I like how you ask "why would you still 'wear' an attaché case?" In the gentleman's wardrobe i never really thought about the attaché case as a piece of the wardrobe that you wear, but it makes sense. Kind of like when women pick their purse or clutch for what theyre wearing.
As a woman it seems obvious to me that your bag is part of your outfit! The same definitely goes for men's outfits too, but I do think many men make the mistake of thinking of a bag as being separate from the rest of their look.
I’m a girl in my twenties but love practicality aspects of menswear so much! I love the cases you talk about here because it would be nice to read and write on the go without having to pour your whole bag out. The only thing that throws me off is the ergonomics. I tried using handbags for a while as to “lady up” but it was too much for my spine 😂 I’d probably stick to backpacks for now but Damm! This video kinda urged me to one day build my own transformer bag with all features my heart desire! 🤣🤣🤣
nothing beats the convenience of hands free carrying almost unnoticed on your back. He's right that its not that classy but another good argument in attaché vs backpack is that he sells attachés ....
It's funny. I have my dad's late eighties Samsonite briefcase. It has the gold combination locks. The code to unlock it happens to be 007. I chuckled when you started to talk about James Bond and his attache case. I still use it to this day, just not as an everyday carry. Great video.
Curious. I remember cracking the three digit code to the padlocked sports shed at my school when I was about ten years old and the code there was 007 as well. Perhaps it’s a universal one.
Swaine Adeney Brigg have rebranded as Swaine in 2022 and opened a new and much bigger store on New Bomd Street. Apart from bags they also sell the very nice Briggs umbrellas.
Just managed to get one from the second hand store that has literally never been used and was only €7. The lock combinations aren't set and the product guide was still attached to a piece of the inside. Definitely making this my laptop case for when I'm in a suit as opposed to my messenger bag.
This is getting into form over function territory. Gentlemen in the 1800s didn't have to carry and use a phone while walking with an attaché case. I would go with a small folio that can be tucked under the arm or a messenger bag.
Yep. These are very impractical. Not to mention that carrying a laptop in one of these without any kind of cushioning is just asking for your laptop to break.
Very interesting video! Thanks! I have a Coach attaché that looks exactly like your Schlesinger in your video. It came with a very nice Coach leather notebook holder!
I was a traveling technical writer and had up to four clients at a time in an area of fifteen hundred square miles. The volume of work called for me to carry four huge salesman's catalog cases, each with heavy piano hinges, and a Samsonite clamshell plastic case for myself. Nearing retirement, I used pebbled aluminum cases. My last case before retirement was a profoundly durable Pelican-type monster made in Israel to carry 30mm ammunition. (I was in the defense industry.) An obvious case I would use today would be Saddleback. If I had the money, I would buy a British dress for success case.
I’ve got a vintage Cartier attaché case in classic Cartier burgundy on my wishlist. Sadly, missed out on a really nice one that went for about 150 euros in an auction a while ago. Still kicks myself for cheaping out on that one.
@Nephi895. Mick "Crocodile" Dundee, is the Go To Man on the subject of knives. Sometime in the past he could be found on the streets of New York. Phil.
I’m shocked that he went through the whole video without even saying the word “Samsonite”…their mid-century cases from the 60s/70s are absolute modern classics! I just recently bought a 70s brown leather one from a retired executive and love the style, so when I saw the video I was excited to see what he’d say about this particular style and was sad not to hear any perspective on it. With all the many brands he listed in the video, I don’t know why he didn’t mention one of the most popular brands in 20th century America, even more so since they’re still continuing to make new pieces to this day.
Could be because Raphael didn't grow up in America, because since 9/11 the attache has vanished, and kids today have no idea what people looked like going to and from work.
Hi, big fan. I know you are also a fan of motorcycles, could you do a video of accessories for your fellow riders? I find difficult to acessorize with style. James Dean comes to mind but a few other options would be nice. Thank you.
Do you have any info on these types of cases that people attach a handcuff to? Is it a real thing? Is it a TV/Movie fantasy thing only? If real, what cases are used?
The famous briefcase from "From Russia with Love" comes to mind but I assume GG does not have throwing daggers or stun gas included in their attache. :-)
I think style needs to evolve. What will be a modern version of an attaché case? I use a cassette type leather satchel, with a cross-body sling. It used to be perfect for both a day at office as well as the perfect cabin luggage while travelling for work. The biggest peeve would be carrying. A 3 kilo laptop + charger and other tech accompaniments becomes tedious to be lugged around on a hand, but becomes much easier to carry on a shoulder sling
I've used backpacks all my life, from a kid, to the military, to my present career as a software developer. Slowly updating my style, now that I have the sense ( and fortunately the money ) to do so. However, I have to say I really do like messenger bags with the strap, because I do ride my bike a lot for going to / from destinations. Are there attache cases that all the addition of using a leather strap?
I was intrigued until you mentioned emptying your pockets and putting it to your case. Oh, nonono. :-D Getting your pockets picked in a city is frequent, but a hand-held case is a much stronger thief magnet - you look richer than ladies with their handbags. For city, choose security. For the countryside, choose practicality. The attaché case has neither, only style (admittedly, a lot of it). If you take the stylishness down a notch, you get a huge boost in practicality with messenger bags and backpacks (I'm still holding out for a backpack that looks stylish enough). If you're worried about the straps ruining your suit - wear a coat! (Not ideal, but IMHO the net gain is positive)
Nice video, but the information about Gladstone bag is wrong. The bags you showed are actually called "kit bags". The original Gladstone bag functioned more like a mixture between a suitcase and a leather bag - when opened it divided in to two identical parts connected by a hinge, but the outside body was made from soft leather, that sometimes was reinforced with cardboard to better maintain the shape. Two belts looped around it, and it could change its size depending on how much stuff was stored by tightening the belts. Today the name "Gladstone" is wrongly put on all antique leather bags that have a metal frame.
I was surprised at first that you didn't mention Rimowa. Unfortunately, I just realised, Rimowa obviously only produces very "fashionable" briefcases etc. these days; nothing that could be combined with an elaborate gentleman's style. I own a 30-year-old Rimowa attaché case made of black polycarbonate, which I once won as a student and which I find very functional as well as timelessly attractive in its technical, very reduced appearance. It is also almost indestructible.
