ETTINGER: The Source of Elegance in Wallets Loved by the British Royal Family

When it comes to demonstrating a brand's prestige and quality, nothing is more certain than a Royal Warrant.

Founded in 1934, "ETTINGER" is one such brand that enjoys this honor. The leather goods created from the finest leather and skilled craftsmanship have gained the trust of British gentlemen, and the Royal Warrant was bestowed upon them by then Prince Charles (now King Charles III) in 1996.

What sets products from ETTINGER apart from those of other brands? Let's explore their unique charm starting with their flagship leather wallets.

This time, I spoke with a representative from Kandy Co. Ltd., which has been the exclusive importer and distributor of ETTINGER since 1999.

"Originally, the Ettinger family specialized in tailoring military uniforms for the British Army in London. In the 1930s, as part of their business expansion, they acquired a leather goods factory in Birmingham. From that factory, Gerry Ettinger established a company to manufacture leather goods."

ETTINGER continues to uphold its "Made in the UK" standard, with around 60 artisans producing goods in their own factory.

The Royal Warrant was granted in 1996, reflecting years of supplying high-quality leather goods to the royal family. They have maintained this status through evaluations every four years.

ETTINGER made its official entry into Japan in 1999, expanding within department stores and prominent select shops, while gaining recognition in fashion magazines over time. In 2010, they opened their flagship store in Ginza, which remains the world’s first and only ETTINGER store. Their products can now also be found at locations like the first floor of the Isetan Shinjuku Men's Building.

Classic Collection Inspired by the Saddle of Horse Equipment

The "BRIDLE HIDE COLLECTION" represents the essence of ETTINGER.

"Launched in 1975, this collection features a design inspired by riding saddles. Saddles utilize different types of leather on the outside and inside; the exterior is made of durable, strong bridle leather, while the interior consists of soft, plant-tanned panel hide, gentle on the horse’s body. ETTINGER has created leather accessories using bridle leather on the outside and panel hide on the inside, reflecting the practical design of a saddle. This makes sense as the UK is the birthplace of horseback riding and a gentleman's country. I believe ETTINGER caters to gentlemen who love nature and animals."

The combination colors, which use different colors for the outside and inside of the wallet, have become a hallmark design of the brand. This allows the joy of revealing vibrant colors when the wallet is opened.

"This idea was created by Gerry Ettinger. With a background as a former film producer, he brought a fresh perspective and aesthetic cultivated in the film industry to the conservative world of leather goods."

They hold a strong commitment to the leather they use. For instance, bridle leather is crafted through repeated applications of beeswax and tallow. It’s thick and robust, as expected from leather used in horse equipment, with a white powdery bloom present on the surface.

"ETTINGER uses a special type of leather made for leather goods. It's supple with a fine texture, featuring a translucent depth achieved through intricate dyeing."

Notice the surprising thinness of the bridle leather.

"To make the wallet's gusset as slim as possible, we carefully shave the leather to reduce its thickness. Thick wallets can be cumbersome to fit into pockets and can distort a suit's silhouette, creating various disadvantages. Additionally, thinning the leather allows for the use of finer threads during sewing, enabling delicate stitching."

The aging process gives it a unique flavor.

"Bridle leather develops a sheen over time, but ETTINGER's has a richer luster and a distinct transparency. At our flagship store in Ginza, you can see products that have been used for several years."

The panel hide, primarily used on the inside of wallets and the like, is made from the finest materials. The leather, tanned naturally from the belly area of mature cattle, is thin and supple.

"Vibrant coloring is also a feature, and the yellow panel hide on the inside is a design that could be called the brand's icon."

Launched in 2012, the "STERLING COLLECTION" is a popular collection that stands alongside the BRIDLE HIDE COLLECTION.

"The color scheme, inspired by British sterling pound banknotes, is the highlight. At first glance, it appears to be a simple black calf wallet, but when opened, vibrant colors inspired by the hues of the banknote watermark are revealed. The color variations include turquoise blue (for the £5 note), orange (for the £10 note), purple (for the £20 note), and red (for the £50 note)."

Among these, purple is particularly popular.

"In 2010, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Prince Charles (at the time), we released the 'ROYAL COLLECTION,' which featured purple, the image color of the British royal family. It received a huge response. This led us to release this collection, also inspired by the British symbol of the pound note. Once again, purple has proven to be immensely popular, becoming a representative color of the brand."

While preserving tradition, we continually challenge ourselves with new materials and designs. A few years ago, we released the "CAPRA COLLECTION" using goat leather, which attracted the attention of fans.

"In the 1930s, when the brand was founded, there was a travel boom among Europe's wealthy. At that time, leather goods made from goat leather, which is lighter than cow leather and less prone to scratches, became popular. Additionally, the curved bottom of the card pockets on both sides was inspired by the Art Nouveau movement that was trending in Europe at the time."

If you desire a unique leather accessory, custom ordering is also an option.

"At the ETLINGER Ginza store, we offer a pattern order where you can choose the type and color of leather to suit your preferences. The base options include 12 types of items such as wallets, card cases, and keychains. You can choose from 34 types of leather, 20 stitching colors, and 2 types of liners. Additionally, you can also customize the color of hardware and logo engravings."

It’s common across all collections that the brand does not overly assert itself.

"By using high-quality leather that has been carefully slimmed down and fine stitching with thin thread, customers can feel ETTINGER’s essence. Our pride, the Royal Warrant engraving, is also discreetly placed on the inside to avoid being too noticeable. This design embodies the British characteristic of understatement."

From leather to coloring and stitching, a refined British aesthetic can be felt. Therefore, each leather accessory exudes a subtle elegance.

"Just by owning a single wallet, anyone can feel like a British gentleman or lady. To create such a magical item, ETTINGER will continue to dedicate ourselves to craftsmanship."