The other day, a leather wallet was featured on a TV program called "Matsuko & Ariyoshi Karisome Tengoku".
It all started during a segment on the show where they fulfilled Ariyoshi's desires.
The challenge given was, "I want a nice leather wallet that will make the editor-in-chief of GQ say, 'Ariyoshi, that's...!'"
GQ is a leading American men's fashion magazine aimed at young businessmen in their late 20s to early 30s.
Here, "GQ" refers to "GQ JAPAN," which covers a wide range of topics including fashion, journalism, and culture, geared towards a Japanese audience.
So, the editors from GQ gave a presentation on several products for Mr. Ariyoshi.
They all look really good, and it's making me think that maybe it's time to replace my own wallet.
The button on my wallet had just come off, and I thought it might be a good idea to replace it, so I went ahead and bought a new one.
Six manufacturers were mentioned in that presentation.
Wild Swans, Aniari, Smythson, Ettinger, Cypris, Muni.
The items I particularly liked and purchased this time were a long wallet and coin purse from Ettinger.
I really liked it because it was quite affordable, so I thought I'd share it with you.
Who is Ettinger?
According to their official website, the company was founded in London in 1934.
It is one of the few high-end leather goods manufacturers in England, and in 1996, it was awarded a Royal Warrant by Prince Charles.
This guarantees the highest quality, as it meets stringent quality standards and is permitted to be supplied to the royal family.
5年ごとに再審査があり、基準を満たさない場合は認定が取り消されるというものなので、企業側も継続した努力が求められます。
As for the product lineup, wallets make up the largest selection, but there are also bags, keychains, and other items.
A key feature is that they are all made of high-quality leather and have a refined, understated feel.
Even with items in slightly unusual colors, there's a strangely calming atmosphere about them, which is quite striking.
The long wallet I bought this time
It came in this box.
This is what it looks like.
The long wallet I purchased this time is the "COAT WALLET BH806AJR 18cm × 19cm (Green)," which I bought on Amazon for about 38,000 yen.(April 2018)
The more traditional colors other than green were priced at around 28,000 yen.
I could have gone with a more traditional color like dark brown, but I chose green because I found it beautiful at first sight.
This green is a deep, chalky green, and it doesn't feel flashy at all.
I really like how the color is striking yet has a calming feel to it.
As for the feel, the surface is very glossy, and the leather is very soft.
Inside, there are compartments for three types of banknotes and space for eight cards.
Also, there's another large space on the back of the card where you could put anything.
I thought eight cards might be too few, but to be honest, I don't use that many cards on a regular basis.
When I bought this new wallet, I also decluttered and reduced the number of cards I carry with me.
Because it's a sleek, slim wallet, it might not be suitable for people who want to carry a lot of things in it.
The coin purse I bought this time
At the same time, I also bought a coin purse. It's the "COIN PURSE BH145JR (Green)," and I bought it on Amazon for about 18,000 yen. (April 2018)
This coin case opens wide, allowing you to see the contents inside on a flat surface.
I don't like the jingling sound of a long wallet, so I use separate wallets for bills and cards, and for coins.
I was able to match this with the long wallet by using the same green color.
The user experience is exactly as it looks, so there's not much more to say.
thoughts
I think both of these products are quite different from those aimed at students and young people.
It lacks flashiness or gaudy appearance, and gives off a sophisticated, simple, and calm impression.
The price isn't ridiculously high like some super-famous brands, so it's a good gift for adults.
When you own something nice, it's strange, but you feel a mysterious sense of confidence welling up inside you.
I recommend this because it's not too flashy, and you can pretend to be someone who actually knows about it.