My dad carried a beautifully patinaed attache case for years as a consultant. He worked in database architecture so, it never carried many documents unless he was going to present a report in a meeting, but it always had a dozen cheap pens, one expensive pen, two legal pads, a Casio calculator, bottle of Aspirin and a .38 Special revolver. Now he uses it to store white baptismal clothes, a vial of chrism and a Bible.
@ Enjoying the Crisis. It seems to me that your Father understood the meaning of a saying popular in the 1950s era of Western movies. The saying was "Walk quitely, but carry a big stick". LoL. Phil.
@@aphantasiagreyman8445 Nothing sinister, he built databases and IT infrastructure for growing companies. He carried the gun because he had to commute through some rough parts of town pretty early in the morning, and be the only one in the building to restart a server or update something before the rest of the office came in and started complaining about the network being down.
I inherited a dozen Attache cases from my grandfather, some of them were made with exotic leathers with gold trim, a few are built like a tank. i remember my grandfather dropping it and it breaking the tile it landed on.
I'm a Japanese viewer. Recently, I was influenced by foreign movies. I was attracted to the suit style and attachment case. It's instructive. Channel registered👍 thanks
I remember emailing a request for an attache/briefcase video back in 2018. This being uploaded brings a tear to my eye. I am so happy we have it now :)
When i was a young lawyer, I was advised to carry a nice attache case, even if I carry nothing more than a sandwich. My dad bought me a nice attache case---not a Mark Cross or Ghurka, but some Office Depot case, but it served me for over 20 years. I also used a business card case and had my name engraved on it. I was into fountain pens so I always had my Montblanc or my OMAS pen in it. The attache case is expandable so I had room for my case file for trial. Even if I had to pull rolling case buckets, I always kept my working file in my attache case so that I can put it in my counsel table, open it, and pull my files out. Yes it's part of the drama and ritual. After I retired I stowed my attache case into moving boxes. I was recently asked to help with some school project so I had to look thr part again. I took it out and re-freshed it with a coating of Obenauff's heavy oil protectant. Came right back to life. A good executive attache is probably no more than 4 inch case. You don't want to look like the copier repair guy. No hard case, plastic sides either. Looks cheap and makes you look like thr copier repair guy. Have it in leather. Black or brown. Make sure it has snap locks. The "pop" in unlocking is part of the drama.
My Dad used his when he was in PR at JCPenney. He always carried an extra shirt and tie, because he traveled so much, he always needed to look his best, going from plane to whatever store or meeting had to go to, without having to get into his luggage. As a young girl I just thought it was so cool!! You look great today Sven!
My father had two beautiful attaché cases made from buffalo leather, one in brown, and one in black. When I was seven years old I begged and pleaded for him to keep them for me one day, but alas, no. They were donated to a charity shop. I'm still salty when I think about it considering my discovery of classic men's' fashion in the present day.
My dad had one in the 70s and 80s, until they were faced out and replaced by the laptop bags and messenger bags. I can’t believe it’s still in my parents basement. Thanks for bringing back nice memories
Yes when I started in the 80's catching the train to work with a "Leather Lunchbox" was the norm. Inside was a paper, lunch & a banana & often used as a table to read the paper on their laps.
Looks nice, but very impractical for modern life. It may not be as stylish, but I know my padded Case Logic laptop bag will keep my laptop protected in the event of a fall. Also, it's much more convenient to be able to take small items out of exterior pockets, especially when on the go, versus having to set an attaché case on a table (or worse, the floor) and open it up in order to grab a charging cable or earphones or lip balm. Also, I reject the idea that wearing a backpack makes one look like a child. In the 21st century, adults wear backpacks. My colleague received a compliment from a female colleague about his leather backpack. That's all the validation I need.
My dad does a lot of physical labor at his job but he carries around a leather folio style briefcase that he keeps all his papers in and he has pens, pencils and a mini stapler in there too, he can just unzip it on a table and start writing
The art of writing instruments, paper, ink, the personal touch is being lost with the convenience of electronics. Takes intentional effort to maintain those skills today.
I carry an attaché when wearing a suit, but on a day hike or casual day with the family, it's a backpack all the way. If you look like a school child when wearing a backpack, you're either wearing the wrong backpack or you're too short.
A certain woman was highly resistant to Malloy insisting she carry a briefcase, but finally acquiesced. During a New York downpour, she hailed a cab. The driver thinking she looked like a drown rat, turned around the throw her out of the cab but quickly changed his mind. Arriving at her destination, she asked, "When I got into your cab I thought you were about to throw me out. What caused you to take my fare?" The driver replied, "Hey, I ain't 'bout to argue with a dame with a briefcase!" Another man was asked why he carried a briefcase. He replied, "With it I'm a black gentleman, without it, I'm just another (insert improper racist slang)".
In Norwegian it is called "stress briefcase" (stresskoffert). An explanation is given in a book about new words in Norwegian from 1945-1975: "Well after a notion of such suitcases as typical of people in stressful occupations"
I think the leather bike messenger bag is the closest thing we have today. Being able to wear the bag instead of carry it is a huge improvement in design
My favorite kind of men's bag is the black leather medical bag. Even though I'm not majoring in the medical field, I love the look and style of these kinds of bags.
Good evening Sir. Are you referring to the doctors bag? I have one also, but mine is a chesnut brown colour. Mine has the elasticated bands on one side which are so useful for holding botles or the everyday carry.
@@lenocman2 That's right. To be exact, I really love the style of the one that Vinnie Jones had in the movie "Midnight Meat Train." They are so badass looking. :)
Attaché also means to be attached - so in this context it also refers to the items you want with you, at your side, as opposed to luggage - usually stowed.
Originally the term referred to the person who was attached to that particular post in diplomacy, hence they were the "Attaché", and the hard box-like case they carried was named after the position, similar to the "Doctor's" bag
@@gentlemansgazette Yes, I watched that, thought your viewers would like an insight into the term - where the title originates - as well as insight into the word itself. Salut.
