At a cursory glance, the Party Girl Clutch and the Classic Tote from our Reykjavik Collection don’t seem to have much in common. Sure, they share the same exceptional black Italian calfskin, handcrafted hardware and classic bag silhouettes. But the "Party Girl" is a spirited show-stealer, perfect for art gallery hopping and craft cocktail sipping while the Classic Tote is, well, a minimalist, everyday work bag that spells timeless good taste and understated elegance. But they’re both part of the very same collection.

How, you ask? We’re here to tell you, and then some — everything you ever wanted to know about the Virgil James Reykjavik Collection but were afraid to ask. Bad pun, we know, because our Virgil James customers are utterly fear-less, comprising a diverse, international community that embraces both classic panache and idiosyncratic expressions of artistic inspiration. They have style and they have grace. They can go big and subtle at once.

So, the Reykjavik Collection. It’s meant to do a lot of things that make a lot of sense to us, and hopefully to you, too. Things that may seem contradictions to mere mortals, perhaps. For how can a cacophony of wild original art coexist in the same universe as classic animal prints and rather discreet shapes? Oh, and every bag is supposed to be highly functional and everyday practical, last a lifetime and even get better with age? Oh, yes.

In tone, the Reykjavik Collection at large conveys a bold strength, an unapologetic largesse of life. There’s that stark black, deliciously rich leather; those oversized, somewhat masculine and grand zippers. There are very clean lines, an absence of clutter and busy-ness, an understated elegance that transcends trends and transitory tastes. All this is true for the kind of style we are personally drawn to and personally want to wear ourselves, but it’s especially true of this Collection — and the city behind it that aided as the perfect muse: Reykjavik.

So yes, the Reykjavik Collection is inspired by the raw beauty and bold strength of Iceland, that exceptionally beautiful small island nation known for its glaciers, geysers, waterfalls and volcanoes — along with the not-so-subtle creativity, innovative spirit and kind hospitality found in its capital, Reykjavik.

Long before Iceland became a hot spot on every globetrotter’s bucket list some years back, we had the "pleasure" of being stuck there on what was to be a short stop on our way to points east, during the eruption of Grímsvötn in 2011. Iceland’s most active volcano caused a major disruption of Northern European air travel, but it also meant that we got to know a country we hadn’t really visited since the dark ages. And, ode to joy, were we in for a treat.

We are suckers for details in the smallest things, so where you really find Reykjavik/Iceland reflected in this collection is in the hardware: The zipper pulls, buttons and feet mirror the incredible, large volcanic basalt columns found at Reynisdranga. According to local legend, these gorgeous structures worked like sirens long ago, drawing ships from the oceans to the shore. But instead of sirens, these very columns were trolls.

We love a bit of lore, but it’s really just the natural beauty that stayed with us and found expression in our handcrafted hardware. Every single piece is carefully and lovingly designed by our artists, cast in ancient bronze using the lost-wax casting process, hand polished, then nickel plated, and polished again. A lot of attention paid to a seemingly small detail, but totally appropriate as a token of Icelandic grandeur.  

Harder than rock, these little pieces of jewelry will last forever. In the image galleries in this post, check out the little button on the front flap of the Reykjavik cross body, and also on the exterior front pocket of the briefcase and weekender; and the exceptional zipper pull on the bucket bag and others. The perfect touch of subtle, but unmistakable elegance.

We wanted the Reykjavik Collection to exude that aforementioned bold strength for both aficionados of enduring elegance but also complete creative style. Timeless and versatile black seemed to be the perfect hue for the sumptuous Italian calfskin we settled on. For our Reykjavik Classic Collection styles, you will find this butter-smooth material paired with natural fibers and faux-exotic looks.

In the Reykjavik Art Collection, we let our imagination run wild. Our artists came up with incredible designs for our original, hand-painted canvas art that delivers a singular statement of creative style. Almost anything goes with a black frame, but you will find that the colorful "Party Girl" clutch has quite a different effect than the "Modern Peacock”"cross body with its more soothing, complementary shades of browns, gold and serene blues.

Finally, just to help orient yourself as to the Reykjavik Collection’s breadth, it comprises eight classic bag styles, from petite handbags to roomy and versatile carryalls. There’s our sultry Clutch, insouciant Cross Body, cute (in the best of ways) Day Bag, perfectly neutral Tote, every-day Bucket, urban Backpack, elegant Briefcase, and the rather epic Weekender. And soon, the addition of an ever-so-versatile Messenger that might just redefine your definition of art.

All our bags are handcrafted in Los Angeles and guaranteed for a lifetime. Feel free to drop us a line! We love feedback!