The Definitive MANBAG Thread, Part II: 2014~

[pnewelljr]

It's from Swaine Adeney Brigg. I think it's discontinued now though.

Thank you! It is a very nice looking bag.

 

[Mulan]

I'm not familiar with that maker, but I'm glad some other members are chiming in with suggestions. Keep it up, guys! And post pics of your bags! I haven't gotten much new stuff now in several years; I'm far out of the loop.

Just saw this, haven't checked on this thread in a while. Arc'Teryx Veilance is the more style forward, and more expensive line of Arc'Teryx, a high end tech brand for mountain climbing and such activities. This line is all made in their factories in Canada. The mainline is made overseas, but quality standards are all absolutely top notch regardless of manufacturing origin. They started this line to fill the void in menswear for those city guys that want something classic in their wardrobe, but with the latest technology in in clothing. It's a niche brand, but along with Acronym, it's one of the two most, if not the only relevant techwear brands for the high end market. Lots of taped seams, laminated plastic YKK zippers, use of Gore-Tex, nylon twill or "hard shell" fabrics are in the entire line up. It's very excessive for city gear, but hey, mountain climbing ballers gotta ball. The handles I mentioned are thin, but incredibly strong. Hell they could make an entire fabric bag or garment out of this material! They look a bit like the safety straps on cars. If I recall, it's what they also use as a harness for their mountain climbing gear.

 

[Gus]

I just completed an interview with the owners of Troubadour leather goods that you might enjoy. http://abitofcolor.tumblr.com/

 

[daysofbeingwild]

Pretty new here. Contemplating this bag from Margiela. Worth for $1300 or should I wait? It comes in black as well.
http://www.barneys.com/maison-margiela-foldover-messenger-bag-503910528.html

 

[rach2jlc]

^It's not BAD, but I'd definitely wait.

I've not seen this particular bag in person, but overall I almost NEVER find the foldover/two-function bags as versatile as they claim. When a brand tries to do both, I end up using one more than the other, and then find the other unused function getting in my way. Instead of having two bags for the price of one, I end up having one that I don't really like as much as I thought. My general sentiment is... if you want a tote, buy a tote. If you want a messenger, buy a messenger. If you want both, then get two bags.

For this MMM, as a tote, (1) I don't like the cut-out handles stylistically, (2) worry how they would wear/stretch/distend over time and with added weight, and (3) with such a small handle drop wonder how it will feel/carry as you walk.

As a messenger, (1) I don't like the flimsy-looking way the strap attaches, (2) the foldover adds weight and an extra layer between you and the stuff in your bag, and (3) the cutout for the tote handles looks aesthetically unappealing.

 

[rach2jlc]



I just completed an interview with the owners of Troubadour leather goods that you might enjoy. http://abitofcolor.tumblr.com/

Interesting, thanks! I wasn't familiar with Troubadour and so enjoyed reading that. Will have to take a look more closely at their goods. The keepall/weekender you posted at the end of your article is especially nice.

The styling of the top-handle rucksack reminds me a lot of the 1990's minimal brands that really got me into fashion; for a 5 year period pretty much everything I wore was Helmut, jil, or the "real" Calvin Klein. The straps, clean lines, and buckles make me nostalgic for Lang's stuff back then. Unfortunately now I'm much older and no longer can dress like a villain from Star Trek... so I've moved on to softer, less harsh styling (think Missoni, Tomas Maier, YSl under Pilati, etc.) but I think there is a market again for nice, minimal stuff.

 

[cyc wid it]



Interesting, thanks! I wasn't familiar with Troubadour and so enjoyed reading that. Will have to take a look more closely at their goods. The keepall/weekender you posted at the end of your article is especially nice.

The styling of the top-handle rucksack reminds me a lot of the 1990's minimal brands that really got me into fashion; for a 5 year period pretty much everything I wore was Helmut, jil, or the "real" Calvin Klein. The straps, clean lines, and buckles make me nostalgic for Lang's stuff back then. Unfortunately now I'm much older and no longer can dress like a villain from Star Trek... so I've moved on to softer, less harsh styling (think Missoni, Tomas Maier, YSl under Pilati, etc.) but I think there is a market again for nice, minimal stuff.

Need Rach pics in OG Helmut Lang and Jil. For some reason I periodically forget about your mentions of old designer stuff and often associate you more with CM.

 

[rach2jlc]



Need Rach pics in OG Helmut Lang and Jil. For some reason I periodically forget about your mentions of old designer stuff and often associate you more with CM.

Let me see what I can find! Yeah, I wish I'd had more space than a tiny apartment and could have kept/collected some of the stuff I had. Old school Helmut, Prada (and especially the original MIUMIU men's stuff, which was AWESOME), Jil, LOTS of the Japanese designers (especially CdG), and the old Dior Homme from the first collections through FOLLOW ME. I just recently sent to my friend my last pair of the original 1999/2000 Prada Techno pants.

But, with changing jobs to more conservative offices, less time spent with weird artists, fashion people, and writers, and just changing interests and styling... and alas... one finds one's self wanting an Extra Slim-fit Brooks Brothers OCBD and a pair of suede Church's than than a Margiela cashmere vest and Lattanzi Jil Frankensteins. I don't even think I've worn a pair of jeans in four years.

 

[Gus]

Glad you enjoyed the Troubadour story. I agree that it has a minimalistic vibe. I find that style refreshing after attending the menswear shows and seeing nothing but 70's retro nylon backpacks.

If you have a chance to see one in person, the quality of the leather and construction will be very evident. They give it a true luxury look and feel.

 

[coolron]

Looking to get a new slim wallet/card case. Budget is around $300, any suggestions?

 

[pnewelljr]

I just discovered Troubadour Goods and am officially in love (with everything but the price). Do these bags ever go on sale? What is the best store and time to catch them on sale, and what kind of discount can I get?

 

[cyc wid it]

OK not to sound insensitive, but you've been looking for a while. At a certain point, if you want what you want, you're going to have to pay for it. There is no big secret that everyone's been keeping from you. If you want high quality lined leather with good hardware, it's not going to be below a certain pricepoint unless the design is awful. Even then, probably not.

 

[DesignerValet]



Looking to get a new slim wallet/card case. Budget is around $300, any suggestions?

Not sure what style you're after, but Hermes card cases start around $300:

http://usa.hermes.com/leather/small-leather-goods/card-cases.html

For relatively simple wallet designs, Hermes is actually not much (if at all) more expensive than other, far inferior "designer" brands. If, however, you require many pockets or a zipper, the price can easily increase three-or fourfold.

 

[cyc wid it]

April in Paris.

 

[coolron]

Not sure what style you're after, but Hermes card cases start around $300:

http://usa.hermes.com/leather/small-leather-goods/card-cases.html

For relatively simple wallet designs, Hermes is actually not much (if at all) more expensive than other, far inferior "designer" brands. If, however, you require many pockets or a zipper, the price can easily increase three-or fourfold.

Looking for something in this style but with preferably 3 pockets on each side and a center pocket.


I've found a few that I liked; Bottega Veneta, Rick Owens and the one pictured above from Valextra but none of them are jumping out more than the others.