With Pride season just getting started, its time to start thinking about all the outfits and accessories you are going to need and Zatchels has just released a superb collection of leather goods perfect for the occasion. Of course, full disclosure here before I get into it, this item was gifted to me by Zatchels.

I have always been a fan of the classic and timeless style of a satchel. They fit into both the smart and trendy columns and who doesn't appreciate a well-made, high-quality leather bag? I had actually been considering a 'backpack' style satchel for some time so this collection release actually came at the perfect time for me.

If you have never heard of them, Zatchels are a British leather and accessories brand that was established in 2011. They use traditional manufacturing techniques and highly skilled staff here in the UK to create these high-quality leather bags. For 2019, they have created a whole Pride Collection that is designed for men, women and children to wear and celebrate Pride. The collection consists of 9 different styles for you to choose from, each of them decorated with the Pride rainbow flag. In addition to creating this collection, Zatchels are also donating 20% of all sales from the Pride Collection to York Pride.

That bit is actually really important. Over the last few years, it has become quite common for brands to slap a pride flag in their logo and talk the talk about supporting the LGBT+ community. Sometimes that is just face value lip service, but not for Zatchels. They are using this collection to raise money for York Pride and therefore, in turn, all of the LGBT+ organisations that the event is supporting. I am pretty sure that many of you, myself included, would have noticed the 'commercialisation' of our community in recent years. That is why I absolutely welcome and support any company that isn't just resting on a visual 'support' of everything pride stands for and is actively fundraising. The Pride Collection is the start of an ongoing partnership between Zatchels and York Pride in support of the organisation and events throughout the summer.

So let's get into it. Zatchels sent me out one of their 'City Backpacks' to try out and enjoy (which I most definitely am). Straight off the bat, I can tell you that I love the style of this bag. As I said before, it is fashioned in a way that is both smart and stylish. Satchels certainly have that 'old-school' aesthetic, but Zatchels have managed to create a version that looks sleek and modern. The use of the 'Rainbow Flag' is spot-on without being over-the-top and it is definitely a bag that I can pair with a lot of my wardrobe on a day-to-day basis. I am a fan of the backpack style, simply because it works with how I have to carry a lot of extra 'parenting' baggage so I always need to keep arms free. Backpacks work in that sense. If you did want something a little different, as mentioned before, there is a varied range to chose from:
The company boasts that each bag is carefully hand made especially for each customer and this goes as far as personalisation which is offered across a large range of their products. You can opt for a name, initials or perhaps a short personal message. Of course, mine has indeed been personalised with my initials on an engraved leather plaque that sits on the front of the bag. It just gives the whole product that personal touch which I really appreciate. This bag is very much MY bag! (What? I can't be allowed at least one Dad pun?)

True to their word and their company bio, Zatchels have created a strong, sturdy, high-quality bag that is built to last. Being constantly on the go as a parent, I appreciate a bag that isn't going to fall apart on me. The stitching on the leather is visibly thick and strong which means it will hold together well. The straps and buckles are all solid and sturdy meaning that I can trust the bag with a little extra weight too. Naturally, I have only been using the bag a short time so it is early days but I have every faith it will last and so do Zatchels. They offer a lifetime guarantee across their range that covers any manufacturing defects so if the stitching does happen to get a little loose or a strap breaks because of an unseen flaw in the leather, they will repair it for you free of charge!

I am so happy with this bag that I can most definitely recommend it. "Yeah, but it was gifted to you", I can hear you cry but I genuinely love it to the point I am actually looking at Zatchels wider product ranges and considering which one I will be purchasing in the near future. Couple that with the fact that the company are doing their bit for Pride and therefore supporting equality, diversity and inclusion, I am totally on board and I can't wait to continue showing my pride with this bag both at some pride events later in the year and in my day-to-day life.

The Zatchels Pride Collection launches today (May 31st 2019) and can be found HERE


Finally, be sure to show your support by heading over and checking out Zatchels social media on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

Thanks for reading xxx