A family friend’s son had an upcoming job interview and asked me about some tips on interviewing and appearing professional. It was about this time I was reviewing the Maruse Zip Leather Portfolio – so I lent it to him, explaining that a quality piece of leather stands out to people and shows sophistication. He ended up getting the job, and told me he was complimented on the portfolio and how it came in handy when jotting notes during the interview. I was thrilled and grateful for the anecdote it would provide for the review. If you’re in the market for a tidy, fashionable way to keep your documents in place, read on.
Construction
Italian leather is famous worldwide, and it shows in this portfolio. Made from full grain calf leather, the portfolio feels luxurious and supple. Dimensions come in at 13 x 9.45 x 1.18 inches and weighs (Including notepad) roughly 2.5 pounds.
The handmade craftsmanship really shines. Stitching is neat and tight, I was not able to spot a single loose thread. The dye quality and finish of the leather is constant, with no signs of shading. The interior has a cloth lining and the portfolio utilizes a heavy duty metal zipper. And yes, it has that great leather smell as well.
Function
Portfolios in general are a great transitional carry piece. When a suitcase is too large, or you’re heading to a meeting and just need the essentials, a portfolio really comes in handy. I was able to carry my tablet, pen, documents and writing paper easily. The portfolio features a large gusseted slot, great for a 13” laptop or tablet.
We also notice a half slot for quicker access to loose papers/brochures/etc. Several business card slots adorn the interior panel as well. A pen holder is conveniently placed for quick access along the interior spine. The portfolio’s ability to lay completely flat when open is great when using the writing pad.
Aesthetic
Maruse did a great job creating a sleek, unobstructed leather product here. Sometimes companies try to reinvent the wheel, whereas we see here, Maruse simply refined it. We love the little details like the Italian flag where the zipper ends. I would have loved the option of customizing the portfolio further by having the ability to choose contrasting thread colors for the exterior and zipper pull. Maruse does offer the option of embossing initials as well as offering the portfolio in 4 different colors.
Conclusion:
We were really pleased with the Maruse Zip Leather Portfolio – The craftsmanship, attention to small details as well as large ones made for a versatile tool perfectly suited for personal and professional use. We’d also like to note the shipping time from Italy to the United States was surprisingly quick. The price puts it near the high end for like products but given the years of use this will provide, we think it worth the investment.
