Series "Aspiring Masterpieces" No.288 Dunhill leather goods that pay homage to the seeds sown by his father.

This year marks the 130th anniversary of Dunhill's founding. To commemorate this occasion, the company has completed the "1893 Harness Collection.

As one might infer from the name, the "1893 Harness Collection" is inspired by the country gentleman who loves a good old harness.

The body of the tote and messenger are made of full-grain calf. The jet-black calf, with its distinct grains, is also accentuated by the shiny hardware that adorns the essential parts of the bag.

You will notice that the double bridge buckles and other hardware are all rounded. This is in keeping with the design philosophy of a gentleman's harness, which is to avoid damaging the horse's skin.

It is also perfectly usable. The tote is self-supporting and has dual handles. The removable leather folio set in place of a partition is also a great feature. The messenger features a large flap. The visually striking flap is designed for easy access.

Alfred Dunhill founded Dunhill in 1893, taking over his family's harness manufacturing business. Alfred was quick to foresee the advent of motorization and shifted his business to motor accessories, opening a store in Mayfair in 1902, which he named "Motorties". The phrase "motortabilities," which is still used today to describe the philosophy of the Maison, was coined by combining the words "Motoring" and "Authorities. Dunhill's motto was "Everything but the automobile," and the company continued to expand its business to lighters and fountain pens, and in 1921 was granted a Royal Warrant.

It was because of my background in the harness industry that I was able to ride the wave of motorization. Because of the seeds my father planted, the Dunhill brand blossomed. The "1893 Harness Collection," which pays homage to the roots of the company, is a good story.

The pop-up store will be opened at Isetan Shinjuku Men's Building on February 8 (Wed.). The exhibition will last until February 21 (Tue.).

1893 HARNESS FLAP MESSENGER
A moderately sized shoulder bag that is easy to use. Even the rounded metal fittings that hold the flap in place are carefully crafted. ¥237,600 (W32 x H24.5 x D11cm)

1893 HARNESS EAST/WEST TOTE
This tote bag can hold A4-sized documents and digital devices without difficulty. It can also be used as a leather folio by removing the dividers secured with snap buttons. It is also convenient for holding a tablet or 11-inch laptop, and can be folded in half by fastening the snap buttons inside. ¥368,500 (W40 x H30 x D15cm)

20MM TONGUE 1893 HARNESS SMOOTH LEATHER
A leather belt with a distinctive buckle inspired by harnesses. This belt is made long enough to allow the excess end to hang down from the inside of the belt. ¥48,400

1893 HARNESS WALLET
The bi-fold wallet is a combination of stamped leather and smooth leather. Accented with a plaque engraved with the brand name. ¥69,300

Photo_Hiroyuki Takashima
Text_Kei Takegawa