When it comes to accessories, there are certain looks that never go out of style. Classic Italian leather paired with antique gold fittings is a trend we have seen before, and it is making a return this fall with a bohemian wanderer’s twist. Montblanc introduced their 1926 Heritage Collection at this summer’s Pitti Uomo, the twice annual menswear and accessories trade fair in Florence, Italy. Inspired by gentlemen adventurers, the 1926 Heritage Collection line ranges from large items like backpacks to smaller leather goods.
The Heritage 1926 collection was named in recognition of the year that Montblanc added leather goods to its business. While they started in 1926 with a small collection of leather pen cases, the new collection has expanded to include portfolios, document holders and brief cases in an assortment of sizes.
All of the items in the Heritage 1926 collection use traditional Tuscan vegetable tanned leather. Each piece will age beautifully so they will wear into unique patinas. According to Zaim Kamal, Montblanc’s creative director, traditionally tanned hides offer a superior alternative to chemically treated leather because of the way they appear as they age. The patina that develops will both reflect the owner’s lifestyle as well as the consumer desire to invest in genuinely personal items.
The antique looking metal buckles and vintage styles complements the retro leather look. While inspired by gentleman travelers of the early century, the line is still conscious of the needs of the urban traveller. Smaller pieces such as passport holders and a multi-compartment currency pouch bring the line into the current century. In an unexpected twist, the interiors of the bags are all lined with red fabric, which was inspired by the traditional dress of the Maasai tribesmen.
The Montblanc 1926 Heritage collection will be available this fall. Here is a preview of a few of our favorite pieces from the line.
Trifold Business Card Holder
Perfect for every day use, the business card holder comes with 9 compartments for credit cards and 3 additional pockets for other small documents. This item retails for $270.
1926 Montblanc Heritage Briefcase
You can carry the Single Gusset Briefcase by using the leather handle or adjustable shoulder strap. Also, the briefcase sports 1 zip up pocket, 2 pockets for cell phones and 3 loops for writing instruments. The briefcase will sell for $1,600.
1926 Montblanc Heritage Document Case Slim
The slim document case has an outside open pocket on the backside and closes with 2 metal zips. Inside you will find a zip pocket and 2 open pockets. This document case is priced at $1,400.
1926 Montblanc Heritage Backpack, Small
This backpack features a zip pocket, 2 leather loops for writing instruments and a padded pocket that can fit a small laptop. The backpack’s suggested price is $1,450.
1926 Montblanc Heritage Wallet with Removable Card Holder
The removable card holder can fit up to 6 additional cards in the dedicated slots along with other small documents in the 3 additional pockets. The wallet also contains 6 slots for credit cards, 2 for bills, and 2 additional pockets for small documents. This luxurious wallet will retail for $410.
1926 Montblanc Heritage Portfolio
The large flap on the portfolio has two bridge closures to keep all internal belongings in place. Inside there is ample space to accommodate both A4 documents, a tablet or a slim laptop along with 2 writing instruments in the leather loops. Priced at $730, this genuine leather portfolio is a great value.
So have any of these pieces caught your fancy? The 1926 Montblanc Heritage collection will be available this fall, just in time to purchase for holiday gifts. For more of our suggestions on top picks for men’s gifts, visit our list of our favorite personalized luxury gifts.
