Holdall & Co Briefcase: Made in England & a Christmas Reader 15% Discount

It's about time I brought you up to date on Holdall & Co, whom I first featured on this blog on its early days and have mentioned occasionally since. Founded by Rai Navickaite, who received support from The Prince's Trust, it produces some of the best made leather folios, briefcases and accessories you'll find. Rai set out to educate herself on the complexities of leather working, trawled the country for manufacturers who would make the product to her high standards and, by her early twenties, was running her own business selling goods made in England.

Carrying a Holdall & Co brief case (image Jonathan Daniel Pryce/Holdall & Co)

14" Slimline Briefcase Black

I started out with one of Rai's folios; simple and plain, they hold documents with panache and without fuss. The development of the product has been slow and careful, as Rai is keen not to move far beyond her original concept of a basic but beautifully made leather bag. By the simple addition of a handle and shoulder strap (both optional items) she has retained the basic shape, but ended up with a briefcase (pictured above - available in various colours) with a slightly different function to the original folio (shown in red, below).

You know you own a classic piece: these will outlast most of their owners and the straightforward, robust and clean nature of their bridle leather design lifts them above the fussy and over-detailed quality of lesser brands.

Holdall & Co's clients can order bespoke pieces, selecting colours, choosing whether to have handles or straps, monogramming and pattern embossing or different sizes and styles. I've ordered a slightly deeper brief case to fit a blogging camera, and I'll report on that in due course. 

Holdall & Co offer a 15% discount for Grey Fox Blog readers; ideal for Christmas. Rai is also offering a free monogramming service (and free UK and international shipping for all orders over £50). To obtain the discount quote GreyFox at checkout. Click here to browse and buy.

Rai now kindly supports the blog by advertising here and, while I would feature her work on the blog whether she did so or not, I mention it here for total openness.

Holdall & Co wallets - slimline and developed with the help of Grey Fox readers

Rai Navickaite of Holdall & Co has developed beautiful leather wallets and cardfolds. Her designs take into account the views of customers, many Grey Fox readers, obtained by questionnaire. The result has been that both items are very slim in size. I've been using a wallet for a few weeks and have found it ideal as its slim shape doesn't show or place a strain on the pockets of jackets, jeans or trousers.

Well-used wallet and cardfold (lower) - image Grey Fox

Rai gave me more information, as follows:

When I did the questionnaire the general feedback was that a wallet must be slim and fit in their jacket/suit pocket, yet have enough space to fit different currency notes (for when travelling) and space for 2-4 cards.

The other thing that everyone agreed on was that they wanted it made from good quality leather because they want it to be durable, as wallets get so much use. The other points where that they wanted the design to be simple, fuss-free and have no branding on the outside - preferably it shouldn't cost more than £100. 

Some mentioned they own two wallets for day and night (as most only wanted to take a few cards with them), which is why I launched the wallet and cardfold, to allow a choice but kept them really affordable so that both could be purchased for only £90.

All of the products are 100% made in England by the same craftsmen that make the folios, using the same leather so that they'd match and be just as durable and handsome.

The result of this market research is a slimline wallet you can carry in your trouser, jacket or suit pocket. With its hand burnished and stained edges this wallet is refreshingly simple - a minimalist dream. It fits up to three cards in each card slot and first a wide range of international notes with ease, all without stretching or weighing down your pockets.

The cardfold fits up to 3 cards in each card slot; the slots take Oyster cards, business cards and folded notes as easily, making this a useful case all without stretching or weighing down your pockets.

Both items are made from full grain naturally tanned leather with hand burnished and stained edges (a true mark of craftsmanship). Each wallet and cardfold gets inspected and polished by hand before being shipped out in British made gift boxes (with traditionally applied-by-hand wax seal) and tied with twine. See Holdall & Co's website here.

Guest post - A collection of vintage leather bags - Holdall and Co

I love old leather goods, polished to a patina by age and use. I knew that Raimonda Navickaite, founder of Holdall & Co, had a collection of old leather bags which has influenced her beautifully-made leather folios (see here). 

Knowing her passion for the sort of quality that lasts through generations, I approached her and she kindly agreed to write about her collection for Grey Fox.

How often have you found yourself carrying something with sentimental value? A watch once worn by your grandfather, a jacket handed down from your father or the leather wallet you received on your 18th birthday? These things are no longer just objects, but follow you through life like an old friend, reminding you of the journey that it had been on previously in others' hands and the journey that it has joined you on. These are precious memories that you will cherish for ever.

A few of my favourite bags

My own journey of buying second hand or 'vintage' (as we like to call it these days) started some 8 years ago when I bought my first bag. I remember picking it out of a small collection of bags and instantly falling in love with it: a little worn clutch that nobody seemed to want. From the moment I picked it up, my mind started racing; imagining all of the places it might have been to, who could have previously owned it and the stories it held - I couldn't help but feel fortunate to own something with history and to have the chance to be part of the next chapter. Soon after, I went off to study at a university in Yorkshire and found some amazing vintage places to spend my overdraft on; from there my collection of vintage bags and cases seemed to grow steadily.