Have really no idea why, might get one. They look smart for 2024, as today you need to carry laptop, ipads, phones, adapters and countless chargers, cords along with clothing and sketches/notes etc, why would you not want to open a case up fully for a nice overview instead of fumbling in a dark slid. Also it looks sturdy and will stand up on legs instead of falling over under the restaurant table.
Backpacks are for kids, men use briefcases. I got a green Louis Vuitton Taiga "Moscow" briefcase from 1997, it is in really great condition but the handle broke so I took it to my local Louis Vuitton shop and now it is in Paris gettin fixed. They charged me 200€ for the work of putting in a new handle, brass parts and flaps that hold the handle.
I started carrying a "leather box" as they were called once here in Australia. I was working full time & night university student. I had 4 books for a few subjects & moved to a bi-fold bag style attache bag with 2 halves. This became cumbersome but it was needed to carry my text books & notebooks to lectures plus still carry my regular items. Gladstone Bags are loved by old school train, bus, tram & ferry drivers as often they had books / thermos & meals. As I progressed through the corporate world & drove to work. I progressed to a brief case as I needed the expansion space for carrying work files. I used a padded shoulder strap but still have my attache case for serious corporate meetings. I think it gives off an "I am serious about your company" impression.
@@Snoop_Dugg I know they did make satchels but this bag was more like a pilot's case & divided in half that opened on both sides. Law took alot books in each Semester & I often attended 2 different classes on the 1 night. Wheels on bags were not thought of then but only for travel. I moved to a briefcase sort of design 15 years ago for work.
I found a vintage attaché case today. A while ago I started working as a teacher and found out its perfect for the job. You get room for all the papers handouts and tests.
As a French, I appreciate your perfect prononciation of "attaché" and the explanation you give about its origin. For me it is also a mark of culture and education to be able to correctly prononce foreign-language words and expressions.
@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou not so many, but it is a marker of great education. As a matter of fact, English is my third language, not counting Latin or ancient Greek.
As much as I love the elegance and the idea of the attaché case, I wonder about the practicality for my line of work where I need to primarily move a computer laptop around. Maybe the compromise is a soft briefcase in lieu of the more popular but less stylish messenger bag/backpack solution.
Attaché cases come in various depths from very slim (perhaps 1.5 to 2 inches) to much deeper (around 4.5 to 5 inches). If you look at a brand like Globetrotter, you'll find their attaché cases are not only lightweight but also feature a removable document pouch for extra room.
The incredibly rare briefcase with detachable shoulder straps to wear like a back pack when your hands are full has served me better than anything else and is flexible enough to fit where it needs to even in non business environments.
Interesting video! I always wondered about the loss of hands-free movement involved with these cases. You always have to hold on to it. The missing attaché case is such a movie trope; it aways gets lost, stolen or switched when put down. It cuts a nice silhouette but they always seemed impractical to me, especially with back packs, totes and cross body options.
While they exude style, the biggest issue is that you cant access things on the fly when commuting, at the airport, in the queue etc. Having to set it down to open it is a huge practicality killer. As someone who clocked 100K plus miles a year on flying pre-covid, this sort of case would drive me insane when I had to go get my passport etc.
I used to wear an attaché case in Highschool. Today for work I still occasionally use one, but the truth is they are not very handy. Getting anything in or out means you have to life you case to a surface and open it. Getting your keys in front of our house in the rain … a pain. On the train station you always have to put it down to get your coffee, your book, your ticket, etc. It’s security risk and different to a tote you cannot hang it on your wrist for a moment if you need your second hand. On the train or the plane it again takes extra space to open and is a nuisance to other passengers. And getting on your bike with an attaché is near to impossible. So all in all, the only acceptable application is if you go by car door to door (and how does that nowadays in Europe or Asia?).
A bag with only a carrying handle is only really suited if you carry it from the car in the parking garage directly into the office. If you have to walk longer distances and/or use public transport it's not really doable. There is too many times you need two hands, say for example you carry your briefcase and a coffee or umbrella in a busy station and then your phone rings...
There doesn't seem to be much choice today for the right kind of bag that the modern man needs. We kind of need a hybrid of all the previous bags and cases. Something that can carry a 14, 16 or 17 inch laptop as well as book readers, tablets, camera, radio, other gear, A4 documents, pens, battery power bank. Can be carried by a handle for the odd occasions when you're wearing a suit. Can be over the shoulder carried messenger style the rest of the time. Can't have too much depth or be too bulky. Needs to be comfy when carrying. Easy access but secure. 45-degree opening not 90º or 180º. The base needs to be durable and it needs to sit upright and not fall over so strong side supports too. Waterproof. Can't cost ridiculous prices. Must look professional and smart, not too causal. Am I asking too much? I think the Samsonite Spectrolite 3.0 is the only thing that comes the closest to what I am looking for but it is slightly too small and can't fit a 16-inch laptop.
Hi gentlemen, I know this can be really selfish but I really will appreciate if you made a video about the college classic dress Pd: I beg your pardon if my writing is rude, I'm not a natural English speaker
Considering that I typically travel on two wheels, I'm partial to a satchel. I also think that the modern duffel bag grew out of the classic carpet bag.
While I agree the attache case is a handsome accessary, it does have it's flaws. It takes a hand that other wise could be used for something else and can complicate back issues if too heavy. I wear a back pack due to knee and back issues. Moreover, I never go into meetings with more than a note book or a leather folio. Given the utility of the backpack and its ability to not further aggravate certain medical conditions, I'll keep using it.
I have a pair of Mark Cross briefcases - one a traditional attache' and the other a flap over - both over 20 years old, both still in great shape. Great video. Thank you.
Based on what I've heard here, the term "attache case" is being misused around me to refer to a kind of rigid, compartmentalized satchel. Thanks for clearing that up.
I love this channel! My favourite new channel, in fact, on TH-cam. Glad to know other gentlemen are asserting their classic style in a world where unsophistication is ubiquitous.
