I'm a Toronto based designer of handbags and accessories made of reclaimed leather garments. Most of my business is custom, often working with the clients' own beloved leather garment. Recently, I partnered with Danier Leather, a large Canadian retailer to create a capsule collection made from their deconstructed leather garments. The initial collection, under my name Agent Reclaim was a success at the retail level and am now working on production for the next collection which will be available in stores for late fall 2012.

My bags are made from post consumer leather garments, my target market ranges from 20 something to 65. Although I'm inspired by many things, it's the story behind each garment before deconstructing it into something special that will pay homage to its' past life while making it current, fashion forward and functional for years to come that drives me to continue working on new designs. All Agent Reclaim bags are one of a kind due to the medium of reclaimed leather. This is also what makes my bags so special, each bag, no matter the style will always be OOAK because it will come from a garment unique on its' own and not cut from a skin.

My line got started from a commissioned custom order that came to me from a friend who had a pair of Ralph Lauren chaps. She loved the gorgeous cognac deerskin leather but the style was no longer relevant to her. The first bag was born! She was thrilled with her new bag, which she still wears all the time and I fell in love with the art of reclaiming leather.

Each bag starts with a garment, that jacket, pant, skirt, dress, pair of chaps is photographed before deconstructing it and transforming it into a bag. Once the new handbag is completed, it gets a hangtag which bares the image of it's original form. it's a great way to complete the story behind the Agent Reclaim handbag.

Thankfully, I've had no design "nightmare" story thus far. I leave that to my waitressing days, many years ago. I feel quite fortunate to have created wonderful relationships with my custom clients which has helped grow that side of my business. I am also very grateful for the partnership I have with the above mentioned leather retailer. i look forward to building that relationship and expanding my designs into other categories while helping them find ways to reuse what would otherwise be considered waste.