BERNINA CROCO

Bernina Croco is a rigid men's clutch in black Porosus crocodile, part of the Moreschi Exclusive collection. It keeps the structure of the Bernina model, with its double side gusset and combination lock, and covers it in a matte-finished exotic leather, made in Italy.

The matte finish puts the natural geometry of the scales up front, and that pattern varies from hide to hide. On the clutch's rigid frame, the crocodile stays taut and even, without the creasing a soft bag would develop. The double side gusset adds room while keeping the profile slim enough to hold comfortably under the arm.

The defining detail is the metal combination lock with a watch-style mechanism, in platinum-plated brass and engraved with the Moreschi logo: besides closing the front, it keeps the contents secure from anyone who doesn't know the code. The retractable handle gives you two ways to carry it, gripped like a small briefcase, or tucked away when you'd rather hold the clutch under your arm.

Inside, a stain-resistant synthetic lining carries Moreschi's "scarpini" pattern across the whole surface. There are two main compartments, a front and a back pocket for documents, a passport and boarding passes, and a zip pocket for smaller items. Closed, it measures 26 x 18 x 8 cm (10.24" x 7.09" x 3.15"): room for a meeting's documents and what you need on a work flight, though not for a laptop.

Bernina Croco works with a dark suit or an unstructured jacket over wool trousers, where a crocodile clutch takes the place of a work bag without adding bulk to the silhouette. The Nilus Croco belt, in the same leather, completes the pairing.

The name Bernina refers to Piz Bernina, the only peak above 4,000 meters in the Eastern Alps. Long considered impossible to climb, it was first summited on 13 September 1850 by the topographer Johann Coaz. Closed to everyone, until someone found the way.

For everyday use, Bernina Saffiano offers the same model in Saffiano-printed calfskin.