Old school classic

Dh725, Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates. To view the collection in full, visit www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk ts revival started slowly, with a business idea conceived in a British kitchen five years ago. Since then, the Cambridge Satchel Company has taken this once rather uncool school bag, given it a makeover and made it into a cult style staple seen on the shoulders of the famous and fashionable, and even as a prop in Mad Men. Now on sale in Harvey Nichols Dubai, its simple, iconic design and sturdy, high-grade leather means it’s not only an accessory with retro-cool unisex appeal but also a smart leather goods investment. A surge in demand for the bags has now prompted the label to launch a 75-piece collection specifically for men. Debuted at the Pitti Immagine Uomo menswear show in Florence last month, it introduces a selection of colours, including pale grey, dark bottle green and cobalt blue.

The bags’ sales appeal has undoubtedly been bolstered by the label’s rather charming back story. It was set up with just £600 (Dh3,555) by a British mother, Julie Deane, when she was desperate to raise money for her daughter’s school fees. Despite having no experience in either business or fashion, she drew up a business plan, sourced a local manufacturer, built a website and contacted every fashion writer and blogger she could find. Her subsequent success is the stuff of the entrepreneurial fairy tale. The company now employs 47 people with a projected turnover of more than £10m (Dh57m) and its bags are sold in 100 countries. Proof that homework really can pay off.