There’s nothing like getting home after a long day at work to find a package waiting for you, especially when the package is stamped “Royal Mail” and has a cute little customs sticker on it, and you’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Proporta’s gorgeous new Alu-Leather Sheepskin Case for your iPod Nano.

What’s in the package? Click past the jump to find out!

(All the poorly lit pictures taken on top of the kitchen table are mine. The ones that look nice are Proporta’s.)

And here it is! The case comes in a nice-looking packaging that refreshingly does not require the Jaws of Life to open. Additionally, being the patriotic Brits they are, the people at Proporta spread the gospel of Earl Grey tea with every order.

When I first heard that these cases were sheepskin, I had horrible mental images of shearling. As you can see, the reality is nothing like that. The beautiful leather comes in several colors, including the bright and vibrant blue I received which is darker and even prettier than the image on the website. The stunning color combined with the functional shape gives the case a fun, modern look.

I wish I could somehow show you how soft and smooth the leather is and how fabulous it feels in my hand. I’m obviously no professional photographer, so mentally correct for my image-producing ineptness, get an idea of how nice you think this case is, and then triple that.

My Nano slipped comfortably into the arms inside and felt completely secure. The top and bottom flaps of the case are reinforced with a thin sheet of aluminum that adds very little weight but a lot of protection. My Nano spends most of its time being jostled in my pocket or purse, so given how thin it feels in my hand, that is very reassuring.

All of the workmanship is immaculate. There is not a thread loose on the stitching, and every component is well-proportioned and clearly put together with care. I have a feeling that this case will outlast my Nano.

The little strap attaches magnetically to the top with just the right amount of “stick.” It can be easily opened and closed with one hand. With the case completely closed, you can access the headphone jack and the lock toggle.

This lovely case has only one drawback, and that is that it does add substantially to the thickness of the Nano. With the Nano in place, the full height looks about 2 cm. However, I think the tradeoff is worth it for the protection that the Alu-Leather case provides. Also, slipping the Nano in and out is very easy, even with the headphones connected, for those times when slim is more important than sturdy.

Proporta have hit yet another home run with this release. As always, the design and craftsmanship are top notch. I really love the leather, and especially the color options. Other cases on the market make you choose between protection and looks. The Alu-Leather case manages to do a fantastic job on both. In the world of iPod Nano cases, Proporta has officially leapt to the front of the pack.