Large leather bag that says quality

[Cwtshcwtsh]

I work in an industry where I mix with millionaires on a daily basis. I’m not a millionaire. I need a large brown leather bag that screams classic class. It needs to look country rather than office. It will have to be preloved as I can’t afford new for the quality I need but it’s an investment so no budget limit for suggestions - I’ll make a budget decision when I know what I want.

https://uk.polene-paris.com/collections/cyme?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T_dCyXINV94mJRrNWU4TeUNTbDlLS-m5PYijtvtJLqcggWdImYlF_caAj_0EALw_wcB

https://demellierlondon.com/products/the-new-york-black-small-grain

https://paris64.com/en-uk/collections/bolsos/products/manhattan-black

https://www.zatchels.com/collections/seasonal-reductions/products/ivy-green-leather-shopper available in a selection of colours.

Ive got an old tan Aspinal thats lasted brilliantly and looks relatively timeless.

My role is quite niche these days and would be outing. I started as an architectural historian but it’s evolved considerably. Ironically my grandmother was the daughter of a country estate owner but her father lost the house and estate after the war, like so many others. I’m often accused of being posh but my generation no longer has the bank balance to go with it!

*Bottega Veneta
Tusting

All fairly subtle country class*

Bottega? Country class? No lol. Wearing a 50 year old barbour waxed jacket with some dubarry boots... yes, bottega veneta, no.

Those sorts of people choose practical brands op. Look for something that prioritises function over form and will last 50 years and you are on to a good thing.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166595684839?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338749399&toolid=20006&customid=GB_11450_166595684839.143740041998~1869600031161-g_EAIaIQobChMIl_zLnozHhAMV55BQBh0jSgFdEAQYASABEgJzqPD_BwE

Ooooh!

I agree with you - no bling and leather that just keeps getting better and (another poster said this) more lustrous with age.

I really like Osprey for well priced leather bags

Women's Leather Tote Bags | OSPREY LONDON

I’d go with something like Fairfax & Favor. I’m an Estate Manager and it’s worn by a great deal of ‘country people’. Almost everyone I know wears the brand, from fellow Estate Managers to friends that own estates. Zara Tindall is quite often pictured wearing them amongst others.

https://www.fairfaxandfavor.com/products/the-tetbury-tan-leather

@florasl Fairfax and Favor suits my style very well, thank you. I have a pair of their Explorer boots but hadn’t thought of them for bags.

Edited for autocorrect typo.

Very curious about this crossing out on the text. I see it a lot on here but not sure what it means. Most of the time when I see it the post would make more sense without it crossed out (like on this one as you say later in the post you can't afford new). Genuinely baffled and I hope you don't mind me asking as I've seen so many posts where I don't understand the crossing out (and sorry, I can't recommend a bag but interested in the answers as I'd quite like one too!)

@DiscoBeat for me it’s a way of expressing irony in text. It’s a rueful acknowledgement that it’s not a stealth boast, even if I’d like it to be. I generally read it as something that you say as an aside to the main text, usually intended to be humorous or wry.

Edited for typos.

Not rtft but Rowallan do just the thing you're looking for and can be got for bargain prices on eBay.

I'd say cream outer layer with a caramel brown patches so that it looks retro but not too exclusive , if you find the most comfortable and easy to wear fabric material and have a sewing machine or know someone that does then you can assemble it in around 40 mins by making your own cushions is easy so apply that and try google sketchup for the designs and ask mulberry for advice they manufacture bags at their Shepton Mallet store.

Just for entertainment value, I came across this preloved Hermes Birkin bag on EBay for £148,500 this afternoon.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256329401554?itmmeta=01HQH6RDGJE2MR66K90CJFM0FD&hash=item3bae6c44d2:g:x0UAAOSwR~NlbaKn&itmprp=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwJfOTVZJ0HkGmbOtFsQPyLqu90agfI59FcR%2B5WuNQ3mhzw1FLW0A9aSe9q1aVw44bsFCG9Zy7b1mWsA4lRrMJE%2FD5RTSUXSOJ5eLdJGkmolCGc0SI1yLyZeTuoYTPozUgTIbbFC72GrT1lG%2BwO2Y9%2Bba0zzSqdUpJvFlzHWSFChnjsphY7DoOwlA%2FjyGpZTsjpURjwYWUjy4uepRQtzm3vqzhlsRf4E4DTmeaNbyoBwOehrotSGAIrANtQllzyaMGw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9DY4aa8Yw

Fortunately it’s the wrong colour way so I don’t have to worry about whether I can justify it.

If you’re not looking for a ‘designer’ bag have a look at Coterie Leather. Designed and handmade in South Wales. Can be commissioned so you can choose your colours etc. Also look at Williams Handmade, again designed and hand made by Sarah. Can be commissioned so again can choose own colours. Both do workshops so you could even make your own.

@Lilsoph thank you, both of those are spot on. I always prefer individual makers and part of my role is championing craftspeople. Both are quite close to me so I can visit them. Top finds, I’m glad you shared them.

My style is 'working country' which really means all my clothes are covered in animal hair, shavings and shit 🤣 however I love this bag and in Congnac could maybe class it as 'modern country'?

https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/west-side-studded-sling/?color=020&type=REGULAR&size=One%20Size&quantity=1

What a fab thread this is, so many wonderful suggestions. I have earmarked several to have a look at 😁

Be careful. Dogs ate my favourite handbag once.

Proper pedigree dogs, at that.

My proper pedigree dog is a total thug whereas my mutt was an absolute angel.

Tbh if you really are going to just dump it on the floor, I'd probably just carry all the work stuff in a Longchanp Le Pliage.