The first LRD Heritage Holdall 001/2020 was conceived after a telephone conversation with Simon de Burton, the UK-based journalist and author whose work is published in luxury, automotive and lifestyle magazines around the world.
While discussing an article for an early 2020 issue of Motor Sport magazine about one of my other bespoke leather designs, we spoke of Simon’s lifelong love of cars, and early Land Rovers in particular.
The conversation inspired the idea to make a Jordan Bespoke holdall based on the profile of a Land Rover front wing, a familiar shape seen on every classic Land Rover from the Series One of 1948 right up to the last, old-style Defender that left the production line in 2016.
The idea quickly grew, and I suggested several options for what would become the 001/2020 Holdall: We could incorporate the paint colour of Simon’s Marine Blue Land Rover, which our tannery in Tuscany would through-dye the leather, while handles and shoulder straps could be made from dark blue, 1960s-style seat belt webbing, both for practicality and to provide a strong colour contrast.
To introduce a ‘surprise’ element, I suggested that Simon emailed me some favourite photographs of his two Land Rovers. These were used to produce a montage for the holdall’s bespoke and unique lining, meaning it would always provide a reminder of home while travelling.
To further link the holdall with Simon’s favourite Land Rover, a decidedly ‘patinated’ Series IIA model, I asked him to email me a close-up shot of its distinctive front registration plate showing the number ‘AKM 100B’.
This was scaled down to create an exact replica in black leather with the numbers and letters stitched on using an ‘alloy’ shade embroidery thread, with the result being positioned on the offside front of the bag to replicate the position of the plate on the actual car.
As a finishing touch, Jordan Bespoke hot-stamped Simon’s initials onto a replica of the Land Rover’s front grille panel made from dark blue leather.
The result, says Simon, was way beyond expectations.
“Having written about luxury goods for more than 20 years, I have seen numerous examples of high-end leather luggage – and I can honestly say that the fit, finish, hardware and attention to detail evident on my bespoke Land Rover holdall is second to none. Simon Jordan fully explained the process in advance and supplied a detailed design sheet for sign-off before manufacturing started , both to ensure the specification was absolutely accurate and to give me the opportunity to make any last-minute changes.
“This bag really is a delight, and its sensible dimensions, supple, top-grade, leather and detachable shoulder strap make it a really practical and versatile piece of luggage.
“The holdall’s exceptional quality means it will fit right in when pitching-up at the swankiest of hotels for a luxury car launch – but it’s also so robust that I’ll use it for everything from camping trips in the Land Rover to airport runs on my motorcycle. In fact, the stitching, zips and hardware are guaranteed for life. According to Simon, it will actually improve with age so I fully expect to pass it on to my children (along with the burden of my Land Rovers).
“One thing’s for sure – however much anyone else wants Heritage Holdall, no one will be able to claim it’s theirs at the airport carousel.”
Click here to view the LRD Heritage Collection ‘Leather Art’ Holdall