Meet Jack Spade: iconic American purveyor of the ‘it’ bag for men

Jack Spade has landed on British shores. The menswear brand has become something of a US fashion institution since its launch in New York City in 1997 and has chosen London to open its very first European store.

Jack Spade was the brainchild of Andy Spade and his wife who, as you may have already guessed, is none other than handbag doyenne Kate Spade. They wanted to design and create bags for men that were neither too precious nor too boring, that were well-crafted and built to stand the test of time; that were utilitarian, but still stylish. The original bags were sold, believe it or not, in a hardware store. However, in 1999, the first Jack Spade store opened its doors on Greene Street in NYC’s SoHo and a range of products such as trench coats were added to the line to complement the bags.  

The concept behind Jack Spade rang true and the brand soon became a favourite, both amongst the uptown Manhattan and Hamptons set and downtowners and Brooklynites alike. Nary a fashionable shoulder is seen these days that is not sporting a bag featuring the iconic and discreet, square Jack Spade logo tab. 

The London store is, given the label’s birthplace, aptly located in London’s Soho at 83 Brewer Street. London’s fashionable blades can now shop Jack Spade’s all-American wares in the store’s almost hyper-masculine environment, which reflects the brand’s overall aesthetic. 

Alongside the iconic waxed canvas messenger bags and backpacks are sturdy totes and weekenders, all of which come in a startling array of colour and material variations that leave one spoilt for choice. The shop also carries the full Jack Spade complement of products. This includes outerwear and clothing, wallets, ties, small leather goods, pocket squares, laptop, iPad and phone, amongst other diverse items. In essence, Jack Spade is the one-stop shop for men who want to look good and to have well-made, understated and stylish clothing and accessories.

Click here to check out the rest of the collection.

Ian Michael Turner