Brand to Watch: Mark Cross

With so much flash in the luxury accessories industry, it’s nice to come across a brand that goes in entirely the opposite direction. There’s something to be said for a simple, perfectly made leather bag that embraces subtlety, and that’s exactly what you’ll find from Mark Cross. The American brand dates back to the mid-1800s, and although it was shuttered in the late 90s, new leadership reopened the brand in 2010 as a heritage leather goods line.

Barneys picked up the bags almost immediately, which should tell you a little bit about the quality and craftsmanship that goes into them. The designs are free of external branding and lack flashy hardware, which means that the materials take center stage. Most of the shapes are traditional and familiar, although not directly reminiscent of another brand’s signatures, which leads to an overall feel of traditional luxury. Best of all, though, the bag’s prices don’t reach into the realm of the Hermeses and Delvauxes of the world. check out our favorites after the jump.

Mark Cross Madison Weekender, $2095 via Barneys