“While we have always designed with men in mind, our clean lines, luxurious materials and thoughtful details have always appealed to women too,” says Samuel Bail, who set up independent brand Troubadour Goods in 2011, in partnership with Abel Samet.
A quest for the perfect, easy to use and easy to pack overnight bag led Bail and Samet to launch their own brand. The duo's original holdall has since inspired a collection of accessories including lightweight nylon backpacks and handy tote bags; all boast a five-year guarantee.
This spring marks the launch of Troubadour Goods' debut women's collection: coming full circle, this latest addition to the brand's offering is also inspired by a team-member searching for – and failing to find – the ideal accessory.
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“What I love about Troubadour is that unique mix of sophisticated, streamlined aesthetic and focus on performance: the clean lines, the waterproof leather, the discreet but practical pockets, the extra comfy straps and handles and super smooth zippers,” explains the marque's creative director Samantha Jacob, who joined Bail and Samet in 2015 following roles with Whistles and Anya Hindmarch. “I’ve searched my entire career for an everyday bag that ticks all these boxes.”
The new collection, which required over two years of development, comprises three designs including the Ki cross-body (below) and the Contour oval bag, available in black, navy, concrete grey or pale pink. Jacob's Zola shoulder bag is a feat of engineering: it is crafted from just two pieces of material. “I’m inspired by world-changing women and their modern lifestyles. By architecture, the subtle landscapes, and women with busy lives who yearn for simplicity,” enthuses the designer. “Minimal design, that’s timeless, engineered to perform beautifully and built to last.”
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