Founded in 2008 and based in the Lake District National Park, Millican creates timeless travel and outdoor bags.

Each bag in Millican’s  collection is based on a proven utility classic, with modern functionality and made with sustainable materials – organic canvas, recycled polyester, vegetable tanned leather and Lakeland wool.

The brand is inspired by the life and values of Millican Dalton, a local legend who lived a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency as a Lakeland mountain guide in the early 1900s

For 2011 Millican have  interpreted a classic travel shape to create Adam the Suitcase – a soft case made from Millican’s 20oz, weatherproof, 100% organic cotton canvas.

Adam offers many key features:

·         Central zip for easy access to two large internal compartments

·         Three external pockets for books, travel documents and water bottle.

·         Internal divider to separate work from play

·         Waterproof cover and shoe/laundry bag in one

·         Fits more airline restrictions for hand luggage

Adam the Suitcase retails at £265 and is available in Slate Green and Antique Bronze.

for more info and to purchas, head over to  www.homeofmillican.com

When I watch old movies I’m always slightly envious of those dapper gents who board a ship in Southampton and disembark in New York a few weeks later, relaxed and refreshed. It now requires a 2nd mortgage to even consider such luxury, instead the majority of us have to endure the hustle and bustle of air travel and neither relaxed nor refreshed spring to mind if you happen to be traveling budget and let’s face it, who hasn’t opted for a low cost airline at least once in their life?

There is, however, a way for today’s modern man to evoke the spirit of David Niven when traveling whether it be 1st class or cattle, simply ensure you purchase a few items from Otis Batterbee. Otis has been designing luxury designer accessories for men since 2008. What we’re talking about here are practical yet stylishly inspirational items such as lavender filled eye masks, washbags, hankies and cuff links.

Attention to detail is paramount to Batterbee’s philosophy as is his support of British industries. This means that his fabrics are sourced from UK mills and all his products really are Made in England, whether it’s lavender farmed in Norfolk, the finest Savile Row quality suiting materials woven in Lancashire or candles poured by hand in Suffolk, Otis Batterbee London is a truly British love affair.

I recently had the pleasure of receiving one of Otis’s travel eye masks. Now, if you’ve ever flown long haul you’ve probably found an airline freebie eye mask on your seat. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is the same thing. The Batterbee eye mask comes with luxurious 100% cotton velvet backing to caress your eyes, even the ties are velvet and the dried lavender sewn inside will leave you thinking you’ve been upgraded to 1st class. What’s more there are no less that 14 designs but personally I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want the Prince of Wales check, although I say that as someone who sports a Prince of Wales check suit far more often than is decent!

In use the eye mask is exquisite, it feels almost decedant when worn and the light lavender scent really does lull you to sleep. My only grumble is I usually awake slightly disappointed not to find a manservant called Jeeves waiting at the foot of the bed with a cup of Earl Grey and the newspapers!

So, whether you travel once in a blue moon or appear to live in a departure lounge, visit Otis Batterbee and ensure you travel and arrive in style.