Quentin Mackay London: Show and Sell

We told you about MZ Wallace’s goal to become the fashionable woman’s 2nd bag, and we continue our showroom highlights with a look at Quentin Mackay‘s luxe bags which are decidedly aiming for the 1st bag wardrobe position.

Gold Daphne bag from the Ball and Claw collection

Mackay is a Central Saint Martin’s grad (doesn’t it seem like 80% of the fascinating people in fashion are?) who honed his skills in roles at Loewe, Tanner Krolle and Samsonite. His website states that Mackay is “passionate about the true artisanal techniques” that go into high end accessories.

And indeed, when viewing the purses on display at the Quentin Mackay booth there was a bit of “love to look, but better not touch” hesitancy. It’s not that the heavy chain straps and quilted leather looked like they wouldn’t be able to handle a hands on viewing, but in the same way you’re never quite sure if you can interact with a piece of art on display, we didn’t want to risk being told to back away from the bags.

Fortunately, Mackay himself was on hand to walk us through some of the intricacies, and warmy encouraged more than a polite glance at his handiwork. And with good reason: while the structured bags are certainly easy on the eyes, the best part is being able to feel the unexpected combination of leather that’s at once sturdy and soft. At first glance, it’s easy to assume that bags like the Daphne, pictured above, are made of fabric. Upon touching them, you find out that they’re actually goat suede, given treatments that you won’t find in many lines. The shoulder bags may have tough looking hardware, but none of the bags feel heavy or seem to be weighed down by the fabrics or the details.

While it may not seem groundbreaking, that’s actually quite unique. There’s always a fine line between finding a bag that’s sturdy enough to withstand being knocked around during an active day to day routine, but light enough to not drag on your arm the entire day. Somehow, Quentin Mackay’s bags pull it off  in very stylish form.

The Persia day bag, Persia handbag and Jeannie GT from Quentin Mackay's Ball and Claw collection






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