Ghurka

Profile

Inspired by the nineteenth century kits used by the brigade of legendary Nepalese soldiers the brand was named for, Ghurka’s leatherwork blends raw durability with an urban fashion sensibility. The refined military styles of the handmade and individually numbered goods, which include luggage, satchels, and messenger, tote, and cross-body bags, largely stem from the 1975 works of the American designer and entrepreneur Marley Hodgson, who also owned the belt and brace brand, Trafalgar. In the Fifth Avenue location, black rod racks display a range of available leathers, twills, plaids, and canvases. On the top shelves sit antiquated hardcover books, wire fans, binoculars, and tattered traveling gear, which, along with a pair of scarred leather chairs, furnish the atmosphere of both a safari tent and a cigar room — but with better lighting. Among the Ghurka goods on a central wooden table and scattered about the room are an array of auxiliary products, including Ernest Alexander ties, Super sunglasses, Land by Land candles, and Izola flasks, some of which include the inscription “PUT SOME HAIR ON YOUR CHEST.” And on the way out, on the right, a small picture of the Ghurka soldiers offer a salute. — Nate Hopper