5 Montréal essentials: bags

From handbags to weekenders to messenger bags and laptop sleeves, you can be sure there’s a Montréal designer out there who makes what you need. Bring home a souvenir that really says Montréal thanks to this top 5 that marries form and function: it’s all about bags.

Frank Oak

Frank Oak are better known as menswear designers, but their bags are a well-kept secret of the most stylish Montrealers, both male and female. Beautifully made from thick, full-grain tanned Italian leather, this weekender comes in jet-black and a warm, auburn hue. The exterior envelope pockets and interior zippered section keep everything in its place while looking just-so.

Find it online, or in person at their flagship store in the Mile End (160 Saint-Viateur Street East).

$335

Matt Nat

Vegans worldwide thank their lucky stars for Matt Nat, a widely distributed brand of cruelty-free bags and accessories that puts the style back into ecological awareness. This Wellington satchel in citrus from the spring/summer 2015 collection can also be worn cross-body thanks to a removable strap, and it comes in four other spring-happy colours. The brilliantly designed front flap with cutout for the handle has a snap closure so your goods stay safe.

Find it online, or at shops like Zone Maison (4246 Saint-Denis Street) and V de V (5042 Saint-Laurent Boulevard).

$140

Woolfell

A local and much higher quality answer to the Herschel craze, Woolfell backpacks are made from thick, waterproof canvas with cowhide straps and a sophistication in terms of line and detailing that’s second to none. This roomy, ultra-useful Warrior model with a padded laptop section comes in a large variety of colours, including two-toned and waxed canvas.

Find it online, at shops like Unicorn (5135 Saint-Laurent Boulevard), or at the Woolfell studio (4283 Saint-Laurent Boulevard), by appointment only.

$150

C Comme Ça

Master craftsmen of the soft wool felt/supple leather combination, the C Comme Ça designers have created weekenders, handbags, sleeves and totes in this combination, in addition to this handsome Joseph briefcase. The vegetable-tanned leather strap is removable for added sleekness, and the bag’s size was specially conceived to hold a 17-inch laptop.

Find it online, or in-store at shops including museum boutiques like the McCord Museum, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

$210

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