The Cambridge Satchel Company’s creative practicality

The Cambridge Satchel has become a ubiquitous sight on university campuses throughout the United Kingdom, merging the utilitarianism of a sturdy book bag with the studiousness of its aesthetic.

Founded just four years ago, the heritage association of the company belies its contemporary foundation; its connotations with public school uniforms of the 40s regresses its appearance. Disparaging the ostentation of the it bag – its contender when the company was established – the Cambridge Satchel defiantly conquers the frivolity of the designer handbag by its steadfast refusal to succumb to seasonal variation. While the designs change little from season to season, with the inclusion of new colours and other slight deviations from The Classic satchel, these are innovations of an emergent label and its devotees remain persistent. The Cambridge Satchel is for the fashion conscious who prioritise unassuming practicality over pomposity.

Yet the allure of the Cambridge Satchel is not just reserved for the student, who chooses to tote their Sartre in this quintessence of academia rather than a lacklustre, canvas bag. Its embodiment of unpretentiousness has been well received in the fashion world and the innovative styles reflect this esteem. Garnishing their 2012 range with a “glitter sheen” finish, this year’s collection is a successful compromise between the simplistic principle of the label and the desires of its new found popularity. Akin to adopting a slightly edgier style in order to assimilate into a supposedly cooler friendship circle, gilding their satchels has allowed The Cambridge Satchel Company to rotate in the spheres of the stylish. Yet, by maintaining the same design as its predecessors, the 2012 collection juxtaposes classic with contemporary and revels in this approval; embracing sartorial prerequisites, their satchels dash from library to party with the composure unknown to the gaudy bags of noughties flamboyance.Beyond the sartorial, the Cambridge Satchel will continue to transcend the limitations of seasonal trends. The company’s excellence can be found in its handmade finish, the durability of the leather and the personalisation of embossing which individualise each bag to its loving wearer. Here is a bag which could be worn every day and still achieve its function; such is the benefit of the inconspicuous.

Ryan Brown