Why I Love... Graphic Image.

Back in my previous life,

I had a "cool job."

You know the type, don't you?

The only dress code is to look good,

you travel to exotic locations and stay at the best hotels,

you're friendly with buyers and editors,

& you make a hilariously small salary 

that leaves you feeling extremely broke 

among the glossy world you work in?

Yup. If that's the criteria,

then I once had a very cool job.

I think my favorite part of it was the trade shows.

They are so much work, 

but they always brought such adventures and stories.

After a few shows, 

you start to develop a nose for the important buyers.

...Bendel, Saks, Harrods, Barneys...

You start to remember each other from previous shows and meetings,

and it gets easier to be prepared...

but the easiest buyers to spot 

are always from Neiman Marcus & Bergdorf Goodman.

While they might have their buyer's badge hidden in their handbag,

they all carry the same tell-tale object in their hands:

A Graphic Image Diary.

You can spot those giant planners half way down the convention center aisles...

and boy, are they gorgeous.

Graphic Image is a family owned company out of New York 

that sits above the rest of the over-saturated leather market

with their gorgeously unique line 

of luxe everyday items.

I'm sure you've seen their goods before-

but as their website quotes:

"We're the biggest brand that nobody's ever heard of."

It's true.

You'd recognize their handiwork in a heartbeat,

but most people never know their name.

Graphic Image pieces are so lovely 

no label is needed to sway the customer into the purchase.

At stores like Bergdorf & Barneys- 

that speaks volumes.

A teal, leather dictionary?

(Why, yes, I do have one of these!)

Metallic passport covers?

(As if international travel wasn't swanky enough!)

But the planners...

they have my heart.

I'm waiting patiently

until the day comes

when I have my own...

with my initials monogrammed at the bottom

like all the BG & NM buyers.

And the day that happens?

Well, I'll know then that I'm actually cool.