IMAGE SOURCE: HAMILTON, ELLIOT BROWN, CHRISTOPHER WARD, CERTINA, AU DÉPART
French trunk maker Au Départ has been designing travel accessories since the early 19th century when it opened its signature shop opposite the Gare du Nord, Paris, just as the boom in travel and adventure took hold. Despite falling by the wayside in the 1970s, Au Départ was recently revived by investors Luvanis and it is in ascendancy once more. While the owners of Au Départ may have changed, design-wise it’s familiar stuff and it has held onto its classic, elegant style while keeping the company’s reputation for beautifully crafted, luxury products. This watch holder is made in Italy from the label’s signature monogram-jacquard coated canvas, a design that was reputedly inspired by the floors of the ruins in Pompeii. It’s trimmed in butter-soft black leather and silver studs and accented by a logoengraved plaque that reads ‘malletier depuis 1834’ – ‘trunk maker since 1834’. It opens by a leather clasp into a velvet interior with two cushions in which to safely snuggle your most prized timepieces. If you’re planning a trip on the Orient Express, this will make an ideal accompaniment.