For those who’ve long lusted after a Church’s accessory to pair with their favourite Chelsea boots, monk strap shoes or Derbies, the wait is over. Now, the Northampton-founded footwear label has released its first leather goods collection, in exquisite shades of black and coffee, deep emerald green and bedazzling white.
‘We have been leather craftsmen for nearly 150 years,’ says Church’s CEO Anthony Romano. ‘The collection completes our full product offering’. Titled ‘St. James’, in a nod to the brand’s heritage, the collection is not just named after the district which was home to the first Church’s office in Northampton, but also alludes to the exclusive borough of Central London which is home to the Royal Academy of Arts, Jermyn Street’s tailors and the brand’s flagship boutique. ‘It’s the nerve centre of the city,’ Romano adds.
Craftsmanship and functionality combine seamlessly in the accessories, which include travel bags, satchels and a host of small leather goods, including wallets, purses and iPhone holders. ‘The collection fuses timeless designs with modern silhouettes,’ Romano adds.
The styles – which take up to 150 handcrafted steps to perfect, are constructed using a grain-printed texturing process, also titled ‘St. James’. ‘Each step transmits the passion and craftsmanship behind the brand, that has been intrinsic to Church’s during its 145-year history.’ We can’t wait to make each piece part of our style heritage too. §
