The website tells me that in late 2007, after waking from a dream where Miyamoto Musashi (a badass Japanese swordsman known for his wicked combat style and general awesomeness when it comes to duels) and General Custer (the “Last Stand” guy that got his ass handed to him by Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors at the Battle of the Little Bighorn) were sword-dueling over a prized Gucci bag, that Marjan Petrovski’s calling came to fruition. Given the inspiration, no shocker that Petrovski’s Empire33 brand dives head first into the dark and moody vibe. I like the lashing of elegance (high quality Italian leather) and keen attention to detail (an American Civil War sword handle made of hardwood with steel and handcrafted brass fittings) that Petrovski takes with his hand made bags—all of which are done in a little workshop in Sydney.