Who’d have thought that John Lewis would be making an appearance on these pages? Not us, for one. The most middle class department store in the world (and that’s verified fact) surprised everyone when they announced their collaboration with Joe Casely-Hayford.

Now that the virtual dust is settling, here’s one piece that we’re especially fond of. Whilst quilted jackets are dangerously close to being played out (in the UK, at least) there’s always room for something that’s this handsome. You can be safe in the knowledge that you’ll look ten times better than the folks who bought cheap versions from TK Maxx. (John Lewis)

Here’s a simple to the point leather jacket from the West Coast’s Nice Collective. “Nice Collective Washed Leather Jacket is the perfect lightweight spring leather. Made from ultra soft leather and lined with black shirting this jacket is made for any occasion.” Available at Brigade.

More looks at the Nice Collective Washed Leather Jacket after the click.

In our opinion, the Wolverine 1000 Mile are pretty fantastic. Horween Leather (yes, as Jason says, “the bloggers choice” ), Goodyear welt, and the lovely Made in the USA tag.

However, we are aware that some consumers like to go “whole hog.” Julian Boots makes their Plain Toe Ankle Boot by hand. They also are built Goodyear welt, with a leather and rubber sole, in the USA, and have a price point to match those distinctions. You can find them at Barney’s for $760.oo.

When two nice guys based in New York get together to produce shoes, you get some of the rare British bits not crafted by Polish people. Both the Longwing Brogue and Suede Cap Toe Patton Boot are made in Northampton, a town known for shoes and being Britain’s 3rd most populated town. Built on a Goodyear welt, they’ve got a red brick sole (the fantastic touch of Mr. McNairy) and will assist in making you look smart. Or “get handsome.” From ACL.

The shop also has another offering from McNairy’s Red Brick Sole and the full line is filtering into other stock lists. Worth a gander as well.

Images of boots follow.

Our friends at Kempt profile a great looking shoe cleaning kit. “This truffle leather shoe cleaning kit contains everything you need for a vigorous session of loafer scrubbing—including three brushes, two tins of beeswax polish, a rubbing cloth and a shoe horn—but the important thing here is the dopp kit style, which lets you keep it on your closet shelf without feeling like you’re prepping for a second career at a stand in the airport. It’s a radical idea but a good one: If your cleaning gear looks good enough, you might find yourself inspired to use it.”

More looks at the La Cordonnerie Anglaise Truffle Leather Shoe Cleaning Kit after the click.

Specializing in bespoke footwear (and also offering a quality range of ready to wear), the Foster & Son firm rounds out its wears with small leather goods and bags. We see a fair few leather trimmed canvas pieces in our daily lives, and this stands out (for me) in incorporating a steel farm on the lines of a Gladstone bag. The function of this addition is a wider opening “for ease of stowage.” Of course, there’s nothing new or groundbreaking about the design, after all Foster & Son have been in business since 1840 and the traditional is simply the way things are done at the Jermyn Street outpost.

Duel branded, the foldover card case produced by Ettinger of London for Monocle features all the standard qualities expected from the leather maker. They are two-toned, with the interior leather’s offering a splash of color against more traditional outers. The Black with Orange might, for example, excite fans of the San Francisco Giants (no surprise that is is likely not the intent of Monocle).

Another example of a smartly sourced product for Monocle, the card case also doubles as a light wallet. They say, “if the circumstances require.” We say, it will work if carrying a light wallet is your thing. (via Acquire).

Founded in 1829 by Charles Delvaux, Brussels-based Delvaux has supplied luggage to European aristocracy and produced creative and well manufactured bags that respond to changes in travel. Celebrating the legacy is an exhibition at Antwerp’s MOMU-Fashion Museum. The installation is as much about the glory of the luggage as work of art as about the companies ability to adapt and respond to new customer needs. In this effort, the exhibition has significant examples of the Delvaux creative process and manufacturing.

Yatzer has full coverage, including archival images that complement the selection shown above and after the jump.

As part of that new Lee “heritage” experiment comes this faded leather rider jacket. The Lee 101  jacket is made from 100% lamb leather with a quilted liner making it incredibly soft and warming on the body. The key to this jacket is the fit. Simply proper. Cultizm has them.

More looks at the Lee 101 Leather Rider Jacket after the click.

Following up on our Brooks Leather messenger bag posted this weekend, Designboom turns us onto this seesaw design by Ben Wilson featuring some of our favorite British saddles and bar tape. “UK designer ben wilson designed ’seebikesaw’ for brooks england (one of the world’s oldest bicycle component manufacturers). the see saw created for adults and children  alike uses 2 brooks products including the classic b33 sprung saddle and brooks leather bar tape. his work was on display as part of 100% design london.”

More looks at the Ben Wilson “Seebikesaw” for Brooks England after the jump.