Ratsey & Lapthorn | Jai Sandhu Studio

Since 1790 Ratsey & Lapthorn have suited ships with the finest sails, liaising with a client base that included kings, emperors and presidents. Throughout the history of yachting, many vessels have adorned Ratsey sails. This heritage brand story needs no embellishment; synonymous with timeless craft, never stuck in the past. Constant forward momentum for 236 years.
As long as Ratsey & Lapthorn have made sails, they have also made bags. They can attest to creating the world’s first tote, used for carrying coal and ice to boats in harbour. Made in limited quantities – in numbered editions – the launch of the new luxury bag collection has the same uncompromising standards and hand-sewn intricate details found in their sailmaking.
Post-purchase NFC registration for full traceability and a digital product passport
Photographed the collection in full 360°
Still life detail photography
Post-production of third-party lifestyle shoots
Directing a shoot alongside Architectural Digest photographer Tom Mannion, we afforded the handmade craftsmanship of each piece the utmost attention, bringing the standard of a magazine spread to packshot photography. The retouched images went on to find a life beyond the website, featuring in the Financial Times, Tatler, WWD, Forbes, Marie Claire and Monocle.
The post-purchase journey was designed with equal deliberation. Designing an NFC-embedded app, paired with dedicated editorial tracing the provenance of each individual piece, set the stage for the lifelong partnership customers hold with the sailmaker.
Integrating the regatta calendar into the website created a natural stage for those who share a passion for the sea to encounter the brand in person. Attuned to each season, a considered presence at these events extended reach and synchronises the digital experience to the physical one.
As Tom Ratsey declared in 1833, "There is only one standard of work in this loft, that is the very best." The launch of the first online collection was held to this same exacting standard. A holistic strategy developed now underpins the global distribution of the bags, from Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) fulfilment to navigating the intricacies of international taxation.
Maintaining a story that needs no embellishment resulting in a widely received launch with features on FT, Tatler, WWD, Forbes, Marie Claire, and Monocle.