Search for a quality regular messenger resumes...

So - if the search wasn't as broken as it is, some might be able to dig up my previous thread on this. The scope has changed slightly but the requirement still exists.

I'm looking for a leather laptop messenger, a regular flapped style accommodating a 15-inch machine at most, but done as well as possible. 'As well as possible' seems to exclude, in my experience, almost anything under $700.

I'm not looking for the Knomos, Mandarina Ducks, Tumis or Vajas of this world, but something on a higher level, mainly in terms of materials and construction quality - I'm happy with a plain flapped messenger in terms of style, although I'd entertain more complicated designs if it works with both casuals and a less formal suit.

I've capped the maximum budget at $3,000, which would rule out outright customs (the cheapest ground-up-custom messenger quote I've got for the level of quality I know to work for me was $8,000 - and I don't feel like spending that much for what would be my third-string bag) - and for reasons of import taxes, support, etc I'd prefer to purchase in the UK or France/Italy.

It's a long shot posting on here, but asking elsewhere has elicited variable replies, with most suggestions not laptop-specific but a plain-jane messenger.

 

Let me understand this...you have a budget of $3000 for a messenger bag?

 

It doesn't have to cost $3K. As I said, I'm looking for something beyond the materials and construction quality of the ~$500 bags, which I find doesn't work for me.

 

Check out the Louis Vuitton Tiaga Viktor messenger bag. I had it for a while and it was a nice solid bag. The design is simple and elegant and doesn't have the LV logos that scream "look at me". It doesn't have a separate laptop compartment so you'll want to invest in a neoprene sleeve or something similar to prevent the inside zipper from scratching your laptop case.

Also check out Gucci. I remember they had a a very nice (design-wise) leather messenger bag a couple seasons ago, but the quality isn't as great as the LV.

I'm not a big fan of YSL, but I know they're currently having a sale (at least in the US), so you may want to check them out for their leather messenger bags.

 

This is what I got.

It's darker IRL than in the photos.

http://www.jcrew.com/browse/single_...d=2534374302023771&srcCode=GBASE&noPopUp=true

 

Ah, someone who doesn't mind spending for quality.. I like the cut of your jib, sir. Bespoke is obviously the best option, but these are pretty nice as well.

http://www.swaineadeney.co.uk/products/pate_dc/index.html

http://www.swaineadeney.co.uk/products/lomb_dc/index.html

http://www.tusting.co.uk/Leather_Briefcases_Melchbourne_in_Sundance_Floodlight.asp

http://www.dunhill.com/en-cn/catalogue/leathergoods/traveller/

Some cheaper, but still high quality alternatives..

http://www.saddlebackleather.com/ca...s/products/1683-Leather-Laptop-Case-Chestnut-

 

Thanks for the links.

That's what I get suggested a lot of - more traditional style bags. What I'm looking for is more of a simple messenger like say the Knomo Bungo, but finished in a much higher grade of leather / workmanship.

RE: Gucci, etc - I'm not a label maven, I kind of despise it actually. The only contemporary 'brand' among the fashionistas I really like is Valextra, mainly because they aren't about flashing it. But the Taiga seems uncharacteristically devoice of labelling, so I might look at that - although the lack of laptop compatibility is an issue as with all the other decent messengers I've been recommended. Thanks.

Surfasb's suggestion is nice, but buckles, etc would be a hindrance.