EVENTS: FULLUM & HOLT AT THE SPOKE

Montreal-based Fullum & Holt have been in the leather goods business for over a century, but have just recently launched their own namesake brand of soft, supple leather accessories that modernizes the brand’s heritage. Bags and belts were recently showcased on the rooftop of Toronto’s The Spoke Club over a Pimm’s Cup. FrontRowMag.com sat down to chat with product developer Rina Sfalcin.“It’s come a long way from where we started doing braces and belts for the Canadian military, the Royal Armed Forces, that was the very beginning,” says Sflacin. As the biggest belt manufacturer in Canada and the U.S., Fullum & Holt have been focused on their private label over the years, but its third generation owner and creative director, Morgan Lackman, who is spearheading the new women’s collection to develop the brand name. Sfalcin explains, “It’s sort of like coming from behind the scenes to the forefront.”

“We are doing a lot of trend research, but also we have so much inspiration coming from within, looking backwards in our archives to find inspiration and new ideas. We truly want to show the heritage and craftsmanship and add something new, something modern,” states Sfalcin. Working with a number of craftspeople that have been working with the company for decades to develop a cohesive line was no small task, but was a great opportunity to showcase the talent that wasn’t fully utilized before.

The handbags and belts have classic design in mind, but have details, such as folds ruching and cut-outs, that update any outfit. The quality is incredible as handling one of the soft leather bags makes you think the buttery leather might melt away. With the line set to expand to small leather goods including wallets and cosmetics cases next season, we can’t wait to get out hot little hands on them.

Available at Ogilvy (in Quebec) and Holt Renfrew (across Canada) and Barney’s and Saks (across the USA).