Attache cases, as elegant and noble as they are, are simply a anachronic remnant of a bygone era. A Serapian double gusset for example is a far more contemporary option for the modern executive. It's a no from me.
These days, you only need a laptop, charger, and maybe some accessories or cables. Attaché cases can be used for that, but they aren’t the best for it. Also, they are terribly annoying of walking long distances.
I still have two Hartmann briefcases in storage waiting for the day to bring them back into use. The better Diplomat case was $1,200 new and still in great shape. I just wish they would fit a laptop and cables better.
I used to carry 2 bags - 1 for my PC & 1 for work papers. 15 years later it is just a compendium as the Laptop is paper thin & if I need to access notes for meetings I still have something to write on. I find I have enough space to carry a mini battery bank too.
Planning on getting one myself as it seems pretty well adapted for public transport. This is due to unlike both the satchel and backpack you can quite comfortable sit in seat without having to take it on and off, particularly useful for hat wearers. Reducing the chance that you accidentally leave it because you thought you were still wearing it, has happened too many times for me.
While I am a regular viewer of this channel, my style doesn't quite match the "traditional, classic menswear" style. This time however, this video made me purchase a used leather Attache case. I just love the look of them, and they seem perfect to pack in my Fountain Pen, some nice writing Paper or a journal and sit down at a cafe to write. Great video as always, and as far as I can see the best video on Attaché cases on TH-cam :)
In 1985 my late wife gave me a superb black leather case made in Italy by Condotti. At that time it was the most expensive one sold in Australia, which possibly means that it was the most expensive one sold anywhere. But as a Global level Salesman, working for the World largest Computer and Telecommunication companies it helped me to become a Global success. I have always kept the case leather polished because you always look in charge when you place it on the desk of the CEO of a FORTUNE 500 Company, then open it to reveal a top of the line laptop computer and related "Mobile Office" equipment. You don't need to say a single word, because the patina of the wonderfully cared for case says more than any CV, or Harvard MBA. Phil.
I used to play with the gold plated/filled locks on my dad's attache. It was in black leather, very boxy but elegant, not too many rounded edges. Perhaps he had it since the 80s, I'll have to ask him, but I last saw it in 1999. I remember it was one of the coolest things he used and owned. We all referred to it (and still do) as a suitcase. On Windows 95 etc "My Briefcase" had an attache case for the icon, but, that was too American to call it a briefcase (the movies etc), but we knew it most likely called a briefcase elsewhere. Thanks to this video I now know the correct title.
I purchased a Samsonite attaché yesterday at my local thrift shop for $3 with the original key. It's my first, so I didn't want to spend a fortune on one until I know I would like carrying one around or not and so far I really do enjoy the experience. It was in really good shape, just needed some cleaning and now I have a few things I carry around for everyday inside.
Got a minimalistic but overdecorated one in the 1970s. It was carried by a representative of the Mexican army at an international conference in Switzerland. Use it pretty regularly but now needs some repair.
Really enjoyed watching this video. I am a software engineer and travel a lot. The attache cases I like tends to be technical -- aesthetics and functionality -- geared more for electronic devices such as extra padding for a tablet or even with an external port for charging a phone or other device while the case is closed.
Attaché cases are high end and elegant, but not always practical. They're great for carrying paperwork, not so good for tech. If you commute by car, they're fine. I have a 2 mile walk (Wedge to Downtown, for the locals), I need a bag I can put on a shoulder. I use a canvas satchel, with pockets for a 21st century EDC. Attaché cases are also fairly heavy, especially compared to a fabric satchel / messenger bag. It's a lot to carry in one hand when filled with a laptop, tablet, writing sticks, phone ... On the other hand, they protect the contents better. They are very classy!
![[TH] FS vs BME - VCT Ascension Pacific - Lower Bracket Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wnygqsR2Fig/mqdefault.jpg)
In Peru we call them "maletín James Bond".
As we in Brazil
And now, I will do the same!
I like how you ask "why would you still 'wear' an attaché case?" In the gentleman's wardrobe i never really thought about the attaché case as a piece of the wardrobe that you wear, but it makes sense. Kind of like when women pick their purse or clutch for what theyre wearing.
As a woman it seems obvious to me that your bag is part of your outfit! The same definitely goes for men's outfits too, but I do think many men make the mistake of thinking of a bag as being separate from the rest of their look.
I’m a girl in my twenties but love practicality aspects of menswear so much! I love the cases you talk about here because it would be nice to read and write on the go without having to pour your whole bag out. The only thing that throws me off is the ergonomics. I tried using handbags for a while as to “lady up” but it was too much for my spine 😂
I’d probably stick to backpacks for now but Damm! This video kinda urged me to one day build my own transformer bag with all features my heart desire! 🤣🤣🤣
nothing beats the convenience of hands free carrying almost unnoticed on your back. He's right that its not that classy but another good argument in attaché vs backpack is that he sells attachés ....
It's funny. I have my dad's late eighties Samsonite briefcase. It has the gold combination locks. The code to unlock it happens to be 007. I chuckled when you started to talk about James Bond and his attache case. I still use it to this day, just not as an everyday carry. Great video.
Curious. I remember cracking the three digit code to the padlocked sports shed at my school when I was about ten years old and the code there was 007 as well. Perhaps it’s a universal one.
Briefcases and attache cases are still in full use in Masonic circles (at least in the UK) to carry the apron and collar to lodges
Swaine Adeney Brigg have rebranded as Swaine in 2022 and opened a new and much bigger store on New Bomd Street. Apart from bags they also sell the very nice Briggs umbrellas.
Just managed to get one from the second hand store that has literally never been used and was only €7. The lock combinations aren't set and the product guide was still attached to a piece of the inside. Definitely making this my laptop case for when I'm in a suit as opposed to my messenger bag.
This is getting into form over function territory. Gentlemen in the 1800s didn't have to carry and use a phone while walking with an attaché case. I would go with a small folio that can be tucked under the arm or a messenger bag.
Yep. These are very impractical. Not to mention that carrying a laptop in one of these without any kind of cushioning is just asking for your laptop to break.
Very interesting video! Thanks!
