Briefcase Appreciation thread

Judging from most of the pics posted here, I'd say you gents have excellent taste.
The one posted by "nate10184" is particularly beautiful in its execution.

Appreciation is a good word for most of the exhibits here.

It's about the only thing left we can nonchalantly toss about, to strike envy and piss off the rest of the herd at the airport or board meeting.

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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I have an assortment of high quality vintage cases made out of exotic species such as the crocodile, the walrus and the python--perfect for job interviews and the like.

But of course - I would expect to see nothing less from you, as you appear to have a taste for the art of living. Very rare in most parts. Nice to see most of the folks on this board share the same pursuit.

I miss the Peter O'Toole avatar. It seemed so appropriate. Maybe find a new one, say, from "How to Steal a Million?"
Cheers

Originally Posted by LabelKing

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I have an assortment of high quality vintage cases made out of exotic species such as the crocodile, the walrus and the python--perfect for job interviews and the like.
Please post pics, I'd enjoy seeing them.

Usually, I use top-handled large totes, but I liked the streamlined/minimal style of this Givenchy brief and so try to find the occasion to use it whenever I can:

Here's a pic of my fav briefcase. Bought it from someone who retired. They had purchased it 25 years ago in Florence. The designer has since passed away, and their heir turned the company into a fashion fragrance brand.

^What brand is that, out of curiosity?

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

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^What brand is that, out of curiosity?

Azzaro.

Very nice item and definitely something to hold onto.

Yes, you are right about Azzaro becoming a fragrance brand. Sadly, there are lots of those have lost their luster and have tried to make a quick buck from fragrance licenses...

That looks exactly like a briefcase that I bought in Florence about five or so years ago, mine is marked "Lar Bags" It looks to be the same from your photos.

I visited Glaser Designs studio in San Francisco today for the second time and spoke with Myron Glaser about Glaser Designs possibly offering antiqued versions of the leathers used for his cases

I'm happy to report that after our talks, and his experiments, he's found a way to do it, and I commissioned an absolutely incredible briefcase similar to the one pictured below using special antiqued leather he's developed. His method uses oils and no dyes and the results are stunning.

The quality of his bags is absolutely amazing (bombproof) and they are an incredible value given how long they will last. Made using thicker saddle leather, they are heirloom quality in the highest sense and remind me of something you might have purchased in the 1930's. The fittings, the zippers, the layers of leather is all designed to make them last a lifetime. Ghurka can't hold a candle to these and even Ghurka's from 20 yrs ago are no match.

I'm going to do a full write-up of Glaser Designs and my finished briefcase when I get the case delivered in the next few weeks. Lots of pictures of their pieces will be posted, too.

Myron is an incredible craftsman and a great guy. He and his wife Kari and his son Ely are the salt of the earth and anybody looking for a business case should absolutely give them top priority. Maybe I can convince him to log in and participate here to get your ideas for new products he might offer? we'll see

There's a long article about Glaser Designs in Portfolio magazine here that also sings their praises

Stay tuned for the longer thread w/ close-up pics upon receipt of the bag...

<-- my case is a slightly thinner version of this in antiqued leather

Norcal, is that the 19&quot; litigation bag? I might be interested.

Originally Posted by denning

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Norcal, is that the 19" litigation bag? I might be interested.



you are correct

I'm getting the smaller 5" wide Deal bag made, but the color is similar to the color bag in the picture in my first post above (antiqued walnut)

if you order the litigation bag in Walnut from their website, it will actually look like a reddish Chestnut in color, that's why I'm having him take a lighter natural hide and finish it to look more like an antiqued version of the one you see pictured in my first post (which is actually a color they couldn't do before he did his experiments)

here's the reddish version of the 5" deal bag in the regular Walnut color he offers on his website:



just a note: I'm not affiliated with Glaser Designs, just want to pass along a positive review of a great quality product. When I get my bag delivered, I'll do a longer post profiling Glaser Designs with pictures of the factory and samples of their work. He told me today they are thinking of naming the antiqued color I worked with him on "British Tan"

My old man bought me this number about a year ago from NYC, it's been holding up pretty well considering it is used daily. Fantastic general-purpose bag for the office worker.

Originally Posted by NorCal_1

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I like this. It has a workmanlike look to it, unlike dainty Pradas etc.

Originally Posted by kolecho

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I like this. It has a workmanlike look to it, unlike dainty Pradas etc.


they're incredibly beautiful up close (patina of the leather) and extremely sturdy and solid feeling without being too heavy - it's the perfect combination.....Glaser uses amazing leathers that age extremely well (there were gorgeous patinas on the older ones he showed me that customers sent in for minor repairs)

in my opinion, men spend disproportionately too much on expensive watches that hide beneath the sleeve of your jacket 95% of the day,,, and far too little on a great briefcase like this that's so well done that nobody will notice your suit or shoes or watch when you walk by because the bag is that amazing in person.