Will Leather Launches Capsule Collection

Visitors to the ENK shows in New York and Las Vegas may have recognized exhibitor Will Leather Goods as the provider of the trade shows’ promotional tote bags.

The company was founded 30 years ago in Eugene, Ore., by William Adler. The company is still based in the Pacific Northwest, but, as the company grew, its production expanded to Europe and Asia. Today, the company still produces 50 percent of its leather bags, belts and small accessories in the United States. The rest is made overseas.

Last year, the company brought the focus back to its roots with a small capsule collection called Found. Produced by craftspeople in Oregon, Colorado, New York and California, Found features limited-edition bags made from vintage materials.

“Customers here in America and internationally want ’Made in the U.S.A.’ on the products they wear,” said Adler, who serves as chief executive officer of the company. “I wanted our customers to feel the pride and heritage that comes with the ’Made in the U.S.A.’ mark. It is an important part of our mission.”

Found’s wholesale prices range from $60 for the “La Manta Mini” to $250 for the “Dhurrie Mason Bag.” Retailers Ron Herman, Kitson and American Rag are among the Southern California retailers that carry the collection.

“The collection utilizes found items and re-engineers them into our bags,” Adler said. “We take vintage woven rugs, military belts, canvas duffels and army tents as our raw materials and invent a new classic and modern-inspired product. The entire Found collection is a one-of-a-kind, limited-edition collection because we never know what materials we will find to work with.”

For more information, visit www.willleathergoods.com.—Alison A. Nieder