A combination of envelope bag and briefcase (production process)

Collaboration with MFA member on a Messenger / Briefcase bag hybrid (build process)Author: https://imgur.com/user/niniquesvk

I made a simple Messenger / Briefcase bag hybrid. Design is a result of collaboration with a MFA subreddit member.Front leather is from soft Vache Marbre (France), pockets are from Chevre (France) and lining is from the black Nappa (Italy).Bag has painted edges and is hand stitched with linen thread. Together 1208 cm of combined length of stitch line (at 10 SPI).

Back view. I worked on the bag with Kevin, who came with an idea of ??bag that has two modes. One for a workplace official environment and second for more casual setting.In bag it translates into two uses: top handle expanded, shoulder pad removed - like a classic briefcase. Or collapsed top handle and shoulder strap attached - like a messenger type of bag.

Looking at various approaches to bag design from mainstream manufacturers. Center lock is obviously key part in the distinction between briefcase/messenger.

To make the cross between both worlds, our design has a hidden palladium plated lock under the flap. It gives support to top handle and since it is hidden, bag can remain in the messenger style territory.We agreed to make a structured, overbuild, rigid construction that can stand on its own, even when empty, but from a soft, pliable leather. That is combination I enjoy most.Kevin set the weight limit for the bag, so I had to calculate the weight distribution beforehand.

Gusseted pocketsConstruction started with interior pockets, that were cut from the Chevre leather. Folding lines for gussets are then creased with a heated filuetese tool and they will help to fold the sides symmetrically.

At the back, center is reinforced with the spunbond polyester, so pocket has stiff middle part, but flexible sides.

Other half of the pocket magnet closing doesn 't use magnets, but steel. One small neodymium magnet has enough force