Get a handle on things
There’s a time and place for an oversized tote, but right now small bags are our vibe. Not so small, mind you, as the Jacquemus ones, which are basically only big enough for a toonie and a micro lip balm (not even a Chapstick!), but you definitely won’t fit the hardcover edition of André Leon Talley’s The Chiffon Trenches in these. Either way, we love them and we’re all for carrying around a little less baggage right now. Rebecca Tay showcases five of the best small bags out there — and these ones are all by Canadian designers.
NAVY SEAL
Ai is the Toronto-based sustainable fashion brand making waves for its vegan handbags and accessories. Run by a fashionable mother and her three equally fashionable daughters, all of their designs are made in small batches by artisans in Seoul. Our pick: this very sweet mock croc Mini bag in navy, which comes with a short handle and a longer, detachable strap for hands-free access.
Ai Toronto Seoul, aitorontoseoul.ca | $140
RED HOT
Sleek, structured and incredibly chic, this Italian vegetable-tanned Diatome leather bag by Montreal designer Partoem features a very clean front with the brand’s signature assembly hardware on the reverse. It’s one of those rare styles that elevates a day look, even if worn cross-body, yet is also elegant enough for an evening out.
Partoem, partoem.ca | $370
SHOULDER SEASON
We’ve always been fans of Vancouver designer Erin Templeton, ever since the early days when she was sewing bags out of recycled leathers. Today, her leather sources have expanded to some imported leathers and locally tanned elks and bison, and she still makes her creations in the city. This Straight & Narrow Round is a new take on her popular flat-bottomed style, complete with two compartments for cash and a smaller one for cards.
Erin Templeton, erintempleton.com | $175
WHITE HOT
Toronto-based Azure Lazuli launched at London Fashion Week in 2019, and its founder and creative designer, Ashley Phillips, has been lauded ever since for the brand’s architectural designs and bohemian details (and no wonder, she is a practising architect). Completely made in Canada without any machinery, we love the laced edges and clean, optic white hue of this Micro Nelephant style.
Azure Lazuli, azurelazuli.com | $329
SCRUNCHED UP
Inspired and named after Leighton, the creative marketing manager at Vancouver brand Sonya Lee (whose founder and designer is Stephanie Sonya Ibbitson), this leather scrunchie pouch is ever so cute and can be worn with the adjustable, removable leather strap or with a cool chain strap like this one.
Sonya Lee, sonyalee.co | $216