Shinola Detroit … what’s the scoop?

I’ve always had a bit of a thing about leather goods. Something to do with the smell of the stuff has me immediately reaching for my wallet (leather ‘natch) in order to snaffle up that item and its aroma and drag it home with me. This obsession normally results in me adding to my vast shoe collection, but on a recent reconnoitre of The Communications Store press day, a waft of glorious leather caught my fancy. I followed my senses and came across up-and-coming brand Shinola – luxury purveyors of all things stylish.

The Shinola team have been making waves Stateside thanks to their determination to hurl themselves into the design process of creating beautifully crafted old school items; whilst jumping on the fine cause of helping to regenerate the manufacturing industry in Detroit. What’s not to love about those two ideals succeeding?

Since acquiring the iconic Shinola name (remember the old shoe polish brand?) the current team have set about mustering a group of crafts people to deliver amazing goods ranging from hand-crafted Detroit-built watches, to hand-assembled bicycles with gorgeous leather saddles, right through to journals and other luxe leather goods.

There’s something here for everyone and it’s certainly a joy to while away the time on their website… sadly with no smell-a-vision included for me. Luckily they’ve recently opened up in the UK with a store just off London’s Carnaby Street at 13 Newburgh Street, W1, so head on in there for a nosey around and a whiff of their divine leather products.

You can also shop their range here at Mr Porter, or here at Liberty of London.