Buzz Worthy

Mark Cross Bags Have Stolen My Heart

I'm ready to hang up my logos for a while in favor of these understated styles

The seasons are changing and it seems that my personal taste is changing as well. I’m a self-proclaimed logo lover, but lately, I have been gravitating towards minimalistic bags made with superior materials. This change in my handbag preference has been gradual, but I believe the root of it to be Mark Cross handbags. Specifically, Mark Cross handbags on the arm of Kate Beckinsale, but I digress. The more I see Mark Cross bags online, the more I would like to have one for myself, the styles are so striking. After taking a deep dive into the brand’s unique history, I’ve realized how special Mark Cross is. They create exquisite, timeless handbags that I’ve been obsessively pining over for the last six months.

Established in Boston in 1845, Mark Cross holds the title of America’s first luxury leather goods brand. Originally the brand, named after founder Henry W. Cross’ son Mark, focused on creating the best leather goods for horse and buggies. The brand boasts an extensive and rich history throughout the twentieth century, including befriending the likes of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso (if that isn’t an interesting factoid, I don’t know what is!). Mark Cross expanded internationally and experienced great success, being worn by Grace Kelly in an Alfred Hitchcock film and adding handbags, luggage, and evening bags to its repertoire. Although the brand successfully expanded and made a name for itself, Mark Cross experienced changing hands and leadership quite frequently, and subsequently closed its doors in the 1990s. Luckily for all of us, the brand relaunched in 2011 and has been thriving ever since.

Mark Cross handbags have a timeless vintage aesthetic, drawing inspiration for its current designs from the brand’s own rich heritage. Because of the lack of large logos or branding, these bags fly under the radar but have become my obsession because of their immaculate craftsmanship. Delightfully simple but never boring, Mark Cross bags make a statement on their own. I love history and find the story behind Mark Cross to be so captivating, only adding to my desire to own a Mark Cross bag.

With a multitude of styles, sizes, colors, and rich leathers to pick from, it’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to just one (which is the main reason I haven’t bitten the bullet just yet). So far I am leaning towards purchasing the Laura Shoulder bag, it just ticks all the boxes for me aesthetically and functionally…but I also love the Grace Shoulder bag. With so many options, it feels impossible to pick.

Do you own a Mark Cross bag? I’d love to hear about your experience with the brand!

Mark Cross Laura Shoulder Bag ($2,357)

Mark Cross Grace Small Shoulder Bag ($2,295)

Mark Cross Murphy Small Leather Bucket Bag ($2,195)

Mark Cross Foldover Shoulder Bag $1,995)

Mark Cross Twist Lock Tote Bag ($2,595)

guest

13 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments