Walpole British Luxury Showcase in New York City highlighted some of the best luxury brands from London. Walk into a room full of English luxury products and you will immediately be reassured that craftsmanship, heritage and quality are not languages spoken only by the Italians. It is where I had a chance to reacquaint myself with one of Britain’s quintessential heritage luxury brands that I’ve long seen from a distance, but had yet to know the full story behind the brand.
Founded in 1934 by Gerry Ettinger, the brand retains the romance of the family business while still evolving and remaining current without the pursuit of hype and gimmicks. Ettinger has remained true to its core ethos and continues to focus on the elements that the house was founded on – handcrafting only the finest leathers while keeping itself modern in terms of both design and global approach of steady expansion and growth.
Ettinger is in reality nothing unknown to me, I had the product in my peripheral for some time and had seen the it online on the Rake.com, and in shops like The Armoury and Brooklyn Tailors (NYC & Brooklyn). It was also that clean, slim wallet with signature London tan interior, and the attache case that had shared center stage when I focused on details shooting for some of the more style conscious global magazine in the past.
The history of the brand is indicative of their drive and passion, creating a beautiful product was not enough for the brand, 50 years after the founding eldest son Robert was determined to have the product recognized at one of the highest level in England – the esteemed seal of approval granted by the Prince of Wales in form of the Royal Warrant.
What resonates with me the most about Ettinger is that the House refuses to rest on its past glory, instead they are cementing the way for a glorious future. They understand how the world has changed and have been able to produce a product that is still relevant. Essential pieces that have just enough character to stand out without being showy. The products they create are perfect compliments to a life well lived.
