Sold out on pre-sale: reflections on good design, craftsmanship and the bag of the century

Lovely reader Southern Belle PhD has been kind enough to direct my attention to this timely post on The Daily Prep, in which the blogger visits a New England leather goods factory where bags without logos are handmade. The bags are impressive, although Muffy -the blogger - is too well-raised to discuss prices in front of any possible blog-walking strangers. She quietly provides a link to the company's site, where you can find out for yourself, should you be so inclined. I have observed that New Englanders of any ancestry are impressed by the concept of "value for money," which I think results from a naturally-occurring mineral in the regional water tables, rather than DNA, and these bags are a good example of that concept. Thank you, Southern Belle!

Here's why I find that post timely: the bag I really want, while not yet "on the market," will make its appearance March 1, and I'm sure when it does it will already be sold out on pre-sale.


It was designed by Leonardo DaVinci, but like so many of his brilliant ideas, never produced that we know of, until now.


Well. Here's a link to a more detailed description of the bag and the Discovery of the sketch, and all I can say is I have rejoiced in rediscovering my once and future favorite designer. The Huffington Post has a link to a video of the bag's construction, which also fascinates, and I wish I could get that link to work on my blog but since I can't, go over there and check it out.

So I'm sure that by now the Leonardo bag is "fully committed" and I'm also sure that knock-offs are in production at all price points. Sigh.

Here's a travel bag I can afford:






You can find it on the LLBean website. I have also provided an example of why user reviews are a public service. I wonder if Leonardo included compartments for poison rings and finely engraved stiletti in his bag. Meanwhile, since we're planning a Florida trip in February (didn't want to miss the NY-Seattle rotten weather and flight cancellations this month, but that's another post), my Florida must-do list includes keeping my distance from any guys toting the LLBean bag.