For those looking for leather wallets and accessories that complement a suit style, we recommend ETTINGER , a brand originating in London. In the 1950s, when only single-color leather goods such as black and tan were available, ETTINGER adopted a combination of different colors for the exterior and interior. This innovative approach was embraced by gentlemen, and today, ETTINGER is so widely recognized that the bridle leather series with its yellow interior comes to mind when people think of ETTINGER, and many fans collect the entire series of leather goods. This time, we will introduce the charm of ETTINGER , which offers a lineup of leather products that develop a unique character the more you use them.

1. History Section: The history of ETTINGER , which began with a family of tailors in the British Army.

The Ettinger family of London, a family of tailors for the British military for generations, established a company to manufacture leather goods in 1934. In the early days of the brand, their handmade leather goods, which incorporated materials reminiscent of horse saddles, gained a reputation and they received orders for leather goods from renowned stores around the world. In London and New York, the "HAND MADE IN ENGLAND" stamp became a mark of gentlemanly quality.

For horse saddles, the part that the rider sits on is made of bridle leather, which is resistant to rain and water, while the inner part that touches the horse's back is made of soft vegetable-tanned leather (panel hide) to prevent the horse from getting hurt.

ETTINGER drew inspiration from equestrian equipment and directly applied it to leather goods. The exterior is made of durable bridle leather that has been thinned to achieve an elegant quality so as not to interfere with a gentleman's attire, while the interior uses soft yellow panel hide. This combination quickly attracted attention and is the original combination for ETTINGER 's leather goods today.

Subsequently, in 1996, the company was granted the prestigious Royal Warrant by Prince Charles (the current King), and in 2000, it received the Gift of the Year award. The company officially launched in Japan in 1999, offering a lineup of essential items for gentlemen, including leather goods, accessories, and attaché cases. The Royal Warrant proudly adorns each and every product.

Related article: [Interview] Robert Ettinger of ETTINGER | New colors for the 15th year

2. Manufacturing Section
Bridle leather is an essential element in defining ETTINGER 's style.

Traditional bridle leather has been used for centuries as the most quintessential British leather, primarily for equestrian equipment. Bridle leather possesses a unique presence, thickness, and superior durability, but ETTINGER 's bridle leather is different from traditional bridle leather.

The bridle leather, specially prepared for ETTINGER leather goods, is dyed with exceptional precision, a hallmark of ETTINGER 's refined leather products. Additionally, the London Tan panel hide, primarily used on the interior of the products, is vegetable-tanned cowhide that meets stringent quality standards.

ETTINGER leather goods are made in their own factory in Birmingham, using skills passed down through generations to maintain high quality. Many of the craftsmen have been doing the same work for generations, and it is not uncommon for some to have been working for over 20 years.

While significant investments are being made, including training many artisans, to meet international quality standards and improve production efficiency, the apprenticeship system aims to revive the once-flourishing industry by bringing back young artisans and allowing them to acquire specialized skills.

ETTINGER products are known for their slim designs, but every step of the process—from thinning high-quality leather while maintaining durability, to the elegant stitching and the process of turning the leather over—is done by hand, showcasing the skill of the craftsmen.

3. Popular Series Edition

1) BRIDLE HIDE COLLECTION: A collection using bridle hide, a signature material of ETTINGER

ETTINGER 's "BRIDLE HIDE COLLECTION" uses bridle leather, famous for its use in equestrian equipment such as reins, bits, and saddles. Waxed cowhide is highly durable and water-resistant. The technique of using bridle leather on the outside and panel hide on the inside is a way of using materials that stems from respect for horses, humanity's trusted companions. Due to the characteristics of the material, a white powder called "bloom" may appear on the surface of bridle leather. This is the wax that has been impregnated into the leather gradually rising to the surface. Brush it with a leather brush or rub it into the leather with a soft cloth.

Both the bifold wallet with a coin pocket and the slim long wallet with a simple design featuring card slots and a bill compartment are popular for their smart form that fits easily into the inner pockets of jackets and coats. The leather key case with four hooks and a rotating ring, and the compact and easy-to-use key ring are also recommended as gifts. All of these items possess the style befitting a prestigious British brand, and will only gain character with use.

These Isetan-exclusive bi-fold and long wallets feature black bridle leather on the exterior and bottle green, a color that can be considered symbolic of Britain, on the interior. The bi-fold wallet is sized to fit smoothly into bags and pockets, while the long wallet is a Japanese-specific design, sized to fit 10,000 yen bills. It's a minimalist new standard that includes a zippered coin pocket, a gusseted bill compartment, three flat pockets, and space for five cards.

2) STERLING COLLECTION
A collection inspired by the watermark colors of British sterling pound banknotes.

ETTINGER 's "STERLING COLLECTION" features four interior colors inspired by the watermarks on British sterling pound banknotes. Among them, the purple color is also known as the "Royal Collection" by fans, and many people collect this color, making it a signature color of the brand.

The exterior is very simple, made of black calfskin, but when you open it, a vibrant color peeks out from the inside—a playful series in true British style.

 

The "Sterling Collection," featuring a range of calf leather wallets in the colors of British pound banknotes, includes a bifold wallet, a mini wallet with a tab and an external coin pocket, a long wallet with striking contrasting interior and exterior colors, and a classic money clip. The exterior is black calf leather, while the interior comes in four colorful options: purple, orange, red, and turquoise, creating a stylish design where vivid colors are subtly visible. Enjoy switching them out to match your outfit.

This is a chic Isetan-exclusive series business card holder and trifold wallet with a navy interior. The exterior uses the same black calfskin as the popular "Sterling Series," and the interior is navy, creating a unique combination that is typical of ISETAN MEN'S . The business card holder is the 143 model, a representative model of ETTINGER known for its slimness, and its two compartments on the top and bottom are ideal for sorting business cards. The main compartment can hold about 30 cards.

View Ettinger products on Mitsukoshi Isetan Online.