While there are many wonderful European maroquiniers or leather Maisons from France to choose from, Maison Goyard along with Fauré Le Page are those that typically stand out as Louis Vuitton is extremely more mainstream. Goyard originally started as the House of Martin in 1792 by Pierre-Fraçois Martin specialized in box-making, trunk-making, and packing. Originally the brand was known as a specialist in box-making, trunk-making, and packing. Pierre-Fraçois Martin was the guardian of a young woman named Pauline whom he arranged to marry his employee, Louis-Henry Morel. As her dowry for her wedding, Pierre-Fraçois Martin gave his business to Morel. In 1834, the House of Martin moved its store from 4, rue Neuve des Capucines to 347, rue Saint-Honoré. Even though the postal address changed to 233, rue Saint-Honoré in 1856 on account of a new street numbering system, its location has remained the same ever since.
Eleven years later in 1845, Morel hired a young 17-year old boy named François Goyard. Under the tutelage of Martin and Morel, young Goyard learned the craft of trunk making. After Morel's sudden death in 1852, François Goyard took over the company. The canvas used to make all Goyard goods is called the Goyardine canvas. When Edmond Goyard created the Goyardine canvas in 1892, he was inspired by his family history: the piled up dot pattern clearly hints at logs driven by his ancestors, and, although its appearance is similar to leather, the Goyardine is made with the same natural coated cloth mixing linen and cotton that the Compagnons de Rivières used for their garments. At once hard-wearing, soft and waterproof, the Goyardine proved a true technical revolution at a time when other trunk-makers were using plain linen cloth.
Like all family secrets, the exact manufacturing process of the Goyardine remains strictly confidential. Though it was originally hand-painted, the current process requires a ground-color application, followed by three successive layers of etching colors that create its trademark slightly raised pattern. Moreover, the Goyardine increases in beauty with age.
Distancing itself from fleeting trends, Goyard draws its inspiration from its exceptional heritage. Its timeless designs will appeal to discerning customers looking for uncompromising exclusivity, unparalleled craftsmanship, and aesthetic refinement.
The Goyard Goyardine Ambassade briefcase is a light but very durable briefcase relatively small in size. Only 10.75 inches tall, 16 inches wide and 4 inches deep, the briefcase is fitted with palladium-plated hardware, dual rolled top handles, single slip pocket at front with peg-in-hole closure, green leather trim, marigold canvas lining, four pockets at interior walls; one with zip closure and zip closure at top including a convenient lock.
Almost an exact color match o the green on a Rolex Submariner Hulk ref. 116610LV, the Goyard Goyardine Ambassade Briefcase is very well made but nowhere close to Fauré Le Page who only uses leather instead of canvas. Deep enough to fit a laptop, several notebooks and all other necessary things you have to carry with you, what makes this briefcase extremely desirable is its green color like the color of money. Better when paired with a Rolex Submariner Hulk on the wrist, especially on jubilee bracelet.
Sticker Price $3,770 USD. For more info on Goyard click here.