The Original American Luxury Bag: Mark Cross
Origins and Founding
Mark Cross was originally founded in 1845 as a saddlery and leather goods company in Boston, making it one of the oldest American luxury brands in history. It pivoted to high-end handbags and accessories in the early 20th century, gaining international fame in the 1950s under the creative direction of Gerald Murphy, a bon vivant and patron of the arts who infused the brand with European sophistication. Mark Cross became known for timeless craftsmanship, buttery leathers, and a glamorous clientele.
Ownership and Leadership
After several changes in ownership over the decades, Mark Cross was revived in the 2010s and is currently led by CEO Ulrik Garde Due. The brand continues to operate as an independent luxury house with heritage-focused storytelling, American design roots, and Italian manufacturing.
Aesthetic and Design Language
Mark Cross is defined by timeless silhouettes, clean lines, and impeccable leatherwork. While it maintains its legacy shapes, such as structured box bags and top-handle cases, the brand has introduced subtle updates for modern wearability—think slimmer profiles, crossbody options, and fresh colorways. The overall look is elegant, minimal, and old-school glamorous, often with nods to vintage travel and cinema.
Notable Pieces
- Grace Box Bag – Inspired by the overnight case created for Grace Kelly in Rear Window, it remains Mark Cross’s most iconic piece.
- Benchley Bag – A structured, curvilinear crossbody inspired by vintage binocular cases, finished in polished calfskin or croc-embossed leather.
- Harley Hobo – A softer, more relaxed silhouette introduced to modernize the brand’s offering.
- Mini Murphy Case – A compact top-handle bag ideal for evening or formal events.
- Legacy Luggage – Leather travel sets and vanity cases that nod to the brand’s heritage as a fine luggage maker.
Famous Fans
- Grace Kelly
- Kate Hudson
- Alexa Chung
- Emma Roberts
- Old Hollywood icons from Alfred Hitchcock films to mid-century starlets
The Future
Mark Cross continues to walk the line between heritage and reinvention. Recent collections feature softer silhouettes and expanded color ranges while staying true to artisanal Italian craftsmanship. As the brand leans into storytelling around its cinematic and cultural legacy, new generations are rediscovering it as an emblem of understated, American-born luxury.
