It all started way before I got my hands on leather. Being drawn to craft wasn’t something new to me. My family has a strong history of being in the woodworking and engineering field. I grew up in Toronto and always loved the history of objects, the stories they tell without saying anything. It was this harmony between craft and age that struck a cord in me.

Having a strong sense of responsibility and knowing that I must create something that reflects the history of leather-craft, I wanted to create PORTMAN for many reasons. The most prominent was to “make it like they used to”. I began learning through a very much digital presence, funny how that is. It was from the first project I made(a wallet), I just knew working with leather was now part of my life.

Being interested in classic movies, nature and architecture, I saw that leather goods used to be made in such a way that made me smile. The way it looked, how long they lasted, and how they added to someones personality. I believe you can always tell when something is made by someone who loves what they do. It is unexplainable, it’s magic.

I set out to make leather goods using time honoured techniques such as the saddlers stitch, square gusset corners, perlage and more. I want every client to be as proud as I am making the bag, as they are using it. The pieces are meant to be used and taken care of, that way they can last.

Each piece that is made is created on my great grandfathers table. He made it, now I get to make objects for others on it, and that fills me with joy.

I hope that anyone who loves the craft, quality and history gets a chance to talk about it. Every piece starts with a conversation. Take a look at the collection, or get in touch and we’ll go from there.