Mark Cross was founded in Boston in 1845 and like Hermes, began as a purveyor of fine saddles and harnesses. Upon the death of Mr. Cross the company passed to the Murphy family who elevated it into a luxury leather goods brand. Ownership of the company changed hands twice only to close its doors in the 1990’s. The brand was revived in 2011, returning to the same Italian factories that produced the coveted originals. The current collection is inspired by the vintage archives and updated with vibrant colors and exotic skins.
I didn’t take note until I saw a pyramid of the boxy Grace bag, in a rainbow of colors and patterns, in the Dover Street Market. The quality is superb and the styles are timelessly elegant. Mark Cross is less ubiquitous and far less expensive than Hermes but has that same high quality, heritage brand appeal that never gets tired. Here are my favorites. You can see the entire collection at markcross.com.
