Bespoke Swaine Adeney project

[kolecho]

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 omitting a frame.

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.

My initial thought is to base the design on a Mandarina Duck briefcase that I use for travel right now. I have some ideas in mind, but would welcome some design inspiration. Fire away please.

 

[Toiletduck]

a briefcase which can hold a pair or two of shoes?

it must be pretty darn big!

 

[kolecho]

Large when necessary, but soft structure so there is little bulk when not stuffed up.

 

[AlanC]

Originally Posted by kolecho

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.
If you've got the money, honey, they've got the time.

 

[aportnoy]

Originally Posted by AlanC

If you've got the money, honey, they've got the time.

Funny how many things in the world work on that singular principle.

 

[kolecho]

I have not heard from them after sending some sketches several weeks ago. Guess SA's customer service is not that hot, considering I called them to alert them of my incoming inquiry and that the manager promised to get back to me in 1 week.

 

[josepidal]

Kolecho, did you eventually push through with your project? Did you succeed in getting a case with no straps to your liking, or is the one with straps that you got still better despite the difficulty of having to unfasten the straps each time?

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by kolecho

I have not heard from them after sending some sketches several weeks ago. Guess SA's customer service is not that hot, considering I called them to alert them of my incoming inquiry and that the manager promised to get back to me in 1 week.

I have a friend who had a briefcase made from a custom shoemaker (it was either Cleverley or Foster, I cannot remember). It turned out beautifully - that may be another option.