Luxurious Leather: Tanner Krolle Luggage; John Lobb Shoes (106)Explore the wonderful world of leather goods. First, get a glimpse behind the scenes at Tanner Krolle, the company that has produced luxurious English bridle leather goods since 1856. The skill and expertise of their craftspeople—along with eye-catching designs and ingenious functionality—helps the company continue its long tradition of quality.
Next, enter the exclusive arena of bespoke shoemaking at John Lobb, which is renowned for its craftsmanship, fine materials and royal patronage. The company's London workshop remains a place of painstaking hand-craftsmanship rather than high-tech mass production.
Tanner Krolle Facts:
- Each Tanner Krolle craftsperson must serve an arduous seven-year apprenticeship before being permitted to create a bag.
- Each suitcase requires nine man-hours for completion.
- Every suitcase handle is made of 13 layers of high-quality English bridle leather, hand-stitched together.
- One of the oldest surviving luggage companies in the United States, Seward, was founded in 1878 by Civil War veteran Simon Seward.
Contact Information:
Tanner Krolle Boutique
38 Old Bond Street
London W1X 3AE
44 (0) 20 7491 2243
Tanner Krolle Private Client Suite
www.tannerkrolle.com
John Lobb Shoes Facts:
- About 80% of John Lobb's handmade shoes are exported to the United States.
- Skins are tanned for up to six months in oak bark-filled vats in order to attain the precise degree of suppleness and coloring needed to achieve flawless results.
- In the 1600s, the diminutive Louis XIV started the platform shoe movement. His elevated footwear—some up to five inches high—was decorated with miniature battle scenes.
- The surest marks of a fine-quality shoe are leather soles, heels and inner linings.
- Shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you try them on. If they're not comfortable, then it's highly unlikely that they will ever be "broken-in" entirely to your liking.
Contact Information:
John Lobb – London
9 St. James Street
London SW1A 1EF, UK
(011) 44 207 930 3664
John Lobb – New York
680 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10021
212-888-9797
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