'Hide 'N' Chic

From practical computer-compatible bags to sleek business card holders, leather accessories define corporate couture, says Susan George

Keeping track of the avalanche of appointments scheduled for the day doesn’t come easy for young human resources executive, Neha Cherian, but jotting down meetings in her planner helps sequence things. The fact that the yearly planner is leather bound could be incidental, but for Cherian, there’s an ‘of course it is’ factor attached to it. Whether it is the case for her sunglasses or her workbag, it’s leather all the way. “I need to maintain a certain profile with people I interview. Leather is classy and gives a business-like, professional impression which helps especially if you’re in the business of meeting people,” says Cherian, who interviews about 30 people a day, at the banking BPO where she works.

If you’re keen on creating the well-groomed corporate image, an un-creased business suit and polished shoes just don’t do it anymore. It’s almost imperative that your business ensemble extends to a soft leather briefcase, a subtly sophisticated, leather-bound diary and the indispensable fashion accoutrement - a sleek black laptop bag. Leather accessories, especially those embossed with big-brand logos, have become totems marking one’s entry into the big league. We’re not talking staid leather briefcases and frumpy handbags. Experimenting with designs and textures while keeping things practical, research and development teams in fashion houses are creating leather accessories geared for the urbane corporate executive. Like Dilip Kapur, president, Hidesign, points out, “The young business executive just does not want to look like his father.”

To spout some business terminology, there has been a ‘paradigm shift’ in the deal-wheeling world, and while passion, drive and grit still count, so does the ostensible impression one creates. Picking up on this, corporate gear is getting more edgy and versatile. For instance, Kapur indicates that with the shift towards a more casual lifestyle, more and more people are carrying flap-over, cross-body large bags as workbags, instead of the regular briefcase. Hidesign, the first Indian brand to be retailed in premium international outlets, recently launched the ‘Etrusca’ line for those at “the top of the executive ladder”, daring to disagree with the well-worn black leather look. The latest leather trends have pervaded the world of women executives as well. “Gone are the copy Gucci and YSL bags - the woman executive has the choice now to opt for bags that are contemporary and fashionable, but not like men’s briefcases. These are larger bags that can take paperwork and all the daily work stuff that every executive needs. While the bag looks serious, it still is clearly feminine,” contends Kapur, who has launched the ‘Professionelle’ collection tailored to meet the specific needs of the working woman. The confirmation comes from Cherian, “Fakes are totally out. If you can’t afford the real thing, to go in for a fake product is really pseudo. It shows people that you’re trying to be something you’re not, and they will probably have their guard up when they meet you. It’s a psychological thing.”

Today, it’s not only the head honcho, who darts around the workplace with a shiny black laptop case and supercilious good mornings. While still deemed a status symbol, laptops are carted around with élan by several sections of the workforce, enhancing the ‘I take work home’ image. To complement this persona, a bevy of computer-compatible bags has hit the work spot. Mukul Sukhani, vice president, Lasalle India, points out that the company has introduced a new line of products like the Wheel Port - a relatively novel concept for the Indian business traveller. The Lasalle brand, which made its debut in the domestic market two years ago, is continuing to make waves in the soft luggage category. “We have introduced the wheel port in the price range of Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,400 in six different models. Our wheel port for computers is an all-leather case with wheels, which can accommodate a laptop, files, a change of clothes for a two-day trip etc. There’s been a huge explosion in the laptop market and the need for such products is set to grow.”

Thinking on its feet, Hidesign has come up with a versatile add-on to their briefcases - a detachable computer sleeve is now part of the design of all their briefcases, with inner compartments intended to accommodate peripherals like cables and CDs.

Retail stores like Witco, which has branches spread across the south, have seen a spurt in sales of leather accessories. Having just organised an ‘Executive Decision’ exhibition, showcasing products for the business executive, Witco’s managing director, VP Harris, has a detailed picture on what the corporate bigwig is looking for.

“Briefcases are passé and soft portfolios are now the favourite of executives on the move. There are of course a variety of models to cater to different functional and aesthetic needs. Portfolios are definitely the flavour of the period among both men and women,” he says. Adds Sukhani of Lasalle, “The percentage of people buying hard leather briefcase has been dipping - they are not only heavier to carry, they don’t afford flexibility.”

This trend extends to business trips as well, with the jet-setting executive demonstrating a clear penchant for soft leather bags. Harris points out that laptop provision and trolley attachment are most popular among the frequent travellers. Sukhani agrees that accessories of business travellers have traditionally been functional with basic aesthetics. Another up-and-coming trend is leather accessories becoming the perfect corporate gift. Classy, yet functional, smaller leather accessories like wallets, desktop stationery, and planners, are solving the ‘what do I gift my boss?’ quandary. Says Cherian, “More and more people are thinking of leather accessories as good gifts. A leather wallet, for instance, is not too personal, and it’s the kind of gift that would leave an impression on a colleague or your boss.” Hidesign accessories, for instance, include leather coasters and mouse pads, giving a whole new take to corporate gifting.

Says Sukhani, “As far as leather goes, it is synonymous with luxury. It is not easy to obtain and there is a certain aura attached to it.” There’s no two ways about it: leather lends a stamp of elitism to your corporate garb. While you may scorn the idea of emptying your wallet, simply to get noticed, leather accessories are becoming more affordable and are just plain practical. Who knows, a leather accessory may be just the thing to complement that almost-foolproof presentation you have to make next week.