Whipping Post: Down with the Timeless and Functional

The products we choose to accessorize our lives should mean something. The best ones feel like an extension of who we are and what we believe to be important. Substantial, solid, timeless and trustworthy win us over every time. We're not big on bells and whistles. Instead, we opt for the quiet treasures that stoically and stylishly live up to their functional purpose, and look great while doing it.     So, there's no surprise we felt a kinship when we came across Whipping Post's "uncommonly durable fine goods." The leather goods company was started by a man named Ryan Barr, a craftsman who formerly had dreams of becoming a musician. After a few career highlights, including a second-to-last place title at his school's Battle of the Bands, Barr put his pick aside long enough to think up the next big thing in leather: Whipping Post. A brand and line of products originally inspired by his father's Vietnam-era military duffel. This line of timeless leather accessories spares no attention to detail. Each element of the outwardly simple products are designed to maintain their steadfast integrity over the long haul, from the quality of the stitching to the wearing process of the dyes and materials.   The Whipping Post designer still has a passion for music, which is uniquely represented in his collections. Touring musicians often revel in the and bright lights and the energy from their fans. But when the lights go out, good, solid and reliable accessories that withstand the rigors of life on the road can be pretty damn cool too. Some of the pieces serving as tribute to Barr's musical roots include guitar straps and cases, and even a leather wallet with a custom pocket to nestle your pick in. So you're always ready when a show breaks out.   For leather fans that are better suited shredding paper than a guitar, the Whipping Post has pieces in the collection such as the best-selling Vintage Messenger Bag and the Vintage Tote Bag, which Barr affectionately refers to as the 'Swiss army knife' of his collection. In the company's blog, Ryan writes that "a tote is about as utilitarian as they come. I like them because they're simple, functional, and last forever."     Barr seems to be pretty busy working on new ways to expand the line, even having expressed interest in bringing some new materials into the fold and creating more products. His newest release?  A military duffle bag, which pay homage to the bag his dad lugged around in his service days. Stay on the lookout for new items from this up and coming brand.