I have a Coach attaché that looks exactly like your Schlesinger in your video. It came with a very nice Coach leather notebook holder!
I was a traveling technical writer and had up to four clients at a time in an area of fifteen hundred square miles. The volume of work called for me to carry four huge salesman's catalog cases, each with heavy piano hinges, and a Samsonite clamshell plastic case for myself. Nearing retirement, I used pebbled aluminum cases. My last case before retirement was a profoundly durable Pelican-type monster made in Israel to carry 30mm ammunition. (I was in the defense industry.) An obvious case I would use today would be Saddleback. If I had the money, I would buy a British dress for success case.
I’ve got a vintage Cartier attaché case in classic Cartier burgundy on my wishlist. Sadly, missed out on a really nice one that went for about 150 euros in an auction a while ago. Still kicks myself for cheaping out on that one.
Now that sounds cool. Years ago my uncle was in court & told of the defense attorney showing up with a Gucci case to match his loafers I’m sure.
@@samanthab1923 That’s badass! I need some Gucci loafers...
On the topic of useful accessories, ever considered doing a video on gentleman's pocketknives? A collaboration with Stefan Schmalhaus would be cool.
@Nephi895. Mick "Crocodile" Dundee, is the Go To Man on the subject of knives. Sometime in the past he could be found on the streets of New York. Phil.
I’m shocked that he went through the whole video without even saying the word “Samsonite”…their mid-century cases from the 60s/70s are absolute modern classics!
I just recently bought a 70s brown leather one from a retired executive and love the style, so when I saw the video I was excited to see what he’d say about this particular style and was sad not to hear any perspective on it. With all the many brands he listed in the video, I don’t know why he didn’t mention one of the most popular brands in 20th century America, even more so since they’re still continuing to make new pieces to this day.
Could be because Raphael didn't grow up in America, because since 9/11 the attache has vanished, and kids today have no idea what people looked like going to and from work.
He listed high end brands, Stebco and Samsonite are every man brands.
Thanks for taking the time to make and to post. Awesome. 👍👍🇦🇺
Coral Gables 🌴🇺🇸 As a RETIRED airline employee I use Kewi shoe polish on my flight bags to keep them looking good. 🏄
For a new quality attache case try to find a specialist store supplying sales professionals. Not cheap, but you will not pay for a brand but quality.
I have a Cambridge ‘batchel’. It’s beautiful. M.
Hi, big fan. I know you are also a fan of motorcycles, could you do a video of accessories for your fellow riders? I find difficult to acessorize with style. James Dean comes to mind but a few other options would be nice. Thank you.
Do you have any info on these types of cases that people attach a handcuff to? Is it a real thing? Is it a TV/Movie fantasy thing only? If real, what cases are used?
The famous briefcase from "From Russia with Love" comes to mind but I assume GG does not have throwing daggers or stun gas included in their attache. :-)
My life will never be the same... I always thought this was actually briefcase 🤭
It is a briefcase.
Just realised how we got the term carpetbagger!
I think style needs to evolve.
What will be a modern version of an attaché case?
I use a cassette type leather satchel, with a cross-body sling. It used to be perfect for both a day at office as well as the perfect cabin luggage while travelling for work.
The biggest peeve would be carrying.
A 3 kilo laptop + charger and other tech accompaniments becomes tedious to be lugged around on a hand, but becomes much easier to carry on a shoulder sling
Also eventually becomes serious back issues. Years of carrying a camera bag across one should has given me issues.
Plug for MacKenzie Leather of Edinburgh as wonderful maker of attache cases/
Filson bags are great
I don't think you mentioned the Louis Vuitton President case.
Got a selection of good things on sale, stranga!
Classic door to door salesman case.
if im wearing a polo shirt or a t shirt with chino shorts, is it weird if i carry an attache case?
I've used backpacks all my life, from a kid, to the military, to my present career as a software developer.
Slowly updating my style, now that I have the sense ( and fortunately the money ) to do so. However, I have to say I really do like messenger bags with the strap, because I do ride my bike a lot for going to / from destinations. Are there attache cases that all the addition of using a leather strap?
Take a look at Samsonite
13:42 This looks like a tribute to Apetor 😇
What do you think about metal attaché case, like aluminum
I was intrigued until you mentioned emptying your pockets and putting it to your case. Oh, nonono. :-D Getting your pockets picked in a city is frequent, but a hand-held case is a much stronger thief magnet - you look richer than ladies with their handbags.
For city, choose security. For the countryside, choose practicality. The attaché case has neither, only style (admittedly, a lot of it). If you take the stylishness down a notch, you get a huge boost in practicality with messenger bags and backpacks (I'm still holding out for a backpack that looks stylish enough). If you're worried about the straps ruining your suit - wear a coat! (Not ideal, but IMHO the net gain is positive)
About the shoulder strap,if it's from good leather it doesn't damage the suit or the overcoat ,talking from self experience
You’re forgetting that pishtol
Also makes a good self defense weapon !
Try to find one that has 50 gold sovereigns in the lining.
Box or Briefs ?
Louis Vuitton President Attaché
Nice video, but the information about Gladstone bag is wrong. The bags you showed are actually called "kit bags". The original Gladstone bag functioned more like a mixture between a suitcase and a leather bag - when opened it divided in to two identical parts connected by a hinge, but the outside body was made from soft leather, that sometimes was reinforced with cardboard to better maintain the shape. Two belts looped around it, and it could change its size depending on how much stuff was stored by tightening the belts. Today the name "Gladstone" is wrongly put on all antique leather bags that have a metal frame.
I was surprised at first that you didn't mention Rimowa.
Unfortunately, I just realised, Rimowa obviously only produces very "fashionable" briefcases etc. these days; nothing that could be combined with an elaborate gentleman's style.
I own a 30-year-old Rimowa attaché case made of black polycarbonate, which I once won as a student and which I find very functional as well as timelessly attractive in its technical, very reduced appearance. It is also almost indestructible.
My dad carried a beautifully patinaed attache case for years as a consultant. He worked in database architecture so, it never carried many documents unless he was going to present a report in a meeting, but it always had a dozen cheap pens, one expensive pen, two legal pads, a Casio calculator, bottle of Aspirin and a .38 Special revolver.
