Varsity Brown opens Leslieville shop for its in-house leather goods

Photo: Varsity Brown

Varsity Brown has opened a new flagship store for its leather goods on Queen St. East in Leslieville. 

Specializing in leather bags, wallets, headwear and accessories, Varsity Brown offers high- quality and bespoke leather goods that are handmade in Toronto. 

The small-batch manufacturer uses a combination approach of old school methods and laser-cut precision to craft its focused collections. Its items feature signature leather patches and brand marks, on a range of products such as card carriers, clutches, pet products, pouches, tablet and laptop cases, passport holders and camera straps.

"Our leather goods are designed and handcrafted at our micro fashion house in Toronto," says Varsity Brown co-owner Emily Boston. "Using heritage techniques mixed with technology, we fabricate classic goods that last. We make things you feel like you should have already had. A staple that can dressed up or down. Our style is timeless — we are leather for life."

"We make leather for life, not luxury" is the brand's core philosophy that ties back to its authentic, durable products made for long-term everyday use.

Designer and leathersmith Matt Boston founded the brand in 2011, and has operated a shop and studio in the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood of West Toronto since 2015 along with his sister, Emily Boston.

Its lease on Walnut Ave. is expiring in December and the owners say production will be moving to the Junction and the Queen East shop will now be its new flagship.  

"Leslieville is an amazing neighbourhood," Emily says. "It's downtown but still feels homey — it just felt right."

Varsity Brown is now open seven days a week at 1107 Queen St. E. Check out varsitybrown.ca for more information and to see its product line.