THE SUMMER OF BAGS

Roots leather goods in great demand

One of the big stories in Roots stores over the summer has been the success of earth-toned leather bags. In fact, the demand for camo, naturals, greens and flats was such that in many places it far outweighed the supply.

The collection features hands-free designs in natural leathers that are great for traveling and can easily be paired with a larger handbag. The flat bags are extremely functional with pockets for cell phones, Blackberrys, iPods and other items. Due to the success of the bags, the Roots leather factory in Toronto has been inundated with orders from customers wanting to purchase their own body-hugging bag.

“We’ve evolved from the Emily Bag into something even bigger,” says Jennifer Taylor Weeks, Merchandise Planning Manager for Leather.

Certain designs have been particularly hot: the Village Pack, the small and large Venetian Bag and the Molly Bag

“They’re functional, they look great, and you can dress them up or dress them down,” says Michael Budman, Roots Co-Founder, who along with his wife Diane Bald and Denyse Green, wife of Co-Founder Don Green, work closely on the design of Roots bags with Karl Kowaleski, resident leather maven.

Not only has the practicality of the bags been a huge factor in their success, but also their design, craftsmanship and exceptional Italian vegetable tanned leather.

“This collection is all about the leather,” says Karl who directs the leather program at the Roots factory. “These leathers are from the finest tanneries in the world which also have the strictest environmental standards.”

Jennifer says customers should keep an eye out for the next Roots bags in new leathers like the black Tribe leather coming soon to Roots stores. – Sarah Foster