Skip to content
10 September 2026

Montblanc’s 100 Years of Leather Goods Celebration Sparks a Trend

Montblanc's recent celebration in New York has sparked a new trend in office accessories, with sleek folios taking the spotlight.

Montblanc's 100 Years of Leather Goods Celebration Sparks a Trend

The world of office accessories is witnessing a significant shift, with sleek folios emerging as a chic alternative to traditional work totes. This transformation was vividly showcased during Montblanc’s celebration of 100 Years of Leather Goods on September 8, ahead of New York fashion week at the Crane Club. The event, featuring music by Grammy Award-winning artist Honey Dijon brought together Hollywood stars like Alexandra DaddarioPaul Anthony Kelly and Jamie Campbell Bower all of whom embraced the brand’s stylish folios.

The office-inspired aesthetic has evolved from the corpcore trend, which initially focused on cosplaying traditional CEOs with crisp suits and neckties. Now, the trend has matured into a more subtle yet striking style, with the envelope clutch and sleek folios leading the way. This new direction is not only practical but also exudes a sense of functional luxury.

Alexandra Daddario’s Functional Luxury

Alexandra Daddario known for her role in The White Lotus reimagined the classic office uniform with a sheer blouse and an all-leather pencil skirt. Her ensemble was completed with pointed-toe pumps and a tan leather Montblanc Meisterstück Writing Traveler Handbag. This handbag features an internal notebook and a built-in pen closure, perfectly embodying the brand’s commitment to functional luxury.

Paul Anthony Kelly’s Twinning Accessory

Paul Anthony Kelly star of Love Story mirrored Daddario’s accessory choice with the same tan leather handbag. His sharp three-piece olive suit with a playful paisley print necktie showcased the folio’s versatility. The identical accessory styled against both feminine and structured menswear underscored its fluid adaptability.

Jamie Campbell Bower’s Monochromatic Moment

Jamie Campbell Bower known for his role in Stranger Things opted for an all-black ensemble, replacing a blazer with a dramatic, floor-length coat. He accessorized with a matching black leather Montblanc document folio demonstrating that corp-coded style can embrace a dark, gothic edge.

The event highlighted Montblanc’s deep commitment to writing culture and functional luxury, especially under the creative direction of Marco Tomasetta. Guests were invited to scribble on a postcard and have it mailed from the venue, emphasizing writing as a living art. Whether for actual business or just the appearance of it, luxe folios and envelope clutches are becoming the go-to alternatives when a heavy daily commuter bag is not needed.

Author

Sophie Donovan

Sophie Donovan, Manchester-born and classically elegant, once turned down a commission to chase a long-form piece on Salford’s textile heritage, filing instead from the mill where her grandmother worked. Advocates patient, context-rich features and brings a taste for quiet narrative detail and theatre aficionadoship.