As world travelers, we love a premium product — especially when it comes with a bit of sass and a splash of understated verve. With the tag line “The first rule of style: Have some,” Moral Code meets the criteria. The line of beautifully crafted leather gentleman’s provisions includes finely crafted shoes, weekender bags, travel trunks, briefcases and shoppers, plus accessories ranging from wallets, eyeglass cases and card cases to key fobs, wash bags and pocket secretaries. After mooning over the Reporter Bag with its antique brass hardware, we touched base with founding partners Mark Kohlenberg and Laura Engerman to get their inside tips on packing for travel.

GT: What three pieces from the Moral Code collection do you always travel with?

Graham Weekender Bag © Moral Code

Mark Kohlenberg: A great pair of the Moral Code Lace-ups in Oak. The have a beautiful burnishing. I also carry a butter-soft Moral Code wallet and Moral Code’s distressed leather Graham weekender bag.

GT: If you could choose only one pair of Moral Code shoes for a city walking tour of Europe, which style and color would you choose?

Kohlenberg: Without a doubt the style “Storm” in Oak. It’s a classic Chelsea Boot combined with a rubber outsole for comfort and protection from the weather fall and winter bring.

GT: Anything new for 2018 that we should watch for?

Kohlenberg: Absolutely! Moral Code will be going in a casual direction. We have a fine collection of rubber outsole shoes including Chukka Boots, leather sneakers and suede. For spring, it’s all about texture, softness and expressing yourself through footwear. We are also expanding our bespoke collection of leather accessories with incredible briefcases, backpacks, leather gift items and a few pieces for women.

Rupert © Moral Code

GT: What sets the products from Moral Code apart from other high-end, stylish leather goods?

Laura Engerman: When we talked about starting Moral Code, we looked at the retail landscape by trade channel and the products numerous brands were offering. We found brands known for great quality, but offering dated or stogy styles, to brands that offer great style with substandard quality. And of course there are brands with great style and quality but priced far beyond the reach of most. We identified the void in the marketplace for contemporary and well-styled products made with top-quality materials and construction, and created Moral Code to provide luxurious leather men’s footwear and accessories. Owning our own tannery, we set ourselves apart from the competition by delivering our core values of Great Style, Great Quality, Great Comfort and Great Value. We’re fortunate to be owned by a parent company that produces products for some of the most luxurious men’s brands in the world. It allows us to own our supply channel from beginning to end.

GT: Tell us a bit more about the plans to expand into leather goods for women.

Engerman: We currently offer what I consider cool androgynous accessories for men and women. For example, my go-to work bag is our Crosby shopper. I love this bag — lots of compartments, and it safely transports my laptop with a sleeve when I’m on the go. For an edgier look, the Desmond backpack is chic and professional. We will have new styles launching for winter, such as our leather shopper offered in a beautiful red and electric blue; bold colors with a feminine flair.