Now he uses it to store white baptismal clothes, a vial of chrism and a Bible.
I won't ask what field of "consulting"
@ Enjoying the Crisis. It seems to me that your Father understood the meaning of a saying popular in the 1950s era of Western movies. The saying was "Walk quitely, but carry a big stick". LoL. Phil.
@@aphantasiagreyman8445 Nothing sinister, he built databases and IT infrastructure for growing companies. He carried the gun because he had to commute through some rough parts of town pretty early in the morning, and be the only one in the building to restart a server or update something before the rest of the office came in and started complaining about the network being down.
@@enjoyingthecrisis5931 what a cool dad and a cool story 👏
I hope he has a good mallet and supply of stakes as well.
I inherited a dozen Attache cases from my grandfather, some of them were made with exotic leathers with gold trim, a few are built like a tank. i remember my grandfather dropping it and it breaking the tile it landed on.
Nokia 3310 of bags you got there 🤣
I just want to get a chance to hold it in my hand at least once lolll
I'm a Japanese viewer.
Recently, I was influenced by foreign movies.
I was attracted to the suit style and attachment case.
It's instructive.
Channel registered👍
thanks
I remember emailing a request for an attache/briefcase video back in 2018. This being uploaded brings a tear to my eye. I am so happy we have it now :)
Congratulations! I can see that happiness in the photo!
@@keshavrao212 if that doesn't prove that the Gentleman's Gazette listens to their audience, I don't know what does!
When i was a young lawyer, I was advised to carry a nice attache case, even if I carry nothing more than a sandwich. My dad bought me a nice attache case---not a Mark Cross or Ghurka, but some Office Depot case, but it served me for over 20 years. I also used a business card case and had my name engraved on it. I was into fountain pens so I always had my Montblanc or my OMAS pen in it. The attache case is expandable so I had room for my case file for trial. Even if I had to pull rolling case buckets, I always kept my working file in my attache case so that I can put it in my counsel table, open it, and pull my files out. Yes it's part of the drama and ritual.
After I retired I stowed my attache case into moving boxes. I was recently asked to help with some school project so I had to look thr part again. I took it out and re-freshed it with a coating of Obenauff's heavy oil protectant. Came right back to life.
A good executive attache is probably no more than 4 inch case. You don't want to look like the copier repair guy. No hard case, plastic sides either. Looks cheap and makes you look like thr copier repair guy. Have it in leather. Black or brown. Make sure it has snap locks. The "pop" in unlocking is part of the drama.
My Dad used his when he was in PR at JCPenney. He always carried an extra shirt and tie, because he traveled so much, he always needed to look his best, going from plane to whatever store or meeting had to go to, without having to get into his luggage. As a young girl I just thought it was so cool!!
You look great today Sven!
My father had two beautiful attaché cases made from buffalo leather, one in brown, and one in black. When I was seven years old I begged and pleaded for him to keep them for me one day, but alas, no. They were donated to a charity shop. I'm still salty when I think about it considering my discovery of classic men's' fashion in the present day.
My dad had one in the 70s and 80s, until they were faced out and replaced by the laptop bags and messenger bags. I can’t believe it’s still in my parents basement. Thanks for bringing back nice memories
Yes when I started in the 80's catching the train to work with a "Leather Lunchbox" was the norm. Inside was a paper, lunch & a banana & often used as a table to read the paper on their laps.
An attaché case is also useful in dealing with muggers. I remember seeing someone fighting a thief with a knife and beating them with an attaché case
My dad used to have one of those in black leather, never new it had such history
Looks nice, but very impractical for modern life. It may not be as stylish, but I know my padded Case Logic laptop bag will keep my laptop protected in the event of a fall. Also, it's much more convenient to be able to take small items out of exterior pockets, especially when on the go, versus having to set an attaché case on a table (or worse, the floor) and open it up in order to grab a charging cable or earphones or lip balm. Also, I reject the idea that wearing a backpack makes one look like a child. In the 21st century, adults wear backpacks. My colleague received a compliment from a female colleague about his leather backpack. That's all the validation I need.
My dad does a lot of physical labor at his job but he carries around a leather folio style briefcase that he keeps all his papers in and he has pens, pencils and a mini stapler in there too, he can just unzip it on a table and start writing
The art of writing instruments, paper, ink, the personal touch is being lost with the convenience of electronics. Takes intentional effort to maintain those skills today.
I carry an attaché when wearing a suit, but on a day hike or casual day with the family, it's a backpack all the way. If you look like a school child when wearing a backpack, you're either wearing the wrong backpack or you're too short.
A certain woman was highly resistant to Malloy insisting she carry a briefcase, but finally acquiesced.
During a New York downpour, she hailed a cab. The driver thinking she looked like a drown rat, turned
around the throw her out of the cab but quickly changed his mind. Arriving at her destination, she asked,
"When I got into your cab I thought you were about to throw me out. What caused you to take my fare?"
The driver replied,
"Hey, I ain't 'bout to argue with a dame with a briefcase!"
Another man was asked why he carried a briefcase.
He replied,
"With it I'm a black gentleman, without it, I'm just another (insert improper racist slang)".
Ha, ha.! Made me laugh out loud here, this morning ! Good one.
In Norwegian it is called "stress briefcase" (stresskoffert).
An explanation is given in a book about new words in Norwegian from 1945-1975:
"Well after a notion of such suitcases as typical of people in stressful occupations"
I think the leather bike messenger bag is the closest thing we have today. Being able to wear the bag instead of carry it is a huge improvement in design
I was thinking the same thing. In modern times people often need to grab their phones and it can be awkward with one hand constantly occupied.
I loved everything about the attaché case except for the fact you'd always have to hold it.
My favorite kind of men's bag is the black leather medical bag. Even though I'm not majoring in the medical field, I love the look and style of these kinds of bags.
Good evening Sir. Are you referring to the doctors bag? I have one also, but mine is a chesnut brown colour. Mine has the elasticated bands on one side which are so useful for holding botles or the everyday carry.
