Bespoke Travel Bag in Crocodile and Buffalo Leather
A bespoke black buffalo and crocodile leather travel bag — made entirely by hand for a client with strong personal taste. This commission came from a returning client in New York, for whom I had previously made a few watch straps — mostly for gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches. Each of those earlier pieces was crafted to fit both the watch case and the personality behind it.
Now, he reached out with a new request: a travel bag. But not just any bag — he was looking for something personal, well-built, and unique in character. A piece that would go beyond familiar luxury brands and reflect his own aesthetic sense. A product not simply selected, but envisioned.
He wanted a bag that would hold its form even when empty. One that wouldn’t collapse or lose its structure after storage or transport. That meant designing the construction from within — using reinforcement materials from Jaeger, carefully embedded between layers of leather to preserve the silhouette.
The materials were chosen with bold precision: black crocodile leather paired with black buffalo leather, fully lined in supple goatskin. The combination is rich in contrast and tactile experience — smooth and grainy, soft and firm. Silver-colored hardware complements the look without stealing the attention. There’s a zipped inner pocket, a removable name tag, and an adjustable shoulder strap for different ways of carrying.
It took twenty days of meticulous handwork to complete this bag. From material selection to stitching and final assembly, every step was done with deliberate care and full attention to detail. When the client received the finished piece, he confirmed that it met his expectations. For me, this commission was more than just a technically demanding task — it became a personal benchmark for what a crafted item should be when made for someone with clear taste and high standards.
You can support the master and learn more about the production process on my Patreon page.
This bespoke black buffalo and crocodile leather travel bag is now part of a private collection.
Date:
03.03.2023
Maksim T2 years ago
The bag met all my expectations. The materials, the way it feels in hand, the attention to detail — this is exactly what I was looking for. Once I received it and had the chance to experience it in person, I knew I wanted additional accessories in this buffalo/crocodile combination. But that’s a conversation for another time… Viktor, thank you for your work. These aren’t just things — they feel made for me.
Victor Kondratenko2 years ago
Thank you for these kind words. It means a great deal to me when an item resonates on a personal level — when it becomes an extension of one’s style and values. Your trust and vision are truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to be part of this journey. I’m ready to explore your next ideas whenever you are.