Harber-London-Stylelujo-4 City Backpack. 13L, Luxury city backpack for 16" laptops, tablets, water bottles and more. $594.00
Leather has played a pivotal role in human history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Over 7,000 years ago, early humans discovered how to process animal hides into durable, functional materials, primarily for clothing, shelter, and tools. This skill spread across continents, from the Middle East to Northern Africa and Europe. In ancient Egypt, leather was used to make sandals and armor, while the Greeks and Romans refined leather into shields, bags, and belts. Leather’s durability and flexibility made it invaluable to developing societies.
By the Middle Ages, the craft of tanning became more advanced. The first recorded leather factory, located in 14th-century Fez, Morocco, employed rudimentary tools to tan leather using naturally sourced materials. Over time, leather evolved from purely functional purposes to a symbol of status and luxury. This craftsmanship would see a renaissance in the 19th century, with innovations in tanning processes allowing for smoother and more refined finishes. Industrialization led to mass production, and leather goods became widely available across the world.
Fast forward to 2024, the leather goods industry is thriving, generating billions in annual revenue. According to Statista, the global market is projected to reach $629 billion by 2025, with luxury leather accessories making up a significant portion of that. Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), now plays a role in leather production—from precision-cutting machinery to automated supply chain tracking. However, despite these advancements, the most coveted leather products remain those that are handcrafted, reflecting centuries of tradition and skill.
Enter Harber London, a brand that perfectly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance. Founded in 2012 by brothers-in-law Armando Isaac and Guillermo Mosquera, the company was born out of frustration over the lack of quality laptop sleeves in the market. They began experimenting with leather in their London kitchen, eventually creating the very first Harber London laptop case. Today, the brand has grown into a purveyor of meticulously handcrafted leather goods, ranging from wallets and travel bags to accessories designed for modern professionals.
Headquartered in London, Harber London sources its premium leather from family-run tanneries in Spain, using full-grain leather that ensures both durability and beauty. The leather is tanned using environmentally certified processes, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Each piece is handcrafted in Spain by skilled artisans, embodying a timeless, down-to-earth aesthetic that appeals to a wide demographic of professionals who value both style and functionality.
Harber London has a loyal following of customers who appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each product. The brand’s core demographic is men aged 25 to 45, professionals seeking to combine practicality with elegance. Their psychographic profile includes those who value quality, sustainability, and understated luxury.
3 Tips for Leather Care:
- Keep it Dry: In case of spills or exposure to rain, wipe the leather dry with a clean cloth and let it air dry, away from direct sunlight.
- Use Leather Cream: To keep leather supple, apply an uncolored leather cream occasionally, restoring its natural softness and luster.
- Clean Gently: Use a light leather cleaner to remove dirt, followed by a conditioner to maintain its beauty and longevity.
Investing in high-quality leather is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a personal connection that deepens over time. As leather ages, it forms a patina, telling the story of its journey alongside you. For professionals, carrying a Harber London briefcase or laptop sleeve offers not only practical benefits but also elevates their appearance, reflecting attention to detail and commitment to success.
Harber London’s Offerings for 2024
The brand’s collection focuses on function without sacrificing elegance. From minimalist laptop sleeves to durable travel bags, Harber London offers a wide range of leather accessories designed for the modern professional. Each piece is constructed with high-quality materials, including full-grain leather, wool felt, and recycled fabrics, ensuring products that will last a lifetime.
Interview with Armando Isaac, Co-Founder of Harber London
In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into the world of Harber London with co-founder Armando Isaac, exploring the brand’s journey from a small London flat to becoming a global leader in premium leather goods. Armando sheds light on three exciting topics: the artisanal craftsmanship and eco-conscious materials that set Harber London apart, the impact of customer feedback in shaping their timeless product range, and the brand’s unique approach to combining functionality with style in an increasingly tech-driven world. Get ready for an inside look at how Harber London is redefining modern accessories for today’s professional.
Joseph DeAcetis: Harber London was born in early 2012 from a conversation in a small kitchen, driven by the need for quality laptop sleeves. What inspired you to launch the brand, and how did you transform that idea into its current form?
Armando Isaac: It all started when I was at university in London, and my family gifted me a MacBook for my studies. Naturally, I began searching for a protective case, but nothing on the market fit my needs. I asked my co-founder, Guillermo, to help me find something online, but we couldn’t find anything that matched what I wanted—something protective, stylish, and sleek enough to match my new laptop. That’s when I turned to my mother, another co-founder, who knows how to sew. Together, in our small flat, we created a laptop case, which became the foundation of Harber London. We realized we weren’t the only ones looking for a functional and stylish product, so we turned that idea into the brand you see today.
Joseph DeAcetis: Can you walk us through your collection’s product offerings? What are the key categories, and why did you choose to focus on these specific products?
Armando Isaac: Our main offerings include laptop sleeves, briefcases, backpacks, travel bags, wallets, and accessories. We initially focused on men’s products because they’re typically underserved in this market. After our laptop sleeves gained traction, customer feedback guided the rest of the product development. We designed products based on what our customers were asking for, making sure that each item was something we ourselves would love to use. Our approach is all about creating timeless, durable pieces that won’t go out of style, combining practical design with high-quality craftsmanship and materials.
