History (from Greek historians, meaning “inquiry,
knowledge acquired by investigation”) is the study of the past as it is
described in written documents. So why is something that was created in the
past, becoming relevant to us today? Many designers are being inspired on the
runways with old fashioned designs. Reinventing seems to be the name of the
game and what is old is defiantly new once again. Let’s take a trip away from
the catwalk collections, and browse at the shop windows in the city.
The Christmas designs make you feel so joyful as if
you were a child once again! Enough day dreaming, let’s get down to some
serious business here. What do you buy that is so special, your loved one will
thank you with warm open arms? This can be difficult especially if you rely on
the usual suspects. If you are stuck on what to buy, let me tell you about a
leather company I’m kind of in love with!
The Leather Satchel Co. collaborated with me
on their iconic Pixie cross-body bags. Keith Hanshaw the owner
of the company was kind enough to send me, this one of a kind Pixie cross-body bag in chocolate brownwith silver
hardware. (Similar styles) It arrived in this beautiful
box that resembles a retro suitcase with a real leather handle. Inside was a
lovely letter about the heritage and kind regards from the company.
Each bag comes with a soft dust bag and leather
label embossed. When you get such professional service from such a classy
company, it makes for a really wonderful experience.
The company was started in 1966 by Steven Hanshaw
and is still a family owned business. Throughout the early-to-mid 1960s, Steven
operated a small street stall selling leather goods that he would make. While
exhibiting in London, Steven was presented with an opportunity by a local head
master-to make satchels for an independent school based in Hammersmith. Due to
the high demand for these satchels, Steven was soon joined by his two younger
brothers – Barry and Paul Hanshaw – and together they established their first
workshop on Smithdown Road in Liverpool.
Over time, the Hanshaw family started to work on a
variety of leather goods, not just satchels. Their products are made from heavy
equestrian leather as this is their core skill-set and is a rare profession in
the UK. It is because of these skills that their work has a very distinctive
style which many companies now try to emulate. While many other companies moved
production overseas, where labour was much cheaper.
As a family, the Hanshaws continued working in a
more traditional method of production and diversified into producing other
goods for other brands, whilst continuing to supply Schools, Universities and
Bookshops with classic satchels.
The company strives to source all materials from
within the UK. Quality crafting is what Keith Hanshaw, stands by as a master
craftsman like his uncle, whose footsteps he follows within as the owner of the
company. The Leather Satchel Co. supplies quality and individuality that is
highly sought after in today’s busy market.
The company has seen its products featured in
various fashion magazines such as, Vogue, Look, Elle, Grazia and in men’s
magazine GQ. Their goal isn’t to be the biggest satchel company in the United
Kingdom, they simply want to be the best.
One of their most popular bags is the Pixie! It is a traditional cross-body bag that
is light on the shoulder, holds all the daily essentials, and is effortlessly
versatile. I paired this dark chocolate bag with an off white knit warm
sweater, dark blue skinny jeans, and a pair of black ankle boots.
With the chilly temperatures and rush of the
Christmas season approaching, what better way to kick this season into high
gear then to order a custom made Pixie bag for your city girl with style at
heart! This dream of a bag comes in many colours, styles, and has the option of
having your initials put on the bag. This just sounds like an excellent idea
for someone. Hurry though, these beauties tend to disappear very fast.
What do you want for the holidays? All I Want
for Christmas Is Pixie, handcrafted with quality leather that has this gorgeous
new leather smell by The Leather Satchel Co.
To learn more about the story behind The Leather Satchel Co. check out their website
and follow them on social media. Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram.
Love fashion, art, or just wanting more
inspiration? Stalk me on my social media. Instagram,
Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin.
Written by Heather
Lisa Noire
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