Akubra 2015 Retail Brochure

Luggage& Accessories

2015

Photographed at Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa – Australia

‘Respecting the past and looking forward to the future’

Why AKUBRA chose Wolgan Valley Resort as the setting for this launch?

Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is nestled in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, home to the ancient Wollemi Pine; an exceptional specimen of tree with origins that date back more than 200 million years.

The resort was built on the philosophy of complete integration with its environment, using natural and recycled materials such as sandstone and timber mostly sourced within a 100km radius, and so represents the very embodiment of the credo with which the new AKUBRA luggage & accessories range was created.

It is precisely because of this union of sentiment that the resort was chosen as the location for this photographic shoot. AKUBRA luggage & accessories are neoclassical in design and use only high quality raw materials that have been treated and prepared using traditional and natural methods. More than a simple brochure, the pages that follow will take you on a unique journey which we sincerely hope you will enjoy.

Signature Lining

AKUBRA’s exclusive, signature lining is entitled ‘Aerial Farm View’.

The name is a literal description of an abstracted image of the mighty stations and paddocks of Australia’s outback when seen from the air. It is rendered in the rich hues of

the soil and minerals found beneath them.

The magnificent ochred oranges of the Centre to the greys and blues of the basalt rocks of

Western Australia form the vast and natural palette used in this lining.

This lining is effectively the keystone for the entire range and will continue to feature

each season. It will grow to be entirely synonymous with the Akubra brand itself.

Welcome to this, the inaugural AKUBRA luggage and accessory range

This range is a true ‘first’ in AKUBRA’s one hundred and thirty year history. It is also the product of a great deal of research and development.

The leather used is premium, Australian oil pull up, which is one of the finest leathers in the world. Unlike top dyed leathers which are finished to an artificially uniform colour, oil pull up is first salt cured, then tanned with natural dyes before being finished with special oils that allow the natural striations and variegation inherent in the hides to remain.

This finish also lends the leather a wonderfully supple and silken finish while remaining perfectly dry to the touch.

However, the most distinctive feature ofoil pull up leather is that over time it willacquire a splendid patina that becomesunique to each item and indeed its owner.

Most leather goods in the range areavailable in two finish options: plain oilpull up leather and crocodile press oil pullup leather.

The range is also complemented by aselection of items made from noughtweight, pure cotton duck canvas withleather trim.

Yarra - Hip Wallet

A classic, bi-fold wallet for all occasionsmade from oil pull up leather.Taking its name from the river that runsfrom the Yarra ranges through the centreof Melbourne and into the Bass Strait.

Product height 9cm with 6 credit card slots.

RRP - $94.95

www.akubrastore.com.au

Snowy - Money Clip

A contemporary item, this money clip is made from oil pull up leather and is the perfect banknote and credit card holder for both dress and casual wear.The Snowy Mountains form the only Alpine mountain range on the mainland of Australia.

Product height: 7cm with 4 credit card slots.

RRP - $59.95

RRP - $199.95

Nepean - Messenger Bag

For today’s everyman, the messenger bag has become ubiquitous. This fine example has been crafted from pure cotton, nought weight duck canvas, and trimmed in oil pull up leather. The Nepean River is equally ubiquitous in regard to Sydney as it virtually surrounds the city and supplies much of its vital drinking water.

Available in black or brown canvas with leather trim: each with the exclusive AKUBRA ‘Aerial Farm View’ lining.

Both the Kempsey and Yarra are available in black or brown plain and croc press: each with the exclusive AKUBRA ‘Aerial Farm View’ lining.

Available in black or brown: each with the exclusive AKUBRA ‘Aerial Farm View’ lining.

Kempsey - Wallet

A compact, bi-fold wallet ideal for today’s contemporary clothing. Made from oil pull up leather. This accessory item honours the NSW hometown of the Akubra brand.

Product height 8cm with 4 credit card slots.

RRP - $74.95

4


Perisher - Tri-Fold Wallet

This women’s wallet in oil pull up leather is an essential wardrobe piece that holds copious amounts of cards, notes and coins in an elegant and slender tri-fold format. Perisher Valley is Australia’s home to that most elegant of sports: skiing.

This wallet features 8 credit card slots.

RRP - $149.95

Alice - Cross-BodyClutch

Sophistication is the single word that encapsulates this beautifully crafted cross-body clutch bag. A ‘go anywhere’ piece at home in any environment. The bag honours Alice Springs, the geographical centre of Australia, a point from which one can ‘go anywhere’.

This wallet features 6 credit card slots.

RRP - $199.95


The Alice - Cross-Body Clutch and Perisher - Tri-Fold Wallet are both available in black or brown plain and croc press: each with the exclusive AKUBRA ‘Aerial Farm View’ lining.

6




Sydney - Travel Wallet

This handsome travel wallet is made from oil pull up leather, one of the finest leathers available. It is treated with special oils that allow the natural beauty, including the imperfections of the hide, to be seen rather than obscured. The Sydney celebrates Australia’s most vibrant city, many a traveller’s most coveted destination. As will this item become the traveller’s constant companion.

RRP - $199.95

12


Goulburn - Wetpack

An essential part in any traveller’s kit, this wash bag is made from pure cotton, nought weight duck canvas, and trimmed in oil pull up leather. Goulburn is one of the oldest country towns in Australia. Steeped in heritage architecture, it was once synonymous with the country’s rich wool and gold resources.

