Hello all,
I'm looking for some input regarding some nice, chunky, sleek brass (or similar) hardware.
I've included some photos of the sort of look I'm going for. These are Tom Ford bags. I was in a boutique of his yesterday and couldn't figure out if what was written on the tag was a price or a phone number. Alas, I know we can all do better here.
The zipper is a chunky, brass zipper with a large brass slider. The D-loops and the spring hooks felt a little light to be brass. I'm guessing they were plated. Abbey (England) do some proper hardcore equestrian grade brassware. Would I be doing well to use these and polish them up proper or can anyone suggest a reputable supplier for such items? If I had to guess, these are likely Italian. But I wouldn't put it past the Chinese to come up with something similar. Zips, also, I could do with some pointers. Phil @Leathercraft Masterclass suggested London Trimming for Riri. I had previously contacted Riri and they only seemed interested in wholesale orders, understandably. London Trimming seems to hit the spot as they ship to Ireland.
Though, if anyone has any suggestions, please drop me a hint. Much obliged.
Stephen :-)
@stephenkgavin A functionality value proposition almost certainly is not the main reason people buy luxury goods. After all, a grocery bag gets the job done of carrying stuff around. @philipjury has studied this far more than me, but what I've seen so far about buyers of luxury items points more toward motives along the line of declaring one's accomplishments, asserting high social status and the like. As a maker who aspires to produce luxury-quality goods, my motives are quite different.
So, if one's goal is merely to carry gym shorts, then spending $40K on a bag would indeed be daft. If the goal is to signal membership in (or even at the top of) an elite club that can help maintain or elevate one's resources, then it may be a bargain.
ok, I just checked the price of that alligator duffle bag... $41 310
For the zipper, I can suggest you Raccagni brand. I heard that it's really high-quality hardware and I believe that Tom Ford uses Raccagni zippers. You can try to order it from Canada Lonsdale leather https://www.lonsdaleleather.com/hardware?category=Zippers
EDIT: I just checked Lonsdale leather site - they have Gold, Copper, Nickel and Black... No Brass:(
Buckleguy.com has a selection of solid-brass D-rings, as well as other solid-brass hardware. Happy hunting.