This is a short post about a wallet. But a really nice wallet, that we’ve loved for ages.
The Maxx & Unicorn Bi-Fold wallet comes from a young Brooklyn designer who makes really interesting accessories. His carry items all have an innovative twist – with the wallets usually made from a single folded piece of leather.
You can get the Bi-Fold in a large variety of colors and leather treatments, with most of them produced in pretty low runs.
They’re available at Alter, Supermarket, and a bunch of other nice boutiques.
Or if you’d prefer to buy what we think is a ‘remarkably similar’ design, there’s always the Woolrich wallet that looks almost identical and is more expensive to boot.
Note: If we got this wrong, and this was in fact designed independently, please let us know. We checked with Alter, and they also believe that Woolrich has ‘borrowed heavily’.
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UPDATE
If you don’t read the comments on Carryology, you often miss out on some really rich dialogue. In the case of this wallet, we now know that Woolrich did indeed copy the Maxx & Unicorn. And we have also discovered a design used amongst leather workers for many years that is most probably the inspiration for the Maxx & Unicorn wallet. Here are some pictures from a 2003 journal kindly provided by one of our readers Peter (an avid leatherworker).
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There is no doubt about it , this design was certainly “borrowed” down to the stamp placements and “handmade” claim…however the quality of the M&U wallet is much better and an the price more reasonable.
Maxx & Unicorn originated this unique single die cut bi-fold wallet design in 2006 and has been producing them out of their Greenpoint, Brooklyn studio by hand ever since. The good people at Woolrich have acknowledged their infringement and agreed never to produce another M&U knock-off.
Most people do not know but you can personalize an M&U bi-fold with and embossed monogram at http://maxxandunicorn.supermarkethq.com.
Thanks loads for your response Maxx.
Human progress has been built on us learning and being inspired by ideas that have gone before us, but outright knocking off is a very different response. We’re stoked for you that they have agreed to cut this style.
It’s odd coming from a company that is so well known for their distinctive jackets (like the Arctic Parka), lets hope it was just an errant designer trying to cut corners.
We hope those super creative wallets of yours keep coming,
Ando
Originated? Who is borrowing heavily?
This is a no lace leather wallet by Beau Brummell that leather workers (including myself) have been making and selling for years! The pattern has been adapted slightly from the original, but it is basically the same.
Please, let’s be honest. How can you slap Woolrich when you yourself “borrowed” and not give credit? I would attach a copy of the original if it were possible, but I don’t see anywhere on how to do so.
Peter
Peter, that sounds really interesting. Send us a shot at blog@carryology.com and we’ll post it up.