Founded in 1845 in Boston by Henry W. Cross, Mark Cross began its journey as a bridle, harness, and saddle maker - like most brands from this period. The brand’s transformation into a luxury leather goods company began when Patrick Murphy, an employee, purchased it and expanded its offerings. Under the leadership of Patrick’s son, Gerald Murphy, Mark Cross gained international recognition, primarily through its association with Hollywood. One of the brand’s most notable moments was when Gerald designed an overnight case for Grace Kelly’s character in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film, "Rear Window" - which has been reissued.
After dormancy in the late 1990s, Mark Cross was revived in 2011 by Neal J. Fox, who ensured that the brand’s products continued to be manufactured in the same Italian factories as before. This revival marked a new era for Mark Cross, blending its rich heritage with modern luxury.
Iconic Designs
Mark Cross is renowned for its timeless and elegant designs that have stood the test of time. Some of the brand’s most iconic pieces include:
The Grace Box Bag: Inspired by the overnight case designed for Grace Kelly in “Rear Window,” this bag symbolizes classic Hollywood glamour and is made in Saffiano leather today.
The Madeline Bag: A versatile and sophisticated piece that embodies the brand’s commitment to luxury and craftsmanship.
The Romy Clutch and Eleanor Tote: These designs blend historical motifs with modern aesthetics, making them popular choices among fashion enthusiasts.
Mark Cross prides itself on using the finest materials and traditional artisanship to create its products. The brand sources its leather from Italy, ensuring that skilled artisans meticulously hand-crafted each piece. The color palette is restricted, from saddle brown to off-white and black. It uses tumbled or Saffiano leather for all of its products.
By maintaining strong relationships with Italian factories and their artisans, Mark Cross continues to uphold its legacy of luxury and excellence. Sitting firmly among the countless other heritage brands revived over the past 15 years by entrepreneurs and investors, intending to corner discerning luxury customers and provide them with options beyond LVMH and Kering.
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