RRP - $124.95

Available in black or brown plain and croc press: each with the exclusive AKUBRA ‘Aerial Farm View’ lining.


www.akubrastore.com.au8

This craftsman made travel bag is inspired by the classic Gladstone bag, many of which found their way to Australia during the great migration of the 1900s. It features a solid brass handmade mortise lock. It is fitting therefore that it is named in honour of the great Australian Sir Douglas Mawson one of the most celebrated Antarctic explorers in the world. Mawson’s was the first portrait to appear on the Australian one hundred dollar note.

RRP - $1499.95

Mawson - Gladstone Bag

There is nothing more Australian than the notion of travel. From swagman to backpacker, the bag is a symbol of those travellers. John ‘Chips’ Rafferty was possessed of those most quintessential Australian traits that all have come to love and admire. Laconic, honest and steadfast, just the qualities you need when travelling far and wide.

RRP - $249.95


Rafferty - Drum Bag

Photographed at Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa – Australia10

The Mawson is available in black or brown plain and croc press: each with the exclusive AKUBRA ‘Aerial Farm View’ lining.


Leura - Shopper

This quintessential shopper bag is a ‘must have’ piece. Both stylish and functional, its uses go far beyond those to which its broad description alludes. Made from pure cotton, nought weight duck canvas, and trimmed in oil pull up leather. It is apt therefore that this bag should take its name from one of the country’s prettiest and most eclectic towns.

RRP - $99.95


The History of AkubraIn 1874 Benjamin Dunkerley arrived in Tasmania from England and decided to start a hat making business in Hobart. His skills as a hatter were backed by his ability to invent machinery, and soon after his arrival he had developed a mechanical method of removing the hair tip from rabbit fur so the under-fur could be used in felt hat making. Previously this task had to be done by hand.

In the early 1900’s Dunkerley moved the business to Crown Street, Surry Hills, an inner suburb of Sydney, setting up a small hat making factory.

In 1904 Stephen Keir I, who had also migrated from England, joined Dunkerley. Keir had hat making experience from England, and was seen as a valuable acquisition for the business. In 1905 he married Ada Dunkerley, Benjamin’s daughter and soon after was made General Manager. Since that time the hat making firm has been in the hands of succeeding generations of the Keir family. In 1911, the business became Dunkerley Hat Mills Ltd, and had a mere nineteen employees.

The trade name “Akubra” came into use in 1912. The increasing

popularity resulted in the move to larger premises in Bourke Street, Waterloo and expanded production, especially of Slouch hats during World War I. Soon after all hats were branded Akubra. When Dunkerley died in 1925, ownership of the business transferred to Stephen Keir I. The business continued to flourish and when Stephen Keir retired in 1952 he was succeeded as Managing Director by his eldest son, Herbert. His second son, Stephen Keir II, served as General Manager and became Managing Director in 1972. His son, Stephen Keir III, became Managing Director in 1980. Another son, Graham, joined the firm in 1972, first as sales representative for Northern NSW and later as National Sales Manager.

Unfortunately, Graham died prematurely in 1987. Stephen Keir III retired as Managing Director on 31st December 2007, allowing his son and fourth generation of the Keir family, Stephen Keir IV, to assume the mantle of Managing Director. In 2010, after working with the company for more than 56 years, Stephen Keir III O.A.M stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Stephen Keir IV, who has worked with the Akubra company

for more than 20 years, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors.On 25th May 2012 Stephen Dixon Keir III passed away peacefully. He leaves behind him his wife (and former Director) Wendy, Daughters Stacey and Nicola (who both currently serve as directors of Akubra Hats), Son and Chairman of the Board of Directors Stephen Maitland Keir IV as well as seven Grandchildren. So the family tradition continues.

The Akubra Hat Factory is now based on the mid north coast of New South Wales in the town of Kempsey, having relocated from Sydney in 1974.

12


Burley Griffin - Ipad Cover

As part of the ever increasing pace of change in the world; constant global communication is essential, especially when travelling. Walter Burley Griffin was an instrument of change in the landscape of Australia. Literally, a gifted architect who singlehandedly designed this country’s capital – Canberra.

RRP - $149.95


Smith - luggage Tag Set

This pair of fine oil pull up leather luggage tags, make an ideal gift for anyone, including yourself. Commemorating Australia’s most illustrious aviator.

RRP - $79.95

Kingsford - PassportCover & Luggage Tag

A fine oil pull up leather passport cover and luggage tag. What could be more apt than to commemorate Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Australia’s most illustrious aviator?

RRP - $89.95

Kingsford Smith - Passport Cover & Luggage Tags

A fine oil pull up leather passport cover and luggage tags. What could be more apt than to commemorate Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, Australia’s most illustrious aviator?

RRP - $124.95

Each combination available in black or brown and are all presented in a handsome gift box.

14

The Burley Griffin is available in black or brown plain and croc press: each with the exclusive AKUBRA ‘Aerial Farm View’ lining.


Thank you to the wonderful team at Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa who embraced our new Akubra range wholeheartedly and allowed these stunning shots throughout the brochure.

Wolgan is truly a special place. Visit www.wolganvalley.com for details.

All clothing featured supplied courtesy of Zambelli and Nic Green.

Produced under exclusive license by DKM Blue. For more information please visit dkmblue.com or phone us on +61 2 9560 7700

DKM Blue reserves the right from time to time to change the details within this catalogue.

Documents

Akubra 2015 Retail Brochure