Indulging in the experience of a glamorous new travel destination always begins at home for me, as I decide which clothes, jewelry, and accessories to pack, as well as which bags I choose to travel with.  It sets an anticipatory tone for the trip.  Handmade Ghurka leather bags and accessories are a signature staple of most luxury travelers. Everything that bears the Ghurka mark is designed and built to provide a lifetime of use.  The brand name is derived “from the Ghurka soldiers of the Himalayas who since the days of the British Raj have been known throughout the world for their bravery, loyalty, and cheerful indifference to all difficulty.”  The story begins at an antiquities auction in the early 1970s where the brand’s founder, Marley Hodgson, fueled by his love of history and leather craft, bid on campaign gear made for a Ghurka regimental officer stationed in India during the early 1900s.  Inspired by the rugged elegance and workmanship of the 75-year-old leather, Marley made his first Ghurka bag, a leather knapsack, for his young son.  It is still used daily by his granddaughter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With flagship stores at 781 Fifth Avenue and 65 Prince Street in New York, as well as select retailers around the world, Ghurka continues to cater to what Marley called the “quiet confidence and adventurous spirit” of their clients, offering an assortment of iconic designs and new classics which are individually numbered and registered, making each Ghurka bag unique — and perfectly suited for their haute Hamptons following.  The new spring range features an assortment of iconic women’s, men’s and travel styles in classic leathers, as well and colors including Oyster (an elegant dove gray), Submarine (a fresh blue hue) and a palette of candy-colored suedes for her.  Handcrafted in the Ghurka tradition, the collection includes both new and archival models, as well as an assortment of small leather accessories and gifts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ghurka bags are as international as they are American. Every new scratch is indicative of a past adventure and anticipates the next journey.  As Chef Alain Ducasse says, “I have a passion for luggage, trunks, and so on.  I have a collection of them, but I can never resist buying another piece.” I couldn’t agree more! Here’s a selection of my favorite items from the gorgeous new Spring 2015 collection.

 

*For store locations and pricing please go to Ghurka.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pet accessories