A lovely, simple document pouch, large enough to fit US legal documents, with a clever locking zip to keep everything safe.

So here I am writing a guest post for the very lovely Mr Grey Fox, who thought that you might enjoy seeing some of my favourites. I must state that not every one of the bags in the pictures is usable and some are in need of repair, but I can't help but enjoy owning them, even if for now they sit on a shelf.

There are many aspects of these bags that I enjoy, but of all, my favourite is the badge they proudly bear: 'Made in England'. You can't help but imagine the time that someone had spent designing it down to the smallest detail, to the people that had put it together piece by piece, starting out with nothing more than a hide of leather and a cutting knife.

A stunning briefcase; with a really masculine lock on the front and a comfortable padded handle for when you've weighted it down with all of your work.

This is all the more important, especially for my generation who have grown up believing that most things are made solely by machines - we disassociate ourselves from these products and the people that play a part in their production. There's something special in knowing that someone whom you've never meet has put their care and attention into making a beautiful product for you to enjoy.

As a credit to good design, I'm always surprised that even though these bags were designed and made decades ago, how relevant they are in our life today. How the simplicity of the design has become classic and now effortlessly blends with its surroundings as fashion makes its way back.

I love the shape; it reminds me of the arches at old railway stations.

We seemed to have become so used to our 'throwaway' choice of life, from the plastic cups and plates we take to eat with to the fashion we wear. As fun as it might be to wear the season's latest trends, we seem to have lost a great deal of respect for our belongings in return. We no longer care for them like people used to. Repairing and restoring things seems to be quiet rare, and worse, fewer and fewer of us have things that have been passed down to us or even have something that can be passed down to our children. Our high streets seem to be filled with disposable goods, making it hard to find items designed to be cared for or made from the quality materials needed to last, a reason for which I see many people like myself turned to buying more vintage items.

Even though it's in need of some repairs, this satchel style briefcase is my favourite of them all; a practical and friendly looking bag with the perfect proportions.

Summing up what I love most about these bags; simple construction finished with a classic British Cheney lock and the echoes of its past owners (charming hints at the bag's life in Birmingham and Wales - I wonder if anybody still does this?)

Last but not least the classic 'Gladstone' style case. Incredibly heavy so it wouldn't make a very practical hand luggage case for today's traveller, but in its day would have made a really dominant statement with its bold and brash looks; nothing is subtle with the sturdy riveted corners, unwelcoming hinges, large stitching or with its sheer size.

Just over 12 months ago I started a little company called Holdall & Co. It has been 4 years since I graduated from my Fashion Design degree, worked for a couple of fashion companies and managed to find my true passion: learning how things are made. My degree fuelled my inquisitiveness to learn more about the people behind the products and I became passionate about the various crafts we still have in England, especially the leather craft which the country has been renowned for, for hundreds of years; I guess with my then existing collection of bags to inspire me, it was a natural route for me to take.

Holdall & Co folio

My collection of bags has been important to the design process of the Holdall & Co Folios and helped to establish the design principles:

- Simple and timeless: to ensure that it doesn't look dated and out of place in 5-10 years time; even though fashion always comes back round, I didn't want there to be a wait to be 'on trend'.
- Practical: decide what it will be used for and make sure it serves its purpose.
- Clever: even though the design is simple, it still needs thought and ingenuity; like the umbrella/newspaper loop neatly concealed on the back.
- British: most of my favourite vintage bags and cases were made in England and I knew that mine also had to be made in England; I searched hard to find one of the last remaining case and luggage makers in the country.
- Quality: the bags have to stand the test of time; from the materials to the workmanship, I've given them the greatest chance by using the best I could find.

For previous posts on Grey Fox about Holdall & Co click here.

Holdall and Co - win a handmade in England leather folio

Holdall & Co is new, young and British. The founder, Raimonda Navickaite, designs luxury leather accessories which are hand-made in England. I've talked before about their beautiful folios and have interviewed Rai (see my post here).

Rai is keen to expand the company's range. She has a very clear vision of what she wants to achieve - the highest quality leather goods. However, she would welcome some help to establish what customers would like from her products. She has designed a survey and in return for completing it you will be entered into a draw to win The Organised, a 12" folio. Hand-made in England, this is made to last and each is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. For everyday use, it fits your notes and ideas; iPad, slimline laptop such as Macbook Air, a Moleskin notebook or a copy of the latest Monocle or Wired magazine.

12" folio, chestnut

Holdall & Co use only full-grain naturally tanned bridle leathers to make the folio bags. Full-grain leather is the strongest and most durable; over the life of the product the leather will mature through interaction with its surroundings and will improve in appearance, acquiring a natural vintage patina. For more information see my earlier post (linked above) or Holdall & Co's website.
Twitter - @holdallandco
Facebook - www.facebook.com/holdallco

To complete the very short survey and be in with a chance of winning the 12" folio in either London tan or chestnut, please click here. The survey is open worldwide and will last for two weeks. The winner will be picked on Monday 14th April 2013.

