Founded in 2010 by designer Amy Malcolm out of her need to create a handbag that was simultaneously functional and aesthetically refined, Opelle is conceptualized, crafted and produced in small batches in our Toronto studio. With an emphasis on function and
authenticity, every Opelle bag is thoughtful, responsible and unique.
Since our launch with a single style, the Lotus bag we’ve grown to include our Permanent Collection - Opelle classics that emphasize timelessness & longevity, and our Seasonal collection of new styles & colours released twice yearly.
Intrinsic to every Opelle piece is a magic trifecta of those intrinsic elements that are most important to us in a luxury item: quality, style and functionality each balanced in perfect harmony.
Quality is uncompromising, always. Each element thoughtful, authentic & perfectly executed, with not a stitch out of place. Style is timeless, ageless, understated, refined. Functionality - above all means useful, effortless, indispensable.
Toronto-Native Amy Malcolm spent her formative years studying Art, finding Zen on the dance floor and hitch hiking across the country before turning her attention to leather when she was unable to find an authentic leather bag that suited her unconventional urban mores. Her multi-disciplinary background of formal and non-formal training in Sculpture, Industrial design, Textiles & Women’s Wear is complimented by self-taught skills and techniques. Amy maintains a close working relationship with each stage of Opelle’s creative process ensuring that each piece is a true reflection of her personal vision.
Each Opelle handbag is individually handcrafted in small batches in our Toronto atelier. We work with an evolving production system composed of a mix of traditional & original processes developed through experimentation. By keeping our production hands-on and in-house we are able to ensure that each piece is a specimen of perfect quality, created ethically and realized exactly as intended.
Opelle pieces are handcrafted exclusively from top-grain natural leathers. We source tanneries in Italy, Germany and Spain. Where ever possible we use leathers that are tanned using low-impact processes with a minimum of chemical processing. Skins are hand-chosen for softness & quality and hand-cut to maintain their individual character. Slight variations in texture, form and colour define the unique natural elegance inherent in each piece.
From zippers to hardware to packaging each element that goes into every Opelle handbag is sourced and selected for it's uncompromising quality, functionality & aesthetic beauty. We favour bespoke producers and suppliers who share our passion for quality over mass production and are passionate about their craft. Our zippers are made in Switzerland by the masters at Riri who are renowned for the ultra-high quality of their products. Our lead-free brass hardware is the best we've ever encountered, made by a 4 generation family-run company in Massachusetts.
All of these elements combine to create a product that will last, function effortlessly that you can be proud to use and wear.
Iconic OPELLE
The very first Opelle designs, still our best-selling and most-loved styles 10 years later
