Perfect pairing: Mansur Gavriel and Il Bussetto

Mansur-Gavriel 3 Il-Bussetto-Card-Holder

Could there be anything chicer than vegetable tanned leather right now? Those saturated colours, that unmistakable polish? Mansur Gavriel thinks not. The brand is all the rage at the moment, for its pared-back totes and bucket bags. This article in the LA Times last week explains its success. Simple, modern shapes, a reasonable price point and their signature contrast-coloured innards contribute, but the leather is a key factor. The bags are produced at a tannery in Tuscany and because of their hand made nature and current in-demand status, they’re understandably in short supply. (But that makes a bag more desirable, right Hermes?). Matchesfashion.com is expecting a delivery soon…

Il Bussetto is an accessory brand that keeps popping up on my radar. Launched in 2004, its vegetable-tanned coin purses, business card holders and iPhone covers are made in Italy using an age-old Tuscan technique of moulding wet leather on wooden forms. After the leather has been cut, it’s hand-painted, then dried, polished and waxed.

Again it’s the simple designs and glossy, colour-saturated leather in classic shades that appeal to me. They make cigar holders too, which I misread as cigarette holders. I definitely think they need to make a cigarette-case holder on a strap. (Not that I smoke but it would be the perfect mini-mini shoulder bag.) But my standout piece is the unisex Tacco coin holder. I’ve always loved this clam shell shape, it feels tactile in the hand and is a great example of easy, practical design. And of course, it partners perfectly with a Mansur Gavriel tote.