12" folio, London tan

Holdall and Co - a high quality British-made leather folio to pass to your children

Grey Fox's search for style has developed a British-made bias. I love items of style made with pride, particularly where traditional skills are used and preserved and (as you'll find out in the interview with the company's enthusiastic founder, Raimonda Navickaite, below), passion and enthusiasm lie behind a product. Here is an excellent example - a beautifully-made home-produced leather folio from Holdall & Co.

After admiring their products recently, I was delighted to be sent for review one of their 14" folios. The first sensation on opening the box was that lovely smell of quality leather. The colour and feel add to the impression of a heritage piece that will last long enough to be handed on to the next generation. I love the natural texture of the leather, which, being full-grained and naturally-tanned, will continue to improve in appearance and patina as it ages - I can't wait; I love the appearance of old leather.

I've used the folio several times to take iPad, documents, note books and reading material to meetings and on the train. You'll want a brief case if you carry a lot, but if, like me, you prefer to travel light, this is ideal.

I was impressed enough to want to know more and asked Raimonda Navickaite to answer a few questions. Here's what I learned about the company's work -

Grey Fox - Tell me something about Holdall and Co, how did the business come about? How did you go about gathering together the skills you needed?

Rai - Holdall & Co was inspired by my personal collection of 'made in England' vintage cases and bags. I love the fact that every item has lasted for so many years and that every mark or blemish has a story to tell. I wanted to bring back the quality and values that these items had and to design a product that was timeless yet classically modern; a product that was made from the highest quality materials by expert hands so that it could go on to become a vintage piece with your story.

I spent 7 months developing the perfect design, travelling around England sourcing the best leather and trying to find a factory with the experience and skills to produce my designs. I knew from the start that the folios had to be made in England and I searched hard to find traditional case makers with decades of experience, who would not only ensure longevity for the folios, but turn them into unique pieces of art. Even with a background in fashion (and a BA Hons Fashion Design degree), I've learnt much in the process of designing the folio; I have a great respect for the skills and workmanship that goes into making a quality product.

The folios are for 'life', designed to withstand the rigours of regular use. Their design had to be timeless and classic without looking old in 10 years time; I worked hard on the design, keeping it minimal whilst ensuring every detail and function wasn't compromised. The buckle is a quick release lock that is great for easy access, just like our newspaper/umbrella loop which will come in handy when on the go (making it easy to stow away your newspaper when on the train; or for the British weather and when you need an umbrella quickly).

Our sizes are unique and were designed with all of your modern essentials in mind:
- The Organised / 12" which is for everyday use and fits your notes and ideas; iPad, slimline laptop such as Macbook Air or even the Moleskin notebooks and a copy of the latest Monocle / Wired magazine.
- The Professional / 14" which is perfect for work and fits your documents and drafts; legal papers, your latest business plan or your slimline laptop such as the MacBook Pro.

GF - You're obviously proud of the Made in England label. Tell me something about the tradition of leatherworking in this country.

Rai - To us, 'made in England' is a proud declaration of a products provenance, a guarantee of passion, dedication, quality and craftsmanship. We don't cut corners to save money and quite simply make the finest folios possible with integrity, strength and durability.

Leather is a wonderful material and can be the ultimate luxury after passing through the right hands. We only use full grain, naturally tanned leather, this is the strongest and most durable leather which interacts with its surroundings, develops a rich patina and genuine character; because we only use full grain leather, every hide differs from the next making every folio unique.

Part of what makes the folios special is our attention to detail; from hand-sewn lock stitches and heeled corners to polished edges and hidden stitch knots.

Take the our hidden stitch knots as an example. When stitching finishes or ends, the general practice is just to 'snip' the thread close to the surface of the product, this leaves a loose end which looks like a small hair sticking up (have a closer look next time you pick up a bag whilst out shopping) and while this looks unsightly, more importantly this can be a material weakness in the product. We pull through every thread end to the inside, where it's then tied and knitted and then finally glued with a special, waterproof adhesive to ensure it stays securely in place. This is a time consuming process but we see it as an essential step for the integrity of the product.

We are very proud to manufacture 100% of our folios in England and will continue to do so in the future.

GF - Do you plan changing the extent of the range in any way in the future?

Rai - Currently we're concentrating on our folios and have some great ideas coming up for Spring/Summer (including some more colours [at present chestnut and London tan] and exciting new editions), though we are looking to introduce new designs in the near future.

..................................................................

Needless to say, I'm working on Rai to let us see some of the collection of vintage cases and bags that inspired these beautiful products. I'd love to share these with you.

Rai has been kind enough to allow me to keep the folio I've reviewed. I suspect it will see me out and be passed to my children for them to use and admire!

See Holdall & Co's website for more information.
Twitter - @holdallandco
Facebook - www.facebook.com/holdallco

First three images above (C) Grey Fox
Final image Holdall & Co

This folio was sent to Grey Fox free of charge for review. As ever, I have reviewed it impartially in accordance to the principles set out above under the Sponsor tab.