British craftsmanship on tour

In a country renowned for its traditional craftsmanship and impeccable style, being able to claim the title of Britain’s oldest luxury label is quite the accomplishment. Swaine London proudly holds that title. A favorite of the Royal Family since the mid-1700s, Swaine’s specialty is leather and intricate hand craftsmanship. It originally made whips and saddlery (including exclusively for King George III), then pivoted to luggage – primarily for well-to-do automobile enthusiasts in the 19th century. Later, it turned its attention to attachés, handbags and document cases.

Today, Swaine’s output is pleasingly diverse, but with the very same old-school and quintessentially British DNA. What’s more, everything is still made in London by a team who employ the kind of artistry that it would have employed three centuries ago. In fact, Swaine’s immersive New Bond Street boutique is the only shop of its kind in the luxury district that makes its bags on-site; inviting customers to see the craft process first-hand.

Every piece is beautiful and the result of laborious craftsmanship and attention to detail. An attaché handle alone, for example, can take more than seven hours to make. Gift ideas range from the pretty but practical (handbags, wallets, keyrings) to the eminently niche and flamboyant (leather pen holders, cigar cases, panama hats and silk umbrellas).

Following trunk shows earlier this month in Washington DC and Monaco, Swaine is taking part in two more trunk shows in the US: first at Hadleigh’s in Dallas from October 27-29, and then in New York at New & Lingwood on Lexington Avenue from November 2-6. A curated selection of Swaine leather goods will be on display alongside its Brigg umbrellas and Herbert Johnson hats. There will also be the opportunity to commission one-off pieces and explore the house’s bespoke service. In New York, Swaine will also launch an exclusive, limited-edition product collaboration.