Written by Peter Brooker in New Collections on the 23rd October 2015

You hear the word Detroit and you instantly think Robocop am I right? Even though the whole film was filmed in Dallas that's not the point. If you're an 80s child your brain can't help but make that lateral leap. But now Detroit has another claim to fame, a real one. Shinola is an all-American design company with studios in Detroit that tailor exclusive travel bags, handbags, totes, wallets and accessories exclusively from American-tanned leather.

Shinola have shaken up the Leather world etch a sketch by recruiting John Truex and Richard Lambertson as co-Design Directors. Truex and Lambertson first teamed up in 1998 and within two years they were recognised as the leading pioneers in precision cut leather by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and were awarded Accessories Designers of the Year. 

In 2009 the dynamic leather-clad duo joined forces with Tiffany & Co where they were assigned the task of creating a quintessentially American collection of handbags and leather accessories with global appeal. It would turn out to be their ultimate triumph and sealed their place in the Leather goods hall of fame.

Shinola aim to utilise the vast 30 year design experience of Truex (who cut his teeth in the houses of Falchi, Nine West before going on to be director of design at Calvin Klein) with Lambertson's expertise in furnishing and impeccable eye for quality-based luxury. In Shinola’s Detroit design studio, Lambertson and Truex have established an atelier with a team of local craftspeople to develop and manufacture each piece in the Shinola Leather Collection to the finest detail from exclusively American-sourced leathers.

With the brand's commitment to quality and durability, every timeless piece from their AW15 Leather Collection is destined to last a lifetime. The artisans handpicked by Truex and Lambertson have burnt calories ensuring each item is precision cut cleanly from full-grain hides that gain character with age. Much like Robocop's first directive, Shinola delivers on serving the public trust, fusing modern attitude with timeless style. And unlike Robocop, everything happens in Detroit.

Learn more about Shinola's handcrafted goods by checking out their London store located at 13 Newburgh St Soho, W1F 7RS or visit the newly launched Makers Monday hub  which recognizes the growing community of makers around the world who offer well-made, thoughtful products with an emphasis on design and craft.

A first look at the Shinola Autumn/Winter 2015 Leather Goods collection handpicked by John Truex and Richard Lambertson.