Grace Kelly put Mark Cross leather goods in the spotlight when she carried a specially created overnight case in the 1954 movie "Rear Window". Max Holzman designed this overnight case for Mark Cross Company. When the Sara Lee Corporation bought the Mark Cross Company in the early 90's the company tried to bring the Mark Cross Company back to life by recreating some of the box purses from the Grace Kelly era. Also Barbara Bolan was commissioned to design some softer shaped handbags to appeal to the younger generation. But unfortunately none of these new ideas helped and the remaining seven stores were closed in 1998. This is a VERY RARE Mark Cross Inc. recreation of the famous case that Grace carried in the movie. The cases were sold in colors of black, red and brown.
Few films so lavishly celebrate style as "Rear Window," in which Grace Kelly, as socialite Lisa Fremont, arrives at the apartment of her boyfriend -- played by Jimmy Stewart -- with a lacey negligee and slippers in an elegant Mark Cross Overnight Case. The audience knew the precise brand of her valise because she announced it in the film.
1845
The company was founded in 1845 in Boston as a carriage saddle and harness carrier. After its namesake’s death, Patrick Murphy continued the business. His son Gerald would take over the brand in 1934, but only after a storybook life abroad .After marrying an heiress (as one does), he moved to Paris with his new wife. There the couple spent time in Villa America entertaining legendary literary, musical, and art figures like Cole Porter, the Fitzgeralds, and, Hemingway and Picasso. The Murphys famously coined the phrase “Living well is the best revenge,” which eventually became the title of a Calvin Tomkins book. The pair also frequently traveled to the South of France to work on their paintings (and sun tans, we presume). Once Gerald took the reigns at Mark Cross, the brand increased its offerings to luggage, cigarette cases, and evening bags.
August, 1997
Mark Cross, the 152-year-old luxury leather goods company is being closed only four years after it was purchased by Sara Lee Corp. and six months after the company had been put up for sale but found no buyer. The name, however, is being retained. "Naturally I feel sad because of the effort that has gone into building the Mark Cross brand," said Lew Frankfort, CEO of Mark Cross as well as leather goods maker Coach, another Sara Lee-owned brand. "We'll be phasing the business out over the next six months." Frankfort said the future of each of the six
2011
"In 2011, Mark Cross was resurrected and now produces pieces in the same factories in Italy as the celebrated originals. The aesthetic of the current collection is inspired by the vintage archives, which have been translated into a modern vision. Every move made on the creative side of product development is geared toward attempting to incorporate the unique aspects of Mark Cross for today’s world. The collections are inspired by the archives of decades ago. The Grace Box bag, for example, was originally created by Gerald Murphy for Grace Kelly's role in Rear Window. Today’s Grace Box bag, a version inspired by the original, is part of the core collection and is one of the brand’s best sellers. Women collect it in the colors of the season. The Mark Cross Men’s collection, introduced in Spring 2014, combines vintage luxury with a new vision of sleek sophistication. The aesthetic of the Men’s collection is also rooted in the brand’s rich heritage and several designs are inspired by the archives. Both the Women’s and Men’s collections are identifiable as Mark Cross, the collections are inspired by the brand’s rich heritage, dedication to fine craftsmanship and use of the finest leathers in the world, devoid of excess hardware and logos. Customers know a Mark Cross product when they see one"!
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A large vintage Mark Cross Equestrian satchel from the 80’s covered this thick warm brown pebbled leather. The long leather strap is adjustable and can also be removed to carry the satchel by the sturdy top handle. Open the flap and you can see two separate storage compartments designed on the front. The roomy interior is lined with tan genuine leather with a zippered sidewall pocket. There is such quality and detail in this stunning eye-catching handbag, Mark Cross all the way. Measures 12" W x 9" H Excellent Condition Item# MARK-CROSS-11 SOLD
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A very unique 80's sling handbag by Mark Cross.. The long strap is adjustable. The backside has an easy access zippered entry. The interior is lined with black genuine leather. SO UNIQUE and QUALITY ALL THE WAY! Measures 6" W x 11" H Excellent Condition Item# MARK-CROSS-8 $115.00
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An 80's RARE “BASIC STYLE” is synonymous with this iconic design by Mark Cross". Smooth glove-tanned black leather with an adjustable shoulder strap with a gold-plated buckle with a Mark Cross logo. The interior has 3 separate compartments and a zippered sidewall pocket all line in genuine leather. The interior tag reads, "Mark Cross, Italy". The Mark Cross brand was known for perfect workmanship and timeless style. It was America's Hermès, America's Gucci RUNWAY CHIC! Measures 9" W x 7" H Excellent Condition Item# MARK-CROSS-9 $125.00 |
The New York's Fifth Avenue 1951
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December 1951 Luggage & Leather Goods, page 40, MILTON J. KRISTT wrote” UNDOUBTEDLY one of the most famous names in luggage and leather goods is Mark Cross—a name, steeped in a tradition of quality and elegance in leather for well over a hundred years, which proudly adorns one of the most extraordinary establishments selling to those who love fine things. Located in that section of New York's Fifth Avenue known as the "Fabulous Fifties,' the Mark Cross shop caters to the whims of a discriminating public and its famous crest, embossed or engraved on everything that crosses its counters, is known throughout the world. Astonishing RARE "MARK CROSS" handbag from the 50's. and what a treasure to find. Thick quality deep chocolate-brown leather handbag with a unique file folder flap. The front is adorned with two gold metal tiger heads holding a thick gold metal chain. The interior is lined with glove soft dark brown genuine leather with two open slash pockets and a zippered sidewall pocket. WHAT A KEEPSAKE RETRO BAG! Measures 11" W x 8" H Excellent Condition Item# MARK-CROSS-6 SOLD
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Mark Cross Magazine ad 1982
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I believe this swank VERY RARE black leather Mark Cross handbag is from the late 1970's dating the handbag by the snap and logo. The logo has only the Lion's head on the flap and not the Mark Cross name added. The strap is designed to slip to the length you want all the way to a cross the body length. The strap can also be removed to carry this handbag like a clutch. The interior is lined with tan glove soft suede with a zippered sidewall pocket. Traveling through time this handbag is still very stately and the leather is pristine. Mde in Italy. POSH RUNWAY CHIC! Measures 9.5" W x 7" H Excellent Condition Item# MARK-CROSS-8 $145.00
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Maerk Cross magazine ad 1946
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An adorable 80’s petite ovel bucket shaped purse by Mark Cross. Covered in scarlet genuine pebbled leather. The leather shoulder strap is adjustable for cross the body wear. The gold metal zipper-pull has the Mark Cross logo. The interior is lined with butter soft black genuine leather. SO UNIQUE! Measures 6" W x 7" H Mint Condition Item# MARK-CROSS-10 $125.00
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