The Essence of QUIET LUXURY

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DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF ROBERTJAMES, WHERE GORGEOUS EXOTIC LEATHERS ARE TRANSFORMED INTO ONE-OF-A-KIND HEIRLOOMS. WITH A DISTINGUISHED BACKGROUND IN HOME AND LUXURY, AND A PROFOUND ADMIRATION FOR THE WOMEN HE DESIGNS FOR, JAMES NORTON IS SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR THE WORLD OF EXOTIC HANDBAGS—ONE METICULOUS STITCH AT A TIME.

Amid a sea of mass-produced handbags, Robert James stands as a true unicorn. Handcrafted from the world’s most exquisite exotic skins—alligator, crocodile, lizard, python, and ostrich—each creation from this American luxury brand is a masterpiece of artistry.



RobertJames is more than a brand or an accessory; it’s a symbol of individuality and timeless elegance, designed for the quiet luxury buyer who values the rare and the remarkable.


“The odds of a client carrying a RobertJames piece and seeing someone else with the same bag, in the same color, is basically zero,” RobertJames Founder and Designer James Norton says. “We spend countless hours sourcing very special colors and unique finishes, and once that is gone, that's it. Many times, the skins are so limited we’re only able to craft one or two bags from that unique color. Each bag is also inherently different because the skins have their own special characteristics, like fingerprints.”

Norton’s obsession? Uncovering a kaleidoscope of nearly unimaginable colors. A glance at the website unveils a symphony of hues, from the mesmerizing purple ombré of the Wrenley Tote to the cognac brown and shimmering gold finish of the Dianne Flap. Or, one of Norton’s personal favorites, the Anka Top Handle, featuring a matte white center with an ombré effect in a metallic raspberry shade.

“I started sketching our first collection in 2022,” Norton recalls. “My partner (and partial brand namesake), Robert, makes fun of me because I've always been a little, well, let’s just say, crafty. When we were first getting started, I would sit at the kitchen island with my construction paper, scissors, and tape. I’d literally make the bags out of paper because I wanted to live with them for a while. And I’d go, ‘I think the bag needs to be a little bigger.’ Or, ‘You know what, I'm not crazy about the shape here.’ I even took metallic gold markers and drew on hardware. I still do it to this day!”


His deliberate approach to creativity is perhaps the driving force behind Norton’s success, fueling his career and creative endeavors, which are almost too numerous to list. From designing nationally recognized tablescapes to excelling in interior design, hosting exclusive designer trunk shows for charity, and operating a successful pre-owned luxury company, Norton’s passion for beauty is boundless.


“Because of these experiences and having been surrounded with the world of luxury for so many years, I was instilling this level of expectation when it came to quality and craftsmanship,” Norton says. “That’s why we mass-produce nothing. We source the most insanely beautiful materials from around the globe. For example, our skins are procured from a tannery in Europe and are incredibly soft; one could literally make clothing from them. Our bags represent luxury, and they should reflect opulence and quality.”

Deeply inspired by his loyal clientele, Norton has always kept a close ear to what his buyers value most. From fashion-forward handbags that transition from brunch to black tie, offering carefully designated space for the essentials, to elegant 24K gold-plated hardware, his designs exude luxury. The debut collection is a reflection of this dedication, named after his and Walden’s children, grandchildren, and nieces.



“I’m constantly humbled when someone buys one of our bags because they're putting that faith and trust in us; that they're getting something on a level that they expect,” Norton says. “When a lady is willing to spend thousands of dollars on a piece that has my name on it, it is very emotional and so very personal.”

Norton shares a particularly powerful story of a client-turned-friend, Valerie Cooper. To date, she has amassed quite the collection of RobertJames handbags.

“RobertJames bags are my new shopping addiction,” Cooper says. “There are several different styles, and the only problem is picking the one you want to buy that day. The bags are absolutely gorgeous, hand-crafted in the United States, and once you purchase, you realize how well they are made. RobertJames pieces shouldn't only be carried on special occasions, they are made to last and enjoy every day. They definitely upgrade any outfit.”


Both a devoted couture buyer and an honored guest at global fashion shows, Cooper chooses to carry RobertJames—a testament, Norton says, to the brand’s enduring quality and unmatched craftsmanship.


“We create pieces that clients can enjoy and use for years. Not trendy, but timeless,” Norton says. “I want a bag to look as chic and elegant in twenty years as it does today. If down the road, you decide to give one of your RobertJames bags to your daughter, I want her to be excited and proud to carry it.”


Learn more at www.robertjamesluxury.com or visit the brand on Instagram at @robertjamesluxury.

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