Always liked that style too. Called my first LV a doctors bag.
@@lenocman2 That's right. To be exact, I really love the style of the one that Vinnie Jones had in the movie "Midnight Meat Train." They are so badass looking. :)
Attaché also means to be attached - so in this context it also refers to the items you want with you, at your side, as opposed to luggage - usually stowed.
Originally the term referred to the person who was attached to that particular post in diplomacy, hence they were the "Attaché", and the hard box-like case they carried was named after the position, similar to the "Doctor's" bag
@@gentlemansgazette Yes, I watched that, thought your viewers would like an insight into the term - where the title originates - as well as insight into the word itself. Salut.
no, the meaning originated from diplomats. It had nothing to do with being attached.
@@incendior Do you speak French. Or did you not read the additional context. T'es con?
@@alohm je peux parler francais but that's not the point.
Why is it not popular anymore? Looks amazing
Have really no idea why, might get one. They look smart for 2024, as today you need to carry laptop, ipads, phones, adapters and countless chargers, cords along with clothing and sketches/notes etc, why would you not want to open a case up fully for a nice overview instead of fumbling in a dark slid. Also it looks sturdy and will stand up on legs instead of falling over under the restaurant table.
From Russia With Love. The reason why Cases are cool
Backpacks are for kids, men use briefcases. I got a green Louis Vuitton Taiga "Moscow" briefcase from 1997, it is in really great condition but the handle broke so I took it to my local Louis Vuitton shop and now it is in Paris gettin fixed. They charged me 200€ for the work of putting in a new handle, brass parts and flaps that hold the handle.
I started carrying a "leather box" as they were called once here in Australia. I was working full time & night university student. I had 4 books for a few subjects & moved to a bi-fold bag style attache bag with 2 halves. This became cumbersome but it was needed to carry my text books & notebooks to lectures plus still carry my regular items.
Gladstone Bags are loved by old school train, bus, tram & ferry drivers as often they had books / thermos & meals. As I progressed through the corporate world & drove to work. I progressed to a brief case as I needed the expansion space for carrying work files. I used a padded shoulder strap but still have my attache case for serious corporate meetings. I think it gives off an "I am serious about your company" impression.
Are there any makers of attache's in Aus? R.M Williams just makes a leather briefcase.
@@Snoop_Dugg I know they did make satchels but this bag was more like a pilot's case & divided in half that opened on both sides. Law took alot books in each Semester & I often attended 2 different classes on the 1 night. Wheels on bags were not thought of then but only for travel. I moved to a briefcase sort of design 15 years ago for work.
That's a shame, I would love to buy an attache in Melb/Syd.@@matthewbrown6163
I found a vintage attaché case today. A while ago I started working as a teacher and found out its perfect for the job. You get room for all the papers handouts and tests.
As a French, I appreciate your perfect prononciation of "attaché" and the explanation you give about its origin.
For me it is also a mark of culture and education to be able to correctly prononce foreign-language words and expressions.
I wonder how many French can properly pronounce non-European words and expressions.
@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou not so many, but it is a marker of great education.
As a matter of fact, English is my third language, not counting Latin or ancient Greek.
As much as I love the elegance and the idea of the attaché case, I wonder about the practicality for my line of work where I need to primarily move a computer laptop around. Maybe the compromise is a soft briefcase in lieu of the more popular but less stylish messenger bag/backpack solution.
This bag has seen it’s day. It looks good but can’t carry enough.
Attaché cases come in various depths from very slim (perhaps 1.5 to 2 inches) to much deeper (around 4.5 to 5 inches). If you look at a brand like Globetrotter, you'll find their attaché cases are not only lightweight but also feature a removable document pouch for extra room.
The incredibly rare briefcase with detachable shoulder straps to wear like a back pack when your hands are full has served me better than anything else and is flexible enough to fit where it needs to even in non business environments.
Interesting video! I always wondered about the loss of hands-free movement involved with these cases. You always have to hold on to it. The missing attaché case is such a movie trope; it aways gets lost, stolen or switched when put down. It cuts a nice silhouette but they always seemed impractical to me, especially with back packs, totes and cross body options.
You could always use a second movie trope to eliminate the first one: handcuff the attaché case to your wrist.
@@azraelf.6287 😄 Yeah, that always goes well! 🙄
While they exude style, the biggest issue is that you cant access things on the fly when commuting, at the airport, in the queue etc. Having to set it down to open it is a huge practicality killer. As someone who clocked 100K plus miles a year on flying pre-covid, this sort of case would drive me insane when I had to go get my passport etc.
As a private investigator, an attaché case is very useful. But sometimes I use a messanger bag.
Yeah these things don't belong in this day and age of carrying your stuff for work...
I used to wear an attaché case in Highschool. Today for work I still occasionally use one, but the truth is they are not very handy. Getting anything in or out means you have to life you case to a surface and open it. Getting your keys in front of our house in the rain … a pain. On the train station you always have to put it down to get your coffee, your book, your ticket, etc. It’s security risk and different to a tote you cannot hang it on your wrist for a moment if you need your second hand. On the train or the plane it again takes extra space to open and is a nuisance to other passengers. And getting on your bike with an attaché is near to impossible. So all in all, the only acceptable application is if you go by car door to door (and how does that nowadays in Europe or Asia?).
A bag with only a carrying handle is only really suited if you carry it from the car in the parking garage directly into the office. If you have to walk longer distances and/or use public transport it's not really doable. There is too many times you need two hands, say for example you carry your briefcase and a coffee or umbrella in a busy station and then your phone rings...
or carrying your bag and coffee and needing to get your bus pass out
Be a gentleman and don't drink coffee while walking in public.
