Ladies hand shoulder bag, anthracite

The simple ladies' bag Harold’s is made of extremely soft, vegetable-tanned cowhide. The matte surface is not covered with paint and therefore shows the natural grain. Held in a practical landscape format, the handbag holds up to A4 sized documents or a laptop and can definitely be taken to the office. The spacious main compartment lined with blue cotton twill closes with a zipper. Inside it is worked with two slip pockets and a zippered compartment that holds small items such as cell phone and wallet. The bag is equipped with both carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap made of strong saddle leather. The end of the strap can be retracted into a small side pocket and thus does not interfere; a shoulder pad ensures wearing comfort.

Harold’ has its leather goods designed in Germany and manufactured in a Colombian manufactory. The fruitful cooperation goes back to the mid-1980s. Eventually, it involves more than usual: Based on legal employment contracts, the collaboration provides the Columbian workers with reliable working conditions, ensures their coverage in health and accident insurances, and contributes to a pension scheme. Therefore, many of the employees have been working in the company for more than 20 years. Over the years, they have accumulated relevant expertise and experience in leather processing. That’s not a given in South America’s leather goods industry: Typical for the sector is a high proportion of migrant workers and fluctuations in the workforce. No less impressive is Harold’s conscientious handling of the extensive safety regulations: The working conditions meet European standards, for example, by putting forward muffled acoustics, adequate floor space and exemplary cleanliness. A large part of the machinery originates in Europe as well. The leather comes from nearby kept cattle grazing outdoors all year round, as is customary in South America. The tanned leather’s surface still shows the natural grain and traces of the animal’s life, such as mosquito bites or small cracks, and soon the patina typical of leather will form on it. Harold’s has the lining fabrics and metal parts produced by partner companies based close to the Colombian manufactory.