1 Mark Cross Grace Micro Embellished with Crystals. 2 Mark Cross Grace Micro Saffiano Calfskin Leather in Bright White. 3 Mark Cross Benchley Mini Saffiano Calfskin Leather in White.
MARK CROSS – THE RESURRECTION OF AN AMERICAN CLASSIC
Established in 1845 as a saddlery in Boston, Mark Cross is the quintessential American luxury lifestyle brand. For generations, the company has been the go-to brand for a global customer base who values the Mark Cross commitment to the finest materials and craftsmanship. Catering to discerning clients with an eye for design and artistry, the collections are tastefully free of excess hardware and logos. Mark Cross bags are subtle, yet undeniably stylish – which is why they are regularly spotted being toted around town by A-Listers like Tracee Ellis Ross, Priyanka Chopra, and Lily Aldridge. Having spent two decades with its company doors closed, the Mark Cross of today represents the successful resurrection of an American classic; and the bags beautifully honor the vision of the brand’s original founder.
1 Mark Cross Frame Crossbody Nappa Leather and Feathers in Bright White. 2 Mark Cross Grace Box Calfskin Leather and Feathers in Bright White. 3 Mark Cross Madeline 21 Bright White Crystal Embossed Nappa Leather.
An American Luxury Lifestyle Brand
In 1845, Mark Cross was established in Boston by Henry W. Cross. His objective was simple: “To create the finest leather goods for the horse and buggy rider.” The company was named after Henry’s only son, and he eventually expanded his range of products to become the leading American luxury lifestyle brand.
The house was later acquired by Patrick Murphy, who began to grow the brand by opening Mark Cross stores in New York, Boston, London, Paris, and Milan. Their overseas expansion proved to be especially beneficial, as it allowed Murphy to bring the finest goods – such as crystal and china – back to the states for his American clientele.
1 Mark Cross Grace Mini Specchio Silver Pearls Back. 2 Mark Cross Grace Mini Specchio Silver Pearls Front. 3 Mark Cross Grace Box Mini Specchio Silver Pearls Inside.
Patrick’s son, Gerald Murphy, was the next to play a leading role in the Mark Cross story. Gerald and his wife Sara moved to Cap d’Antibes, France in 1921, and settled into “Villa America.” The power couple were soon playing host and entertainers to the likes of Ernest Hemmingway, Pablo Picasso, Cole Porter, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Everyone was enchanted by Gerald and Sara’s bohemian way of living – so much so, that F. Scott even modeled the main characters in “Tender is the Night” after them.
With their prominence in society, it was only natural for the Mark Cross brand to grow exponentially when Gerald took over the company in 1934. He and Sara moved the company to New York, and expanded its range of products to include luggage, cigarette cases, and jeweled evening bags. Most notably, Grace Kelly packed her clothes into a Mark Cross overnight case in the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film, “Rear Window.”
After the Murphys’ “Golden Era” of solidifying Mark Cross as a leading luxury lifestyle brand, the family eventually sold the company. The house underwent several ownership changes throughout the mid-20th century before closing its doors in the 1990s.
1 Mark Cross Frame Crossbody Nappa Leather with Feathers in Bright White. 2 Mark Cross Grace Box Calfskin Leather with Feathers in Bright White. 3 Mark Cross Grace Box Dover Box Bright White.
The Resurrection of an American Classic
The year 2011 marked the resurrection of an American classic, as the Mark Cross brand was reestablished to produce pieces in the same Italian factories as the originals. Inspired by vintage archives, today’s era of Mark Cross bags reflect the brand’s dedication to fine craftsmanship and uses only the world’s finest leathers. Some styles are exact replicas of classic Mark Cross bags of yesteryear, while others were designed with the modern fashionista in mind. From everyday cross-body bags, to oversized clutches, to embellished evening bags, there’s a style to suit every occasion.
1 Mark Cross Frame Chain Crossbody Nappa Bright White. 2 Mark Cross Frame XL Clutch Bright White. 3 Mark Cross Grace Box Saffiano Bright White Woven Strap.
Made to Order
For the ultimate in luxury handbags, Mark Cross offers a Made to Order service that allows shoppers to customize iconic Mark Cross styles to their own specifications. Made to Order clients may choose from a wide variety of stunning colors, sumptuous materials, and finalize their bespoke handbag with one of two classic hardware finishes.
Crafted with quality and longevity in mind, made to order Mark Cross handbags are commissions that are intended to be passed down through generations. Brides-to-be may want to create a special wedding handbag to bestow upon their children someday, or commission a collection of custom handbags as bridesmaids gifts. A made to order honeymoon bag is another stylish option for commemorating the wedding experience.
Just as the Mark Cross brand has played such a significant role in the history of American fashion and pop culture, today’s generation of handbags and accessories are made to be worn by those who are cultivating their own unique stories.
Visit markcross.com for more information.