never considered my bag to look rugged, lol............

[jlazarow]

I have done bespoke with SAB and Foster's for briefcases and I love both! They are different and serve opposite roles, but the quality was par excellence. I found them both very easy to work with. SAB took a bit more time to get them to be more experimental. Foster's understood exactly what I wanted and we had great fun designing the bag.

I have a leather suitcase from Tanner Krolle (my wife bought them for us). I think their customer service is excellent, but I have had some issues with the bag (both from travel use and probably build). But their customer service was atypically outstanding.

[~ Monsieur Xu ~]

I have done bespoke with SAB and Foster's for briefcases and I love both! They are different and serve opposite roles, but the quality was par excellence. I found them both very easy to work with. SAB took a bit more time to get them to be more experimental. Foster's understood exactly what I wanted and we had great fun designing the bag.

I have a leather suitcase from Tanner Krolle (my wife bought them for us). I think their customer service is excellent, but I have had some issues with the bag (both from travel use and probably build). But their customer service was atypically outstanding.

I did check out the bespoke leather goods service at Fosters last year, and found their service to be unsurpassed among most London shops. Their briefcases and luggage were completely identical to SAB's - apparently they outsource their leather goods to small workshops in the London vicinity. I was a little turned off with going bespoke with SAB when they charged me 60 pounds for a monogramme on the Whitehall - 15 quid an alphabet.

In any case, I've decided to go with Olivier de Mestral, a sellier based in Geneve. He seems to be a top chap, and know what he's doing. Anybody have any experience with him? Might still do something with ABP, probably something in galuchat which appears to be their specialty.