Leave it to these experts when you need just the right look.
Leave it to these experts when you need just the right look.
ATELIER DU BRACELET PARISIEN
HUGHES LOW
On our own shores is Hughes Low, who learnt leather working at Ecole Gregoire-Ferrandi, a Parisian training school whose alumni include Hermes artisans. Low makes various small leather goods, from card holders to bi-fold wallets, but watch straps are his bestsellers. And that’s because he takes no shortcuts. There are no paper or cardboard fillers, just 100 per cent leather.
CAMILLE FOURNET
If you’re not exactly sure of what you want, play around with the strap configurator on Camille Fournet’s luscious website. Choose from 16 types of leather in 57 colours, customise the width and even dictate the shape of the holes, then place your order.
All orders, whether bespoke or ready-made in design, are carried out at the brand’s leather goods workshops in Tergnier in Northern France, though its very first workshop was established on the rue Vauban in Saint-Quentin, Picardy, in 1945. www.camillefournet.com
THE STRAP SMITH
Fancy a little novelty for your everyday watch? The Strap Smith has got you covered with a range of unusual themes that use materials from vintage backpacks, footballs and even sports shoes, to name a few. The man behind it, Rob Montana, is the son of a leather craft instructor and also has a passion for vintage straps (check out those he made using ammo pouches from World War I). Jay Leno counts as one of his many celebrity fans. Custom orders are also available, and all straps are hand-stitched. www.thestrapsmith.com
