Stuart & Lau
Professional waterproof nylon bags, New York design since 2016
Disguised dropshipping brand with Chinese OEM manufacturing. High margins on repositioned generic products.
Philosophy
New York brand founded in 2016, specializing in modern professional carry. Briefcases, backpacks and accessories in waterproof technical nylon and leather. Recommended by the New York Times. Made in China, lifetime guarantee.
History
Born between New York and Hong Kong, Stuart & Lau is the project of two friends who found existing briefcases ill-suited to their urban nomad lifestyle. The brand launched in 2016 with the Cary Briefcase, later recommended by the New York Times as the best in its category. Among enthusiasts, reviews are generally positive - smart design, well-thought-out compartments, elegant waterproof nylon. But durability is debated: several users report the nylon losing its shape after one to two years of heavy use, and a 2022 specialist forums thread flags ghost customer service. Manufactured in China via Hong Kong, which explains an aggressive price point for the perceived quality. Lifetime guarantee advertised. Stuart & Lau remains an excellent entry into professional carry, as long as you don't expect Filson or Billingham ruggedness.
Iconic Products
Cary Briefcase
The signature briefcase. Single or Double compartment. Italian full-grain leather, laptop compartment. Most discussed product among enthusiasts. 'Very nice bag but not quite perfect' - the consensus.
Redux Gym Bag
The gym bag that passes in an office. Clean enough for an open space, big enough for the gym. Hidden magnets, solid zips, smart compartments. Trustpilot: 'the bag really blew me away.' The product where Stuart & Lau is most convincing.