Designer Wallets, The Best Of British (Plus)

Christmas looms ever closer, what to buy him keeps plaguing your mind. You bombarded with adds and catalogues spill through your letter box. There are not enough hours in the day for a busy housewife who also has to work 9 to 5 and the thought of traipsing through malls and down high streets with the kids in tow does not conjure any kind of motivation.

It need not be so. Take advantage of online shopping; let your fingers do the walking. No parking tickets, road rage, lousy cappuccinos. No standing in shops bigger than football fields trying to find a shop assistant, standing in ques with someone breathing impatiently down your neck. You can do your research in the comfort and security of your home and get it right, buy him something he will like and wear with pride and you can enjoy the whole experience from searching to giving. Here are a few suggestions to point you in the right direction, reputable names, with a degree of exclusivity but not elusive.

Patrick Cox wallets are simply an invitation to handle luxury leather everlasting, just a touch each time will satisfy your senses, a good enough excuse to drawing it for any occasion, not to attract comment, just for the sheer pleasure it brings to touch. You can traipse up and down the high street and surf the net but you will be hard pressed to find anything that compares admirably. Patrick Cox shoes have always taken centre stage, now he brings his wallets out of the dark, against an autumn landscape.

Richard James wallets reflect the urgency of autumn; their vibrant colours overleaf will bring a little colour to gloomy winter skies each time you open. Quality inherent, as expected from a renowned Savile Row tailor. Richards' reputation was not given; it is earned through many years dedication to creating fine clothing and accessories for men commencing as apprentice to Tommy Nutter renowned tailor to the Beatles and Rolling Stones. Availability; Richard has two shops in London one in New York and one in Japan, visit him online.

Simon Carter Wallets; Its all been said before but worth another brag, his design motivations are driven by simplicity and functionality, but he's managed to add a degree of innovation, his best selling and most notable contribution to date is the Jeans Wallet, light weight, easy fit and made from fine Italian Napa leather; The lining, cartoon comic strip in full colour. He also produces a small range of mock croc leather belts in black and brown. Don't be fooled, a belt is more just a functional brace, chosen wisely it will perform a function while framing perfectly a collection of clothing, belts are on display just like ties and cufflinks and another way to express your self.

RM Williams Wallets A Little Aussie Bleeder; The name not familiar to many in Britain, America Or Europe, but none the less RM Williams Riding Boots are matchless and then choice of specialists all over the world, in fact RM order books for custom made (Bespoke) boots and leather is continually full. They're moulded from a single piece of leather, therefore no seams to rip apart, properly nurtured they will last a life time. Wearing RM boots is an experience you'll want to prolong. And if that’s not enough then try sliding one of their genuine Crocodile leather wallets in your moleskins, and if that doesn't satisfy your wanting, then sling an RM messenger over your shoulder and watch heads turn. Still not satisfied, then there is no hope.

Coach America's answer to the World of fine leather craft: Renowned for their authority of mass production in all classes, but not so for bespoke or small order, until Coach came onto the scene, an appropriate name to be sure, semblance of stage coach, horses, leather strapping and saddle bags. For men who like messenger bags this is the best rendition, proportionately, functionally, stylishly and structurally. Now days we're burdened with all the gadgetry that have become part of everyday life, camera, cell phone, glasses, iPod, electronic diary. Then there are all the other every day things, small change, wallet, pen, note pad, spare handkerchief. So now you can free the bulk from your pockets, it all fits in a Coach Messenger and there is still room to spare, thanks to the choice of super fine calf leather, it's lightweight and flexible, hell you could use as a weekender.

A closing Anecdote
The wallet was developed almost immediately after the introduction of paper currency to the West in the 1600s. (The first paper currency was introduced in the New World by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1690.) Prior to the introduction of paper currency, purses (resembling simple drawstring leather pouches) were used for storing coins. Early wallets were made primarily of cow or horse leather and included a small pouch for printed calling cards.