No company curates a collaboration that’s both mass-friendly yet has an air of exclusivity better than J. Crew (Red Wing boots, Timex watches and Mackintosh coats). But it’s J. Crew’s new partnership with Manhattan-based Wexler & Co. that’s tickling my fancy. Due to hit stores on Memorial Day–May 31st–this textured leather duffel bag not only bears the “Made in USA” tag, but has all the perfect elements for the ideal year-round bag: deeply burnished, age-worn distressing, sold brass hardware, not to mention it looks vintage despite being new. Wexler & Co. stays true to its roots of producing quality merchandise with its time-honored techniques and high-quality materials (fact: all their leathergoods come from Chicago’s legendary Horween Leather Company–one of the oldest tanneries in the country). With a sturdy zip closure, large interior pocket and full cotton moleskin lining, it’s the ideal bag for that J. Crew man taking an extra-long weekend out of town–because, really, who doesn’t wannabe one? A shoulder strap fully extends to 14″. At $1,500, it’s certainly not cheap, and more brand conscious types may opt for the Louis Vuitton Keepall, but can you readily get away with saying you inherited it from your grandfather? I think not. Guys, this one’s a keeper.
$1,500, available in New York at the Soho Men’s store (484 Broadway) and the Liquor Store (235 West Broadway) in New York, and online at jcrew.com.