TigerGrounds
Member
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2023
- Messages
- 6
- Reaction score
- 1
Hey everyone,
I've been lurking a while and know the history and the falling out between these two makers thanks to StyleForum. However, it's been very challenging finding user experience and insight from people that use these bags on a daily basis.
I'm torn between the Bound Edge Zip Top https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/bound-edge-zip-top-briefcase-chocolate.html from Mr. Clegg and the Triumph I from the Lotuffs https://lotuffleather.com/collections/briefcases/products/the-triumph-briefcase?variant=4103258757
FWIW, I usually dress smart casual/business casual and I'm only in a suit 4-5 times a year. I feel like my Filson Original Briefcase is "smart" enough but as it is canvas, it does pick up dirt and grime easier so it can look a bit too "rugged" in between cleanings. I also believe that bags and accessories smarten up a casual outfit so even on the days where I'm in a shirt and chinos with some chelsea boots, a good looking leather briefcase just gives the look a bit of a smartness bump.
Aesthetically (hey this is SF after all), I prefer the looks of the Lotuff Triumph. The simplicity and streamlined look with the texture is just *chef's kiss*. It also fits in the sweet spot of 16" wide like my current Filson Original Briefcase since I have used 17" briefcases before and they just felt a touch too wide.
I'm also seriously enamoured with Frank Clegg's work since I have a couple of smaller items by them and the quality is absolutely top notch. That shade of Chocolate on the Bound Edge Zip Top is just gorgeous, especially after comparing with the swatches sent by the Clegg CS team, it's probably the best colour and shade I have ever seen. Lotuff hasn't sent out any swatches even though I've applied twice so I can't comment on their leather.
I've heard that Mr. Clegg was the leather virtuoso while the Lotuffs excelled in marketing, sales, distribution, finance etc. which leads me to believe that the Cleggs have the superior leather and craftsmanship. I've also seen, what feels like, every YouTube video on these two companies and it seems to echo my impression (although that could just be confirmation bias) where Frank Clegg's team is crafting tried and true designs with the best leather and decades of experience while the Lotuff team is pushing the design envelope a bit more with their offerings and is approaching production with diversity, a focus on retaining women, hiring artists who have an "artistic eye" and so on.
Of course I am overthinking this, but I want to make the right choice as I will no doubt be picking up a matching duffle and leather tote to go alongside the briefcase.
Thank you so much for the help.
I've been lurking a while and know the history and the falling out between these two makers thanks to StyleForum. However, it's been very challenging finding user experience and insight from people that use these bags on a daily basis.
I'm torn between the Bound Edge Zip Top https://frankcleggleatherworks.com/bound-edge-zip-top-briefcase-chocolate.html from Mr. Clegg and the Triumph I from the Lotuffs https://lotuffleather.com/collections/briefcases/products/the-triumph-briefcase?variant=4103258757
FWIW, I usually dress smart casual/business casual and I'm only in a suit 4-5 times a year. I feel like my Filson Original Briefcase is "smart" enough but as it is canvas, it does pick up dirt and grime easier so it can look a bit too "rugged" in between cleanings. I also believe that bags and accessories smarten up a casual outfit so even on the days where I'm in a shirt and chinos with some chelsea boots, a good looking leather briefcase just gives the look a bit of a smartness bump.
Aesthetically (hey this is SF after all), I prefer the looks of the Lotuff Triumph. The simplicity and streamlined look with the texture is just *chef's kiss*. It also fits in the sweet spot of 16" wide like my current Filson Original Briefcase since I have used 17" briefcases before and they just felt a touch too wide.
I'm also seriously enamoured with Frank Clegg's work since I have a couple of smaller items by them and the quality is absolutely top notch. That shade of Chocolate on the Bound Edge Zip Top is just gorgeous, especially after comparing with the swatches sent by the Clegg CS team, it's probably the best colour and shade I have ever seen. Lotuff hasn't sent out any swatches even though I've applied twice so I can't comment on their leather.
I've heard that Mr. Clegg was the leather virtuoso while the Lotuffs excelled in marketing, sales, distribution, finance etc. which leads me to believe that the Cleggs have the superior leather and craftsmanship. I've also seen, what feels like, every YouTube video on these two companies and it seems to echo my impression (although that could just be confirmation bias) where Frank Clegg's team is crafting tried and true designs with the best leather and decades of experience while the Lotuff team is pushing the design envelope a bit more with their offerings and is approaching production with diversity, a focus on retaining women, hiring artists who have an "artistic eye" and so on.
Of course I am overthinking this, but I want to make the right choice as I will no doubt be picking up a matching duffle and leather tote to go alongside the briefcase.
Thank you so much for the help.
