The history of Moleskine notebooks intertwines with Europe’s artistic and literary heritage. They’re a timeless classic and heir to the small black notebooks used by great writers and artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and Oscar Wilde.
Produced at a small Parisian bookbinder since the 19th century, these notebooks had become scarce by the mid-1980s, as the owner had died and his heirs sold the business—an event that was much lamented by British author Bruce Chatwin, who referred to his beloved journal as ‘moleskin’ in his novel The Songlines.
In 1997, a Milanese publisher discovered the story and took it upon himself to revive the iconic little black Moleskine notebook and, inspired by Chatwin’s words, gave them the name we all know today.
From there, the brand flourished and established itself as inseparable from imagination, culture, memory and travel while continuing to respond to an evolving market.
The iconic Moleskine notebook’s design features a sleek cover, rounded corners, an elastic closure, and an expandable inner pocket for notes and mementoes. The covers, although tactile, are not made from actual ‘moleskin’ – they are mainly textile polymers. While some versions feature cardboard covers, and special editions may use fabrics – such as silk and linen.
The brand has been FSC™ certified since 2008 to support the mission of the Forest Stewardship Council, and inside pages are made of material from well-managed, FSC™ certified forests and are acid-free, meaning the paper lasts longer, and is of archival quality.
Moleskine expanded its product line to include a variety of formats and sizes, such as planners, sketchbooks, and specialised notebooks for different creative and professional needs. They also introduced a range of accessories, including pens, bags, and digital tools, such as the Smart Writing System, ensuring that the brand remained relevant in the digital age.
While the distinctive design features of the original notebook remain, today’s versions of the little black book have become the go-to tool for the current generation of designers, writers, artists and entrepreneurs, remaining as coveted now as they were back then.
So, we’ve already established they are a design classic – but what makes Moleskine notebooks good and is Moleskine worth the money?
The answer? Yes. Here’s why…
Customised Moleskine notebooks
A Moleskine notebook is not just a notebook but an object with a story. By putting your message on a Moleskine notebook, you associate yourself with the heritage and values that Moleskine embody, further enhancing your brand.
Here at Noted in Style, we can create customised Moleskine notebooks for you that act as powerful communicators. So, whether you’re looking to strengthen employee engagement, launch a new product or campaign, thank your loyal customers or add prestige to your event, we can help.
With a range of styles, from the classic hardback to the modern card cover and thread-sewn Cahier notebooks, Moleskine notebooks also come in a range of sizes and colours, meaning there is sure to be something that suits your needs. However, the Moleskine A5 notebook remains the ever-popular, bag-sized choice and is handy to carry with you on-the-go.
We can offer customisation of your Moleskine notebooks, both inside and out, with a range of print techniques from traditional hand debossing, hot foiling and screen printing, through to the more modern technology of full-colour UV digital printing.
Furthermore, we can add customised belly bands and insert bespoke printed pages into notebooks, giving you even greater scope to convey your message in detail. And if you opt for one of our custom packaging solutions for your branded Moleskine notebooks, you’ll have yet another opportunity to reinforce your brand.
With all of this on offer, it’s no wonder that customised Moleskine notebooks are the go-to choice for some of the world’s greatest brands! Why not join them?
Moleskine Customised Packaging
Even an iconic item like the classic Moleskine notebook can benefit from the power of packaging. Presenting your beautifully customised Moleskine book or diary, in a gift box or bag not only makes the recipient feel extra special but also gives you even more scope to reinforce your brand message.
Our Moleskine tray cases are made from high-quality GF Smith Colorplan card, giving you over 50 colour choices for the tray and sleeve. Our bags can be made with a ribbon handle instead of rope, for when that luxury look is needed.
All packaging can be branded using one or more of our print techniques, and, if you are looking for something totally unique, we can make you a fully bespoke box.
