Just as with clothing, it’s important to have the right bag for the occasion.

━ What makes leather briefcases so great?

Today, hats, eyewear, and even bags are taking on something akin to a central role beyond mere “fashion accessories”. When one considers this, using a bag to apply the final touch when building an outfit also become important. Even among my clients there are more than a few cases where what would otherwise be a perfect suit is ruined by their choice of bag. A bag is another presentation tool for expressing oneself, so simply carrying something smart can add style. Nowadays you can see even businesspeople using nylon briefcases or backpacks, but bring that kind of bag to a high profile meeting and you are without a doubt going to be taken lightly. So, in that sense it can be said that a leather briefcase enhances your appearance.

For example, there are some executives who, depending on the times, preferred tight-fitting suits. If a suit is too tight, though, it may be stylish, but it won’t make the wearer appear reliable or dignified. If intelligence, refinement, and a sense of security are what you desire in your outfit, then most likely you won’t be ending up there. In the same way, I think that while nylon bags or backpacks are cool and useful, they aren’t always appropriate for the situation. Sure, there is the line of thought out there that lugging something heavy around is pain or it’s easier to carry a bag on one’s shoulders, but I believe it’s best to keep how you will be perceived in mind, along with the time, place, and occasion. There are no real rules about all this, of course; however, there are certain impressions that are universal, which makes it important to be aware of how you appear to others.

The higher the level of entry,
the greater the partner.

━ What are your thoughts on Glenroyal?

It goes without saying that in a man’s world possessing items that artisans have poured their souls into is one means of filling us with fighting spirit or instilling self-confidence. It is in that sense that I feel Glenroyal has a “high level of entry” in the good meaning of the phrase in that it is a brand which adheres to an unaffected and sincere craftsmanship that is beloved by those who see things as they really are. It is precisely because they are items that can be used frequently over an extended period that Glenroyal products are works of art that one cares for them diligently and grows alongside them rather than neglects them. They aren’t at their best when initially purchased so much as after they have spent years together with their owner. I guess what it comes down to is that a man’s possessions are his partners in a way, so putting them to careful use becomes important as well in portraying a sense of stability. A well-cared-for bag speaks volumes of its owner’s ability to conduct business in a thoughtful manner. That is why I believe an unpretentiously high level of entry is necessary. This is the sense in which I feel Glenroyal is a brand that one needs to invest a bit of oneself into living up to once purchased.

Surprisingly light despite a solid appearance.

━ What do you like about Glenroyal briefcases?

I think the most appealing thing to me is how light they are. Being heavy is a bottleneck for all products in this day and age. Whether it’s coats or suits, “looking heavy but in truth being lightweight” is mainstream. An example would be the way in which there are more products like those British coats made of sturdy fabric with sense of weight to it that are in fact quite thin and supple once worn. It used to be that briefcases were hefty, and became even more so when carrying something. This briefcase here, however, has lightness when taken in hand that belies its atmosphere of sturdiness and class. The way in which Glenroyal manages to keep up with the present in terms of performance and ease of use while maintaining the same appearance and dedication to made-in-Britain craftsmanship using traditional materials like bridle leather is truly wonderful.