Here’s where you’ll find locally-made leather bags and wallets
WANT quality leather bags, made just for you? These local makers have your back(pack).
Leatherworks Adelaide, Regent Arcade (shop 4), leatherworksadelaide.com.au
ROB McRae actually registered this business name in the mid-‘90s, but it was only in January — after 20 years of working for a global automotive company — that he put it to use and started an online store. Just a few weeks ago, he moved into Regent Arcade with the help of Renew Adelaide, so now you can find the Jam Factory-trained leather worker sitting in his workspace, apron on and glasses hovering over his nose as he concentrates on his latest wallet, belt or backpack. The new setting suits him because he likes talking to people as much as he likes working, and it suits customers because they get to unzip bags, try on belts and give things a sniff. As one said: “smells like leather in here.” Yep. Price guide: $65-$620.
The Butcher Byrd, etsy.com/au/shop/TheButcherByrd
SASHA Carroll spends her days in an old butcher shop in the ‘burbs, crafting beautiful leather bags for anyone who has clicked ‘Add to Cart’ on her Etsy page. The bag-maker of 10 years, who originally studied shoemaking at TAFE, is known for her classic satchels and tote bags
in rich colours such as whiskey and tan. Muso Dan Sultan gave her quite the shock recently when he breezed through and bought four bags. No biggie. Locals will get a rare chance to check out Sasha’s work at Adelaide Showground’s Bowerbird Bazaar from November 25-27, but with the arrival of her second child also expected around that date, let’s hope Bowerbird comes before bub. Price guide: $250-$500.
Jade and Beckett, jadeandbeckett.bigcartel.com
SINCE debuting her first collection at the Adelaide Fashion Festival’s South Oz designer markets, Emma McKinlay has been building a name for herself in the world of leatherwork. She’s one of six in the running for a $29,000 grant through the MINI Bright Rays competition, and is in talks with a Hong Kong fashion label to work on a special collaboration. Not bad for a fashion student who only started her business in February. Her pouches, carry cases and totes are made with vegetable-tanned leather, and all scraps are turned into some very fashion-forward chokers. Price range: $20-$500.
Martine van Reesema, martinevanreesema.com
SHE started making bags in her mum’s kitchen, now Martine van Reesema has progressed to the spare room at her dad’s place where she often has five things on the go, all in various stages of production. Since posting a photo to Instagram of a bag she made in February, the requests have been rolling in and now MVR is a fully-fledged business. The minimalist maker, who studied fashion design in Melbourne, is best known for her bucket bag, which is made of vegetable-tanned leather from R.M Williams’ supplier D.S. Horne. She’s always thinking of new ideas so keep an eye on her website — she tells us six brightly coloured bags made from slouchy kangaroo leather are in the pipeline next year. Price guide: $200-$420.
The Daily Edited, David Jones, Adelaide Central Plaza, thedailyedited.com
IT’S far from bespoke, but SA-born Alyce Tran and business partner Tania Liu need props for turning this home business into a nationwide success story. The former lawyers now have a team of 40 working out of their Alexandria headquarters, and concession stands in David Jones stores — DJ’s in Rundle Mall only got theirs in September. Credited for putting monogramming into the mainstream market, TDE has a range of leathergoods from phone covers and diaries to bags and purses. For an extra cost, add your full name or any type of Instagram-worthy quote in the brand’s new signature handwriting. Price guide: $50-$400.