Joseph DeAcetis: Sustainability is a crucial focus in modern fashion and accessories. What steps has Harber London taken to ensure sustainability in your materials, production process, and shipping methods?
Armando Isaac: Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve partnered with eco-friendly suppliers. Our wool felt is sourced from a highly eco-conscious factory, and we use leather from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries. Our factory is mostly powered by solar panels, significantly cutting down our carbon emissions. For fabric products, we use 100% recycled plastic bottles. We also have a waste management system in place at our factory to ensure proper recycling and minimal wastage. We exclusively use FedEx for shipping due to their climate-friendly initiatives.
Joseph DeAcetis: Where do you source your materials, and why are these locations important to the quality and ethos of Harber London?
Armando Isaac: We source our materials primarily from Spain, often working with local, family-owned businesses with a history of excellence. We see ourselves reflected in these businesses, and the relationships we’ve built ensure consistent, high-quality production that aligns with our values. Spanish leather is known for its durability and rich texture, which is why it’s a staple in our collection.
Joseph DeAcetis: The influence of technology is increasingly felt across all industries. How has AI impacted your brand in terms of design, customer experience, or operations?
Armando Isaac: We’re pretty old school and don’t rely heavily on AI for our brand. We tested it briefly, but customer feedback is a huge part of our design process, and we love that personal touch. Our production is also highly artisanal, so incorporating AI into those processes would take away from the uniqueness and craftsmanship that define our brand. We prefer to stay hands-on and focus on creating thoughtful, high-quality products.
Joseph DeAcetis: Let’s talk about your current collection. What are the key materials, hardware, and stylistic choices that define this season? How do aspects like weight and functionality come into play when designing your products?
Armando Isaac: Our key materials include leather, wool felt, and recycled plastic fabric. We’ve chosen these because they’re durable, long-lasting, and timeless. While we don’t design with seasonality in mind—no fast fashion here—our products are built for functionality. We listen to customer feedback, put ourselves in their shoes, and design with both style and practicality in mind. Even after launch, we continue to refine our products based on what customers tell us, adding features and improving functionality.
Joseph DeAcetis: In a world where first impressions matter, what is the importance of dressing for success? How does carrying the right bag contribute to one’s self-confidence and overall image?
Armando Isaac: First impressions are critical, whether we like it or not. Carrying a worn-out, old laptop case to an important meeting can give the wrong impression, no matter how great your work is. Details matter, and having the right accessories—whether it’s a briefcase, laptop sleeve, or backpack—can boost your confidence and ensure you look the part. Being well-organized with the right gear can even help declutter your mind, allowing you to focus on what’s important.
From $131.00
Joseph DeAcetis: What are your future plans for Harber London? Are any exciting collaborations, product expansions, or philanthropic initiatives on the horizon?
Armando Isaac: We would love to open a physical store soon. Customers constantly ask about it, and we’d love to meet the people who support our work every day. Beyond that, we’re always looking for new opportunities, whether through collaborations or product expansion, but a store is definitely at the top of our list.
Joseph DeAcetis: Every brand has its standout product. What is Harber London’s best-seller, and what do you believe makes it so popular?
Armando Isaac: Our best-seller is the Slim Laptop Sleeve. It’s a minimalist, sleek product that fits any setting, and it provides the protection you need without the bulk. Plus, it’s affordable and stylish, which makes it appealing to a broad audience.
Joseph DeAcetis: Your story began with a need for high-quality laptop sleeves, but you’ve built much more since then. Can you reflect on how your story continues to shape the direction of Harber London as a brand?
Armando Isaac: Our story is really shaped by our customers. Their feedback has taken us from laptop sleeves to a full range of products. We continue to listen to them and design what they ask for, whether it’s a business backpack, an extra pocket on a briefcase, or even something as simple as a different color option. The journey continues, and we’re always evolving.
Harber London’s journey from a kitchen-made laptop sleeve to a globally recognized brand is a testament to the power of craftsmanship, customer focus, and sustainability. The brand’s commitment to producing high-quality, timeless leather goods that blend style with functionality makes it a standout in the modern leather market. From laptop sleeves to travel bags, each product carries a story and a dedication to excellence that ensures it will last a lifetime.
About the Author:
Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary force in the world of fashion, celebrated as one of the finest wardrobe stylists and art directors of his generation. His expertise and creativity have earned him accolades throughout the industry, placing him at the forefront of fashion’s evolution. Joseph’s work seamlessly weaves together style, culture, art, and fashion, with a special focus on the shifting landscape of menswear.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Joseph has had the privilege of styling and even interviewing global icons such as Elon Musk, Justin Bieber, Richard Branson, Katy Perry, Tom Brady, and A$AP Rocky, to name just a few. His influence extends beyond styling, as he has also been a prolific writer, contributing award-winning columns to esteemed publications like Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His deep insights and captivating storytelling have established him as a leading voice in fashion journalism.
Joseph most recently served as Creative Fashion Director at Forbes Media, where his dual role as critic and reporter allowed him to explore the intersection of technology and fashion, always championing the transformative power of style. As the founder and president of POTRO, the premier Latinx menswear brand, Joseph is redefining modern menswear with a commitment to celebrating Latinx heritage and craftsmanship.
With an authoritative yet relatable voice, Joseph DeAcetis continues to inspire and influence the world of fashion, setting new standards for success and innovation.
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