If you’re in the market for a trendy, of-the-moment, “it” bag, this is not it. But if you’re looking for well-made, Hermès-esque-style bags: Mark Cross is just the label for you. The iconic American brand was re-launched last year, and we can once again see why it was beloved by Elizabeth Taylor. And remember Grace Kelly‘s luggage in “Rear Window”? Yup, Mark Cross.
No flash in the pan here. This is style built to last. With its old-school ladylike structure, the Scottie ($2,350) veers a bit far off on the mature side, but I can see how the leather will patina beautifully. This is the grown-up bag you funk up by pairing it with a far-out shoe or itty-bitty dress.
With a better chance of appealing to the masses, the Madison satchel ($1,795) and Marina clutch ($1,495) are much more youthful. I love the Madison’s clean lines and interesting structure; with pointed edges, it has just enough spice to hold your attention, and the clean stretch of enamel on the Marina elevates this wear-with-everything clutch to something really special.
The new-millennium styles are produced in the same factories in Italy that the brand has always used.
Available for pre-order at Barneys New York (expect delivery in February).
It’s a tie between the Scottie and Madison satchel for me. I know the Scottie is a bit more on the mature side but you can’t ignore that beautiful color!
I was looking at Mark Cross bags at Saks a few years ago, but they had a lower price point and after some serious digging around, the tag I finally found inside said “made in China”. Do they have two levels of bags, or are all made in Italy now?
I tend to go more for the Scottie then any of the others.