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► Timeless appeal

Ettinger was founded in London in 1934 by the well-travelled, multilingual and charismatic Gerry Ettinger, who had set aside a budding film career to launch his own luxury gifts and leather goods company based on quality and innovation. Today, nearly 85 years later, Ettinger’s accessories are sought out by discerning customers worldwide who appreciate their classic designs, superb quality and beautiful colours.

In the 1930s, international travel was still on the exotic side but not for Gerry Ettinger, who used his extensive contacts to quickly establish Ettinger in the leading department stores in London and as far afield as Canada and Japan. These luggage and small leather goods were originally made in London’s Clerkenwell Leather Quarter where there were dozens of specialised workshops and factories. However, as gentrification took hold, Ettinger moved out of London and bought its own factory in Walsall, near Birmingham, where its team of highly skilled craftspeople is still growing to this day. It take five years to train fully in the art of leather craft, as each craftsman masters the 50-plus stages involved in an item’s production and is able to deliver the exceedingly high quality required. Like his father, Robert Ettinger – the current CEO and Gerry’s elder son – is also multi-lingual and extraordinarily well travelled, taking over as CEO in 1990. In 1996, Ettinger was appointed a Royal Warrant holder to HRH The Prince of Wales and this great honour has helped cement Ettinger’s reputation as an internationally recognised leather goods and accessories brand. The company now exports 80% of its products and is available in the Far East, Asia, Australia, the US, Canada and in Europe. Ettinger products are also known for their bold and distinctive use of colour which is perfectly exemplified by their bestselling Bridle Hide Collection. The collection is available in nine beautiful colours on the exterior using the finest bridle leather, with Ettinger’s signature London Tan yellow colour on the interior. The collection also possesses a timeless elegance which endures as fashions fade and are as current today as they were in years gone by. Many Ettinger products can be personalised with customers’ initials and there is a bespoke service available on its handcrafted classic St James and Bank Lid-over attaché cases. Customers are welcome to make an appointment at Ettinger’s luxury showroom in Putney, London, to discuss purchases or bespoke projects. Corporate gift enquiries are also welcomed.

Below, left ► A 1950s Ettinger press launch attended by Gerry Ettinger pictured on the far right.

Below, right ► The young Robert (left) and Paul Ettinger enjoying the mountains during their well-travelled childhood.

Ettinger