HANDCRAFTED

'FROM MY GRANDFATHER’S INVOLVEMENT WITH LEATHER ON THE FARM, TO MY SON’S PASSION FOR AUSTRALIAN MADE LEATHER GOODS. NOW THE SON SHINES.'

– ROSS HANLON®

Today in homage to Tom Hanlon®, Christopher’s Great Grandfather, and his pioneering farm located on HANLON ROAD in Goomalibee, Australian sustainable leathers are proudly used for Hanlon® branded leather goods. Each rare piece is handmade by an expert team of makers for a new generation of connoisseurs.

Christopher oversees the production process. From the selection of leather, sewing threads, studs and rivets to the final scrutiny of the hand polishing on the jewel-like enamel hardware. Hanlon’s® team channel Australian craftsmanship inspired from over a century ago, into making modern Australian colonial luxury goods. An antipodean tradition of love.

Making utilitarian objects superlative.

Built originally to withstand what Australia out back could throw at them, the CHRISTOPHER HANLON® Leather Bag has become an expression of craftsmanship and versatility. For generations of locals to a cool Sydney crowd the vintage heritage appeal of a HANLON® leather luxury bag, wallet or belt is universal. A devoted interest in sustainable design extends to every aspect of Christopher’s work.

"My bags double as an event showcase bag or workbag, however they are so strong they can be worn while in the saddle horse ridding. They have definitely acquired cult status in the city," Christopher says. "Tweens and teens are also keen to get their hands on them – as they can lug heavy loads plus fit snug while skateboarding, bicycling or commuting." Christopher Hanlon® continues the conversation: "I don’t apply ephemera to the bags because they often become heirlooms for a generation or two. Scribbles, paint splashes and the like are a no-go over these classic investment pieces." Hanlon® explains, "I am happy to leave cartoon motifs, graffiti et cetera for others to personally pursue or apply." By contrast Hanlon® branded leathers are intrinsically beautiful with minimal embellishments – naturally highlighting their signature nuances such as the hand stitching, hand rolled edges or the handmade enamel metal badge. As every leather piece is individually constructed the finished bags (and wallets and belts) display characteristic imperfections reflecting qualities from the artist’s hand rather than computer aided machinery, for example. Importantly the leathers are sourced from local farms and tanneries in order to support the Australian producer economy and assist other cottage industries. Call it a slow-fashion aesthetic. It’s a philosophy.

CHRISTOPHER HANLON® Leather Goods are made from selected Australian cowhide which is the product not only of hand picked skins but also the tanner’s finest skills. Durable for work and play but also elegant for the dress circle. "My bags were once simple Geelong country bags that coincidently went to town in Sydney." Hanlon® continues, "I wanted to create unique handmade leather bags that were all-occasion from a night at the pub to a formal event and this is still the primary feature of these products today." In fact very little has changed since those timeless designs first hit Sydney streets and an outback town more than a quarter of a century ago. The bags were a hit and the sturdy workhorse construction patterns have remained – an exceptional achievement in a fast fashion world. "There aren’t many industries that have not dramatically altered but our handcrafted bags have barely changed their DNA." Christopher says proudly.