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Live at Lineapelle: Cutting Open My Leather Briefcase
- xoxo.minang
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
The Moment of Truth: Opening Setup
I never imagined that one day I would dissect my own bag in front of a live audience—but that’s exactly what happened at Lineapelle, the world’s most influential leather exhibition in Milan. Surrounded by leather insiders, craftsmen, and enthusiasts, I held my briefcase on stage, feeling the weight of anticipation. The crowd, buzzing with curiosity, became part of this unique experiment. Before the dissection even began, I captured the tension of the moment—the wide shots of the stage, the signage at the entrance, and the close-ups of the briefcase, each detail foreshadowing the journey about to unfold. There was a slow, suspenseful build-up, a feeling of nervous anticipation hanging in the air like a tangible presence.
Taking a Risk
Reflecting on that day, dissecting my own bag live was undeniably risky. Many things could have gone wrong—from unexpected reactions of the audience to the chance of damaging a bag I hold dear. Holding the knife, side angles showing the untouched leather, and seeing faces in the crowd all around me, the stakes felt high. Yet, the tension only made the experience more thrilling. The room seemed to pulse in sync with a low droning hum, amplifying every movement and decision.
The Bag’s Origin Story
This wasn’t just any briefcase. It was the result of a project that sparked my content journey three years ago. I had initially bought an expensive luxury briefcase to dissect, eager to uncover what made it special. To my surprise, the sales associate revealed that much of it wasn’t even real leather. That revelation was the turning point. I asked myself, “What if I created a classic briefcase using my favorite Italian vegetable-tanned leather?” And so, the idea for my own design was born. Flashbacks of that first dissection, close-ups of veg-tan leather sheets, and sketches of the Senior Briefcase marked the beginning of a journey defined by curiosity and craftsmanship.
The Birth of the Senior Briefcase
From that initial idea, the Senior Briefcase came to life. The first video documenting it received an overwhelming response, with many followers eagerly waiting months for their own. Each briefcase is carefully crafted in small batches, emphasizing quality over quantity. Behind the scenes, the process is meticulous: leather cutting, stitching, edge finishing, and careful assembly all come together to create a product that’s functional, durable, and beautiful. Customer reviews and photos showcase the impact of these small-batch creations and highlight the excitement surrounding the launch.
The Live Dissection
On stage, I put my own work under the microscope using my Five Pillars Framework: Leather Quality, Hardware, Design, Structure, and Craftsmanship. Every cut, every inspection, had to stand on its own merit.
1. Design – Score: 3/5
This is a classic, timeless briefcase design—functional and straightforward. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t push boundaries either. Clean, minimal, and practical, but nothing particularly innovative. That’s why it earned a 3 out of 5.
2. Craftsmanship – Score: 4/5
The stitches were neat and aligned, edges mostly folded and burnished, and the build was clean overall. No loose threads, no glaring errors. The handles had edge paint, but they could benefit from an additional layer for durability. It’s not spectacular, but for a complex build, it was executed well—earning a 4 out of 5.
3. Structure – Score: 3.5/5
The bag doesn’t rely on synthetic reinforcements like microfiber or fillers. Instead, it depends on the natural firmness of vegetable-tanned leather and minimal internal supports near the handles. It’s a simple approach that works, but it doesn’t involve advanced structural engineering. A solid effort, landing at 3.5 out of 5.
4. Hardware – Score: 3/5
At the time, I sourced the best hardware available in Turkey, which was decent but not exceptional. The standout is the YKK Excella zipper, which performs beautifully. The rest of the hardware is functional but lacks premium refinement. Overall, this category earns a 3 out of 5.
5. Leather Quality – Score: 4/5
The true star of this bag. The oiled, tumbled bull-shoulder vegetable-tanned leather from Santa Croce is full of natural character—visible grain variation, no plastic coating, and a soft aniline finish. The acetone test confirmed there’s no artificial plastic layer, just pure authenticity. The “crackling” break revealed heavy vegetable tannins inside. This is honest, top-tier leather, deserving of a 4 out of 5.
Lessons Learned and Takeaways
The dissection was not only a live demonstration but also a reflection on my journey. Surprisingly, I wasn’t nervous at all, and I enjoyed every moment. While the bag performed admirably, it didn’t achieve a perfect five-star rating. Imperfections were noted, providing opportunities for improvement in future projects. This candid approach reinforces that even the most carefully crafted items can evolve, and the process of refining leather goods is never truly complete.
Cost Breakdown and Value
For those curious about numbers, this bag costs €257 to produce, accounting for leather, hardware, and assembly. We price it at €1,028, applying a 4x multiplier to reflect the specialty vegetable-tanned leather. When compared to luxury briefcases in the market, the Senior Briefcase represents a compelling value for enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile quality, longevity, and story behind their leather goods. Visual graphics of raw material, labor, and hardware costs help illustrate this breakdown clearly, making the value proposition undeniable.
Product Availability and Offer
Currently, the Senior Briefcase in Togo leather is sold out due to high demand. However, the veg-tan version remains available in limited quantities in brown and black at pegai.com. New colors and preorders will be announced soon, ensuring collectors and enthusiasts can secure their own. For anyone seeking a lifetime leather briefcase that ages beautifully over time, the Senior Briefcase offers a unique opportunity to own a small-batch, meticulously crafted piece.
Closing Thoughts
As the event concluded, I walked through the venue, reflecting on the journey from that first luxury bag dissection to the creation and live review of my own work. Sharing the process with fellow leather enthusiasts was rewarding, and it reminded me why I started this journey: a love for craftsmanship, curiosity, and the thrill of learning through hands-on exploration. Until next time—stay leathertained.