There doesn't seem to be much choice today for the right kind of bag that the modern man needs. We kind of need a hybrid of all the previous bags and cases. Something that can carry a 14, 16 or 17 inch laptop as well as book readers, tablets, camera, radio, other gear, A4 documents, pens, battery power bank. Can be carried by a handle for the odd occasions when you're wearing a suit. Can be over the shoulder carried messenger style the rest of the time. Can't have too much depth or be too bulky. Needs to be comfy when carrying. Easy access but secure. 45-degree opening not 90º or 180º. The base needs to be durable and it needs to sit upright and not fall over so strong side supports too. Waterproof. Can't cost ridiculous prices. Must look professional and smart, not too causal. Am I asking too much? I think the Samsonite Spectrolite 3.0 is the only thing that comes the closest to what I am looking for but it is slightly too small and can't fit a 16-inch laptop.
Hi gentlemen, I know this can be really selfish but I really will appreciate if you made a video about the college classic dress
Pd: I beg your pardon if my writing is rude, I'm not a natural English speaker
Considering that I typically travel on two wheels, I'm partial to a satchel. I also think that the modern duffel bag grew out of the classic carpet bag.
While I agree the attache case is a handsome accessary, it does have it's flaws. It takes a hand that other wise could be used for something else and can complicate back issues if too heavy. I wear a back pack due to knee and back issues. Moreover, I never go into meetings with more than a note book or a leather folio. Given the utility of the backpack and its ability to not further aggravate certain medical conditions, I'll keep using it.
I have a pair of Mark Cross briefcases - one a traditional attache' and the other a flap over - both over 20 years old, both still in great shape. Great video. Thank you.
Based on what I've heard here, the term "attache case" is being misused around me to refer to a kind of rigid, compartmentalized satchel. Thanks for clearing that up.
I love this channel! My favourite new channel, in fact, on TH-cam. Glad to know other gentlemen are asserting their classic style in a world where unsophistication is ubiquitous.
Attache cases, as elegant and noble as they are, are simply a anachronic remnant of a bygone era. A Serapian double gusset for example is a far more contemporary option for the modern executive. It's a no from me.
I think for EDC, most people want to be able to reach for something quickly. I think for an attaché case, you need a table/surface to set it on.
These days, you only need a laptop, charger, and maybe some accessories or cables. Attaché cases can be used for that, but they aren’t the best for it. Also, they are terribly annoying of walking long distances.
I still have two Hartmann briefcases in storage waiting for the day to bring them back into use. The better Diplomat case was $1,200 new and still in great shape. I just wish they would fit a laptop and cables better.
I used to carry 2 bags - 1 for my PC & 1 for work papers. 15 years later it is just a compendium as the Laptop is paper thin & if I need to access notes for meetings I still have something to write on. I find I have enough space to carry a mini battery bank too.
Planning on getting one myself as it seems pretty well adapted for public transport. This is due to unlike both the satchel and backpack you can quite comfortable sit in seat without having to take it on and off, particularly useful for hat wearers. Reducing the chance that you accidentally leave it because you thought you were still wearing it, has happened too many times for me.
Well... he didn't call us 'peasants' this time, I think we're improving.
While I am a regular viewer of this channel, my style doesn't quite match the "traditional, classic menswear" style. This time however, this video made me purchase a used leather Attache case. I just love the look of them, and they seem perfect to pack in my Fountain Pen, some nice writing Paper or a journal and sit down at a cafe to write. Great video as always, and as far as I can see the best video on Attaché cases on TH-cam :)
omg 😂 we not live in 1930s 🤦 wake up bro we in 2022 in future
You guys sure make a good *case* in favor of them
Ahh nice one 😂👍
...yes, good, your statement was very "brief"...
In 1985 my late wife gave me a superb black leather case made in Italy by Condotti. At that time it was the most expensive one sold in Australia, which possibly means that it was the most expensive one sold anywhere. But as a Global level Salesman, working for the World largest Computer and Telecommunication companies it helped me to become a Global success.
I have always kept the case leather polished because you always look in charge when you place it on the desk of the CEO of a FORTUNE 500 Company, then open it to reveal a top of the line laptop computer and related "Mobile Office" equipment. You don't need to say a single word, because the patina of the wonderfully cared for case says more than any CV, or Harvard MBA. Phil.
I don't like these kind of 'bags' as they permanently block one of my hand. I can't even read a book!
Unless you’re reading while walking, just set the bag next to you or on your lap; both hands are free and your problem is solved…
I used to play with the gold plated/filled locks on my dad's attache. It was in black leather, very boxy but elegant, not too many rounded edges. Perhaps he had it since the 80s, I'll have to ask him, but I last saw it in 1999. I remember it was one of the coolest things he used and owned.
We all referred to it (and still do) as a suitcase. On Windows 95 etc "My Briefcase" had an attache case for the icon, but, that was too American to call it a briefcase (the movies etc), but we knew it most likely called a briefcase elsewhere. Thanks to this video I now know the correct title.
I purchased a Samsonite attaché yesterday at my local thrift shop for $3 with the original key. It's my first, so I didn't want to spend a fortune on one until I know I would like carrying one around or not and so far I really do enjoy the experience. It was in really good shape, just needed some cleaning and now I have a few things I carry around for everyday inside.
Best manufacturer: H&K. Gun-Jesus approved.
Got a minimalistic but overdecorated one in the 1970s.
It was carried by a representative of the Mexican army at an international conference in Switzerland.
Use it pretty regularly but now needs some repair.
ballistic case, (basically a portable shield). i'm practical like that
Today I learned the briefcase I’ve been bringing to work is actually an attaché case.
The future is classic! I like how classics have historical weightage, and look relevant no matter what.
Really enjoyed watching this video. I am a software engineer and travel a lot. The attache cases I like tends to be technical -- aesthetics and functionality -- geared more for electronic devices such as extra padding for a tablet or even with an external port for charging a phone or other device while the case is closed.
Such as?
Attaché cases are high end and elegant, but not always practical. They're great for carrying paperwork, not so good for tech.
If you commute by car, they're fine. I have a 2 mile walk (Wedge to Downtown, for the locals), I need a bag I can put on a shoulder. I use a canvas satchel, with pockets for a 21st century EDC.
Attaché cases are also fairly heavy, especially compared to a fabric satchel / messenger bag. It's a lot to carry in one hand when filled with a laptop, tablet, writing sticks, phone ... On the other hand, they protect the contents better.
They are very classy!