When all the design blogs wrote about the Laptop Wallet (above) a few years ago, little did they know the impact they would have on the wallet’s designers. Formerly just a few friends (then known collectively as “Working Class Heroes) putting their wares up for sale on Etsy, the guys behind the Laptop Wallet have now spawned an entire company dedicated to the 100% wool-felt (and now premium leather) sleeves and cases that first garnered them all that attention.

The company is called Hard Graft (a play on the idea of rolling up your sleeves and doing some hard/heavy work), and based out of Austria, it now produces an entire line of bespoke accessories, that hark back to the days of impeccable old-world craftsmanship, attention to detail and luxury.

We love how the starck, pure aesthetic choices give the products a timeless appeal, and we’re impressed at the equal consideration given to looks as well as to utility. Among our favorites from the line: the “sporting” edition moleskin journal covers and the “three-fold” leather carry-all bag (pictured at left), with flaps that fold and tuck to give you a laptop holder, a slim portfolio, or an overnighter, depending on how much room you need for all your stuff.

All the leather goods are made from a vegetable-tanned Italian leather which is then dyed and hand-finished in a leather factory in Tuscany (It’s the kind of soft leather that you’ll want to beat in and rough up as it ages well over time). The non-leather parts are also made from eco-friendly, sustainable materials. And all the Hard Graft designs are produced in limited runs and hand-numbered, ensuring that each product is — if not one of kind — at least one thing you’ll want to get your hands on before it’s gone. Check out www.hardgraft.com to see the full product line and for the company’s online shop.

- TC