American leather-goods brand Ghurka has just launched in London, with a nicely done space at Fortnum & Mason. I’ll post more detail on Ghurka, its make and quality, at a later date when I’ve used the product first-hand. But for the moment it’s worth reporting one or two interesting points from the press lunch earlier in the week.
Ghurka was started in 1975 by an American called Marley Hodgson, when he bid for (but lost on) a set of luggage belonging to a gurkha officer at an auction in England. The brand he created deliberately changed the spelling of the name to avoid confusion with the gurkhas – Nepalese soldiers. This could seem like it is trading on the name of the soldiers rather, except that Ghurka has involved them with the UK launch, and an enthusiastic representative from the Gurkha Welfare Trust was at the lunch.
The set-up at Fortnums includes quite a few archive pieces, which is a good sign, as these have clearly been heavily used and worn – and ridden it out well. There is also a repairs service at the factory in Connecticut, although it is not free (unlike Filson).
The aesthetic is similar to Filson – canvas, leather, brass hardware, very practical – but not quite as rugged (softer, non-bridle leather) and made to a higher standard. There is also a general proclivity for leather-bound edges. Although it’s not my favourite style, our own Bruce Boyer is also a fan.
For anyone visiting London, by the way, Fortnum & Mason is worth a visit. The selection of men’s accessory and perfumes tends to include slightly more unusual brands, but given good space and a full range. There are also plans underway to expand the offering – and it compares well with the mania of Selfridge’s or Harrod’s.
Wearing: my Anderson & Sheppard DB flannel suit; chambray shirt from Luca Avitabile; merino sweater from John Smedley; wool tie from Drake’s; handkerchief from Simonnot-Godard. (The red socks guys now do a great selection of SG squares now by the way.)
Pictured with the lovely Pam Bristow of Ghurka.
Hi Simon,
Which is the difference between bridle leather and just leather (no saffiano or grain)?
What do you recommend as for a wekender?
Bes regards,
Bridle leather is thick cowhide and heavily oiled. Leathers vary by lots of things, but mostly the animal and tanning process
Hi Simon,
I’m looking for a well-made leather pocket protector to carry pens in my inside coat pockets without excessive wear. Have you seen such a thing? Do you know someone who would make it? I think many gents must have this need, but have searched and searched and can’t find a good one.
I greatly appreciate your insights and advice.
Best regards,
Norm
Hi Norm,
I’d imagine it’s quite unusual – most men don’t carry that many pens these days, and if they do they’d have them in a bag. Of course many just clip them onto the inside pocket too. Any bespoke maker (eg Dunhill in London) would do it for you, though it wouldn’t be cheap.
Simon
If you want something simple speak to Jonatan at M.E.S. leather.
Good call
Hi Simon,
Just a question on your suit – is that French navy from Fox?
It’s an old one from Lesser’s, not sure if they do it anymore. 11oz
Hello Simon,
button-down shirt with DB suit ? Very daring!
Norm, you could also try Chester Mox in LA for excellent quality bespoke leather accessories
Thanks for this update, I checked out Ghurka after the Bruce Boyer article – good to see that they have a space in London. On the subject of bags I came across La Portegna in Marylebone the other day, beautiful leathergoods from artisnal workshops in Spain, thought you might be interested. On another matter… would it be possible to get your views on the issue of updating suits. For example I have a number of suits bought a decade ago, which now look out of date (especially the trousers – cut loose and wide). Is it better to alter (bearing in mind that it still has to match an older cut of suit coat) or wait for the fashion circle to turn.
Yes, I know La Portegna very well – we need one of our first collaborations with them, the travel slipper. Say hello to Jose from me if you are back in. (They also advertise.)
Try having one of the suits altered (not too dramatically) and see if you like the effect
Where are these made, India? China?
America – Connecticut
Dear Simon,
I greatly enjoy reading your blog and am currently looking to purchase a holdall bag,
I like both the full leather and canvas and leather styles but am on a budget of around £200-£300. It would be used frequently so quality and durability are my main concerns. what do you think of buffalo leather as this seems to be a common choice at this price range ? and could you suggest any brands worth considering ?
Best Regards
Jon
Have you had a look at Filson?
Hi,
yes I have, I have to say I love the idea of their repairs service,
is canvas durable enough, and would it stain if it got wet ? I travel frequently and the bag will receive a good deal of abuse, hence my question about buffalo leather ?
Best Regards
Jon
The canvas will get darker in colour but not necessarily stain, and can be cleaned. Buffalo is nice but obviously a lot heavier
Simon,
I travel 80% of the year and haven’t found a stylish yet durable roller bag. I own a Bennett Winch Suit Carrier, but would like a roller bag as well. Any suggestions?
I use Rimowa. Expensive but very functional, and not bad looking in the steel finish
Hi Simon, any thoughts specifically on the higher end (see Garrison, Express, Counselor, and Examiner models) briefcases offered by Ghurka?
I’m not a fan of the Ghurka twill bags or the bizarre camouflage bags with stripes but I came across the Garrison No. 147 briefcase recently and it’s pretty stunning. I’m considering purchasing a Ghurka Garrison or a Frank Clegg zip-top briefcase at the moment and I’m trying to figure out why Frank Clegg bags get so much love online while respect for Ghurka bags seems to be reserved for their vintage pieces. The Garrison seems a bit more robust (e.g. brass inserts to protect the bottom seams of the bag) than the FC bags but obviously the FC bags have cleaner designs. I may be wrong, but the craftsmanship on the Ghurka bags seems to be a least on par with the FC bags but maybe I’m missing something. Interested in hearing your thoughts. Thanks again!
From a quality point of view they’re fairly similar but Clegg is rather better value for money.
In terms of style, too, I’d go for the zip-top. The Garrison 147 looks a little old-fashioned to me, and not so versatile with more casual clothing,
I went ahead and got both. You were spot on about the versatility with casual clothes. However, the Ghurka bag is in a different league quality wise. And while the designs are slightly out of touch on some of their items, I’ve come to enjoy that on the Garrison. I can’t wait to grow old and crotchety with it.