Born in Eritrea, Negash Mebrahtu is a third-generation leather artisan who honed his skills in Florence before landing in Canada. He’s spent the past 25 years opening and closing Toronto outposts, often tiring of the retail game, but never losing his fondness for fine European leather. Here, he teams up with long-time friend and retail maven Elizabeth Bugajski (of the Dessa accessory stores), offering slim, narrow handbags with fold-over flaps. Clean-lined portfolio knapsacks ($375) have two clasp closures; sturdy notebooks dress up executive desks. Sophisticated cowhide document envelopes (starting at $225) come in rich hues of oxblood, chestnut and black. Toronto designer Elizabeth Dushka’s line of sterling silver jewellery is also on hand.