Start your PORTMAN Journey Today

Interested in an item? Want to find out how one artisan in Toronto makes it all by hand under one roof? Curious about what makes our leathers so special? Fill out the form below.

A person holds a leather strap with their left hand, working on a leather piece at a desk. A brown adjustable desk lamp is illuminating the workspace, and a marbled black and brown surface is partially visible on the right. There is a book with the word 'LONDON' visible on the bottom right.
A pink and multicolored striped tote bag with a zippered pocket on the front, resting on a wooden shelf.
Various brown and black leather handbags and small accessories displayed on a wooden dresser.

You will be partnered with our artisan who will guide and show you the steps involved in every stage. You’ll choose the leathers, threads and hardwares. Pick the design suited for your unique lifestyle, and then we’ll turn to the table and get to work! At every turn you get to be part of the magic. Once the piece is finished being made, we always recommend bringing it back to us for cleaning and freshening up. For all products there is a complimentary Portman Spa for the first time.

How it’s made.

Close-up of a black zipper on leather, partially covered by papers and objects.

Material Selection

The first step in making your one of a kind piece is selecting through our leathers, hardwares and threads. Get first hand experience to match leathers for your lifestyle and learn about the rich history of the tanneries.

Black leather briefcase parts all on a wooden surface.

Leather Clicking

After confirming your choices of materials we move onto the workbench where flat leather molds into three dimensional objects. Leathers and textiles are cut to exacting shapes and hardwares are installed.

A hand sewn leather bag being worked on in the daylight. Pink and blue stripes on a canvas and leather trim designer bag.

Stitching

Next comes the most meticulous part, hand sewing every piece using a saddlers stitch. This time honoured seam was once used for seams that required high strength and are also naturally repairable. This seam can only be done by a skilled artisan.

Three leather wallets on a wooden surface, one large black with a snap button and zipper, one small black with a flap, and one medium brown with a snap button flap.

Finishing

With the edges sewn and the leather goods taking form, the edges are sealed and finished by hand. At this point personalized initials can be engraved on leather and every good gets its first leather conditioning so its ready for day one!