The Gentleman Magazine Issue 3 | June/July | Page 94

Have Bag Will Travel
The Gentleman Magazine speaks to three craft brands who
specialise in fine luggage, and provide a few thoughts on what
would constitute the ultimate gentleman’s collection.
Pickett is known as one of the leading luxury leather goods
brands that many consider an emporium of fine textiles in rich
colours made from unparalleled quality. Trevor explains the
importance of this fine quality when describing canvas craft,
“With modern restrictions on weight, we have developed
a lighter weight canvas that with the implementation of
technology, it has the same intensity of weave and a moth
repellent finish as well as a great look, it hardly reminds one
of a canvas a tent might be made out of. We have amazing
new contemporary colours including green, sand and new
navy which makes the gentleman’s product distinctive without
compromising how well made it is.” Pickett reflects on how the
brand’s customer are travelling now with less formal clothes.
Whereas one day the items on the packing list may have been
a smoking jacket, black tie and all the items that go with it,
people do not dress as formally any longer.
Additionally, central heating in large country homes means
less need for thick layers, and so on and so forth. With all of
the change in what the customer needs, which Pickett classifies
as evolution rather than revolution, the product reflects this.
Working with a series of workshops all in England for many
years, the proximity of the team producing such pieces means
the best result can be achieved. With a focus on quality and
technological development, but not forgetting what makes
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Pickett distinctive, the luggage reflects a strong sense of
timelessness with contemporary twists.
This balance is what Trevor finds to be an important element in
finding the perfect luggage set.
With this concept in mind, we consider Chapman Bags
as a brand that maintains a similar ethos. Originally  a
manufacturer of fishing and shooting bags, John Chapman
makes hand crafted canvas, leather and tweed bags for travel,
leisure, business and sporting activities. All bags are made in
the Tannery Road factory in Carlisle, Cumbria, part of an old
industrial site dating back over 300 years.
With a focus on local, British production and only implementing
the finest textiles, Daniel Chamier of Chapman Bags reflects
on why the gentleman might seek a fine luggage collection in
the first place. “I can’t really imagine turning up for a weekend
away somewhere nice, towing a plastic trolley behind me. Nor
can I imagine wearing a £5000 suit to work while carrying a
supermarket shopping bag full of papers.” It is evident that the
luggage chosen is an extension of one’s wardrobe and personal
sense of style. Functionality is also key.
“My general view is that most bags only need a handful of
essential features: first, an exterior pocket for keys and so forth;
second, at least one internal divider or pocket to help with
organisation; and finally in the case of luggage a lockable zip,
the best bein g the kind with interlocking metal circles.”