hello postman

Last fall, as I dove deep in research when designing an expandable bike basket, I was drawn to a broad spectrum of load bearing designs dating from the turn of the century - from panniers when bike touring was popular to postal service carriers.

Yesterday we received (in the mail) the latest J.Crew Men's Shop catalogue and was immediately drawn to their Belstaff® large New York postman bag, while not so thrilled at the price tag...

Founded in Staffordshire, England, in 1924, Belstaff is famous around the globe for its fine workmanship and durable, hardworking technical gear. A striking example that great design is timeless, this meticulously crafted carryall is a replica of the mail bags carried by New York City postmen in the 1930s. In vegetable-dyed Italian buffalo hide, it's waxed and oiled by hand and burnishes to a unique finish with wear. We're particularly fond of the authentic three-hole closure on the front flap—once used to adjust capacity to the amount of mail, it can be secured to accommodate all manner of contents, from letters to fire logs. They don't make them like this anymore. Made in Italy.

Which would accompany these so nicely on a quaint bicycle ride...

'Crush' from Cole Haan's new Cole, Rood & Haan Collection♥ with a nice branding campaign by the amazing & wonderful Jennifer Lee ♥