Cover story in Plaza Uomo

December 16th 2016

These things always seem to come in bunches. First Esquire named me in a top 10 and now Plaza Uomo have published their latest edition, with a profile of me as the cover story. Plaza is a Swedish fashion magazine, and Plaza Uomo has an English ver...

Cover story in Plaza Uomo

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Hi Neil, Has your copy come through yet?...

Coats - HatsDecember 16th 2016

Ten bags over ten years

June 1st 2015

One of the advantages of a long-running blog, perhaps, is the ability to look back and see how purchases have performed over time. It’s particularly useful when we emphasise – as we do, day after day – the value of inv...

Ten bags over ten years

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No worries Eoghan, it's normally fine, I just happen not to have that bag anymore...

BagsJune 1st 2015

How to buy a leather bag on a budget

May 24th 2013

Hi Simon, I’ve been following Permanent Style for a while now, as well as investing significantly more of my time trying to learn more about menswear. As my style has evolved and I find myself wearing a blazer or sportcoat more often, I&...

How to buy a leather bag on a budget

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Thank you. That is a nice design from Dunhill. I don't know whether it's all hand sewn though it may well be. Two things I think worth noting: - This looks like a heavier leather, like bridle, which is what English maker...

BagsMay 24th 2013

How to buy a quality leather bag

March 12th 2013

Leather bags are unique among men’s accessories. A good one will last a lifetime and, if treated well, will look better at the end than the beginning of your life together. Only leather has this attribute, gaining an individual patina from t...

How to buy a quality leather bag

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I need help here! I’m looking for a very specific type of tan leather military wet pack. It is also known as a roll pack and has a strap and buckle. There are various compartments inside. Usually coloured green. The be...

BagsMarch 12th 2013

What gloves to wear: Reader question

August 22nd 2012

Dear Simon, I am seeking advice about gloves. Firstly what colour pairings do gloves go with? Is it possible to be adventurous or should one stick to brown and black? Also where could I find a very tight pair of leather gloves? Fingerless gloves for ...

What gloves to wear: Reader question

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Yes...

Hanks and scarves - Reader questionsAugust 22nd 2012

Hype luggage: Review

July 23rd 2012

Hype iPad cover, £150 There is a surprising lack of good, mid-market leather products and bags out there. By mid-market I mean those stitched by machine rather than by hand (which adds considerably to the price) but otherwise using the highest ...

Hype luggage: Review

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I don't have one myself, so I'm not sure of its thickness, but there isn't much room to play with inside with the sheep's wool I'm afraid...

BagsJuly 23rd 2012

Factory visit: Bill Amberg

April 6th 2011

Bill Amberg has recently moved to lovely new premises in Queen’s Park, north London. The landlord that owns most of the street apparently refuses to turn it into flats, renting the lot out to small businesses instead. This means that you wander...

Factory visit: Bill Amberg

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Interesting, thanks Peter. I was paraphrasing Bill there but I don't know if there's any debate on that point....

Bags - Factory visitsApril 6th 2011

Lovely nubuck at Bill Amberg

August 11th 2010

The addiction to lovely leathers continues. Consistent readers will have seen previous posts on the construction details at Bown, Alfred Dunhill’s north-London workshop and the oak-tanned bags at Bill Amberg. Other non-bag favourites includ...

Lovely nubuck at Bill Amberg

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I just found your blog. I can't wait to catch up on your blog posts....

BagsAugust 11th 2010

Gloves at Bill Amberg

March 15th 2010

In my last post celebrating Bill Amberg I concentrated on craft – his use of bridle leather throughout the bags and the structure that gives them, as well as the most recent innovation of using oak bark-tanned leather that grows colour-rich and...

Gloves at Bill Amberg

In my last post celebrating Bill Amberg I concentrated on craft – his use of bridle leather throughout the bags and the structure that gives them, as well as the most recent innovation of using oak bark-tanned leather ...

Hanks and scarvesMarch 15th 2010

Bill Amberg: Oak tanning, for bags

March 8th 2010

Fans of sartoria will be well aware of the benefits of oak bark-tanned leather. Its denseness of fibre and yet ability to be moulded make it perfect for the soles of men’s shoes. But because it is hidden beneath the shoe, and because it is ofte...

Bill Amberg: Oak tanning, for bags

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Cool,really love that bag!...

BagsMarch 8th 2010