Solo Makes Bags for NYC, Minus the NYC Prices

What looks like a million bucks, but doesn’t cost it?

Intelligence. That’s what.

To find that in carry-all form, you’re going with Solo New York, an unassuming shop tucked away in Soho where you’ll find dutiful, good-looking bags for work, travel and everything in between.

Now 10 years in business, Solo creates urban-inspired backpacks, duffels, totes, briefs, messengers and tablet cases, all designed and sold in-house (as well as online). A product of a third-generation, family-owned and -operated company, you can count on these fellas knowing what you need for your commute, whether the destination is Midtown or Madrid.

What sets ‘em apart from the herd is their perfect blend of design, functionality and style — all at a relatively bearable price tag (backpacks start around $40, with their highest-end leather duffels going for around $300).

“My pet peeve in carry-alls is certainly over-engineering,” says Solo President Jon Davies. “Some of the best, most popular designs are also the most simple in that they look great and check all the boxes of what makes a bag great for the everyday.”

Those tenets are apparent in their latest collection, which might be their snazziest to date. It’s called the Roadster and comprises four models, each finished in a pebbled black leather with padded straps and brown leather accents.

Solo New York (3 images)

You’ve got a slim and standard brief, a weekender duffel and our pick of the bunch, the Kilbourn Backpack. It’s decked out with protective pockets for a laptop, tablet and other key essentials, and inside, you’ll find a dark, tastefully camouflaged lining. It’s a fanciful alternative to the briefcase, and one that tells the rest of the office you know how to loosen the ol’ tie-knot and live a little.

Plus? As with the rest of the collection, it comes with a five-year warranty. Use it every day — as intended — and you’re looking at somewhere on the order of 1,800 uses.

Good luck finding that in a $1,500 designer job.