Strapless Little Numbers
I have a collection of imperfect vintage ones archived in my attic, but this fall I’m finally gonna get a handle on finding the perfect handle-less bag.
Portfolios, attachés, document envelopes – whatever one may call them, I’m hereby declaring we’ll all need one this season.
AI_ out of Milan offers a wide range of such leather accessories in oil slick-like blacks and beach pebbly greys.
For me the trick has been to find a bag that’s neither too floppy nor too firm, and that’s large enough to slip in a Monocle mag. Anything wider and taller than that and everything starts sliding all around inside, sloppily.
The A4+ bag, pictured top, looks just about right!
July 27th, 2010 at 10:11 am
These are beautiful, how do I get my hands on one of these bad boys? Any ideas of what they might run me?
thanks!
Maya
July 27th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Maya, the stockists seem to be mostly overseas, although I did track down this URL that, although a bit fumbly right now, may provide a useful source for nabbing one of the bags coming up this fall:
http://www.antonioli.eu/index.php?content=designer&idCategory=19&idDesigner=138
A medium/large leather tote with handles at that site had a $650 price tag, so a portfolio would be around $250 I am guessing.
July 27th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Mismo – that bag brand from Denmark(?) – they really rock lately as far as Im concerned. They have one of these portfolios called “Shield – so very simple and nice.
Its a long conversation though 
On the other hand… none of them are perfect. Therefore I get back to my good old idea of “How hard would it be to make it?”… instead of paying $250 – spend that on a nice Viking sewing machine and go get some nice leather from Tandy or Grey’s…and then the sky is a limit
July 27th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Wow, Vadim, if you have even half a desire to make your own leather case, I think you should consider going for it. That would be cool. Can one sew leather with a regular sewing machine or do you need something more industrial?
July 27th, 2010 at 11:11 am
It doesn’t have to be industrial – but it has to be somewhat higher end consumer one. So those Singers at Target would not work. I mean they might, but they might break fast and you’re out of $200. Vikings on the other hand wont, they are really well made. Its all about how powerful is the motor- because at some point on certain seams it should be able to stitch two or three layers of leather together.
Someone also recommended investing in a teflon presser foot for those Viking machines – thats how leather would glide under the needle mechanism more freely. If you feel fancy, you could buy those double needle attachments that would allow you to make a jean like double stitch. But thats not necessary and those are expensive.
You can also get a metal stamp with your logo/name ordered – hammer it into the final product and your brand of bags is good to go.
And think about the materials too – duck canvas, waxed cotton… whatever your heart desires.
July 27th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I’ve been using a Jack Spade version(see post)for awhile but have yet to find one in leather that suits me. I have even churned out some designs and have purchased some leather to make my own but it has been a slow going process.
The one in the first pic is just beautiful. Looks like elephant skin. I would love to own that. I think this post has motivated me to get back to the drafting table. Thanks Will!