From durable crossgrain and soft-as-butter lambskin, to supple suede, shiny patent croc and intricate embossed finishes, there is something about beautifully crafted leather accessories that never goes out of style. From supple wallets that slip perfectly into your pocket to chic gloves that keep out the chill and sturdy boots that are as resilient as they are refined, these are pieces that you will use over and over again. And the best thing? They generally get better with age.

CROCODILE ROCK

Midi Mayfair Bag in Marmalade Croc, £595, Aspinal of London

With its distinctive structure and elegant design, the aptly named Midi Mayfair bag evokes the luxury of the West London neighbourhood. Hand-crafted from Italian full-grain leather in an autumnal marmalade hue, the bag features a striking and tactile croc print on the outside, while the inside is all about practicality, with a central zipped compartment for small valuables and enough space for a mid-sized purse, smartphone and keys. The chain strap can be worn across the body during the day, or hold the top handle for effortless evening elegance.

STEP TO IT

Aldershot dark brown scotch grain and dark brown rough out suede boots, £500, Crockett & Jones

Crockett & Jones has been crafting the finest footwear since it was founded in 1879, and a highly skilled workforce still carries out more than 200 separate operations – many of which are still completed by hand. With colder months approaching, a quality winter boot is a ‘shoe cupboard’ must-have, and the Aldershot Derby model is as suited to a jaunt in the countryside as it is for a stroll in the City. A smart military-inspired style made from a combination of the most premium scotch grain and rough-out suede, with a strap and buckle for added leg support, it features an oversized cleated rubber sole, with a storm welt for added waterproof protection, and is available at The Royal Exchange from mid-September.

DEAR DIARY…

Soho Diary with Pocket in Coral, £175, Smythson

A Smythson diary is designed to be a personal companion, filled with carefully curated details to ensure you have all the information you need at the tip of your fingers. Handcrafted and bound by leather artisans in England, all Smythson diaries have a distinctively lightweight ‘floppy leather’ cover, which has barely changed since the early 1900s and was inspired by the Panama hats worn by British travellers of the day. The 2021 Soho Diary with slip pocket is bound in luxurious, yet durable, crossgrain leather and packed with gilt-edged Featherweight paper, which is half the thickness and weight of normal paper. A globe and feather watermark on every pale blue page confirms its authenticity as being a product of this fine British stationer.

SOFT TOUCH

Bastille gloves in Etoupe, £600, Hermès

Hermès’ first shop was opened in Paris by Thierry Hermès in 1837, when it started out making equestrian harnesses, before producing saddlery in 1880. Today, the brand is still renowned for its leather craftsmanship, and its glamorous Bastille gloves are an elegant accessory for adding chic Parisian flair to autumn and winter ensembles. Made from supple glossed lambskin leather, with cashmere lining and whipstitch details, the gloves feature a decorative finishing touch with a tone-on-tone topstitching detail of the brand’s iconic H 5382 belt buckle motif on the wrist.

BLACK AND BLUE

Meisterstück Wallet 6cc with money clip in Blue/Degradé Blue, £250, Montblanc

Since being founded as a manufacturer of superlative writing instruments in 1906, Montblanc has been known for its pioneering spirit, and in 1935 its first leather goods workshop was established near Offenbach – a town renowned for its leather craftsmanship ­– to produce small leather items. Today, its leather goods are manufactured in Florence by the most meticulous artisans, who manually centre the Montblanc emblems on each piece. The sleek Meisterstück wallet – named after the brand’s most famous fountain pen design – is made from full-grain cowhide with a deep shine, and it is chrome-tanned and dyed-through in Degradé Blue, completed with a jacquard lining featuring the Montblanc brand name.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Shannon Lw Castoro Suede Lace-Up Derby Brown, £570, Church’s

A popular style since its inception in 1970, Church’s Shannon Derby shoe is an exquisite example of Church’s shoemaking expertise, which dates back to when the company was founded in 1873. Crafted from a castoro suede leather, which requires the highest quality hide completely free of marks and flaws, this classic style is smooth and sleek, but with artisanal subtleties. Hand-stitches have been applied by specialist craftsmen to form a half moon motif to the eyestay, and a chunky, storm-welted triple sole – with a rounded toe and glossy polished binder finish – complete the practical yet elegant aesthetic, which reflects the shoe’s relaxed countryside heritage and wholesome feel.

Visit The Royal Exchange this autumn to rediscover the joy of sensory experiences within our welcoming boutiques and eateries. Read about our Reconnect campaign here and let us know how you are reconnecting with the world on Instagram @theroyalexchange and Twitter @rexshopper #Reconnect

Visit our boutiques page for regular updates on our retailers’ opening information and hours.