As avid travelers, we appreciate premium products that combine craft with a confident, understated edge. With the tagline “The first rule of style: Have some,” Moral Code fits that description. The brand’s collection of finely crafted leather goods includes shoes, weekender bags, travel trunks, briefcases and shoppers, alongside a full range of accessories such as wallets, eyeglass cases, card cases, key fobs, wash bags and pocket secretaries. After admiring the Reporter Bag with its antique brass hardware, we spoke with founding partners Mark Kohlenberg and Laura Engerman for their best travel-packing tips.
GT: What three pieces from the Moral Code collection do you always travel with?
Graham Weekender Bag © Moral Code
Mark Kohlenberg: I always travel with a sturdy pair of Moral Code Lace-ups in Oak — they feature beautiful burnishing and polish up well. I also bring a butter-soft Moral Code wallet and the distressed leather Graham weekender for short trips; it’s roomy and ages beautifully with use.
GT: If you could choose only one pair of Moral Code shoes for a city walking tour of Europe, which style and color would you choose?
Kohlenberg: Hands down the Storm in Oak. It’s a classic Chelsea boot updated with a rubber outsole for added comfort and protection against the wet, colder months. It pairs easily with tailored layers and casual weekend looks.
GT: Anything new for 2018 that we should watch for?
Kohlenberg: We were moving toward more casual styles, expanding our range of rubber-outsole shoes like chukka boots, leather sneakers and suede pieces. Spring focused on texture, softness and personal expression through footwear. We also broadened our bespoke leather accessories with refined briefcases, backpacks and gift items, and introduced select pieces aimed at women.
Rupert © Moral Code
GT: What sets Moral Code products apart from other high-end leather goods?
Laura Engerman: When we conceived Moral Code, we evaluated the market across trade channels and noticed gaps. Some brands offered excellent quality but conservative, dated designs; others had strong style but inconsistent materials or construction; and some combined both but at prices beyond typical buyers. We saw an opportunity for contemporary, well-styled products made with top-quality materials and craftsmanship at accessible prices. Owning our own tannery and supply chain gives us control over materials and manufacturing, enabling us to deliver our core values: Great Style, Great Quality, Great Comfort and Great Value. Being part of a parent company that manufactures for leading men’s brands also lets us maintain high standards from start to finish.
GT: Tell us more about plans to expand into leather goods for women.
Engerman: We already offer androgynous accessories that work for both men and women. Personally, my go-to work bag is the Crosby shopper: it has plenty of compartments and a laptop sleeve that keeps devices protected when I’m on the move. For a sleeker, more modern silhouette, the Desmond backpack is both chic and professional. We planned new seasonal launches with pieces like a leather shopper in bold red and electric blue — colors that bring a feminine, contemporary flair while keeping the brand’s focus on durability and thoughtful design.