Manero

Imported from America

December 23, 2011

La economía.

We know. You want to help. Quiere tu ayuda. And everyone knows about your generosity when it comes to providing stimulus packages.

Problem is, just about everything you need these days seems to come from a secret Japanese laboratory, a cattle ranch in Patagonia or a small village outside Milan.

So consider it your loca-economic duty to check out Libero Ferrero, a fresh new line of handsome leather luggage produced right here in Chicago, accepting orders now.

At this very moment, the cowhide technicians at Bucktown’s own Horween Leather are fashioning a few supple cuts of exquisitely tanned leather, just as they have since 1905. Once the leather reaches your desired hue of black cherry, hickory or black, it’s off to LA for some stitching—because even cowhide needs a little break from the Chicago winter every once in a while.

Whether you choose the oversized briefcase, the wool-print duffle or the messenger designed like a doctor’s bag from 1954, you’ll find plenty of perfectly placed compartments for your laptop, your iPad, tonight’s after-hours attire and last night’s laundry. And just in case you find yourself at the occasional NASCAR mixer, a large “Made in USA” tag provides you the necessary cachet.

Every surface of your new leathery compañero is local—well, except the wool fabric lining, sourced from a legendary tailor on London’s Savile Row.

Seriously, almost a deal breaker.