THE BRAND
Leela Jacobs is a burgeoning, genderless Canadian brand that has garnered attention for its stylish luxury leather accessories. The essence of the brand is embodied by Leela Jacobs herself, whose dedication to quality and personal style is evident in every item. The genuine nappa leather used in all the designs is warm, wind and water-resistant, creating versatility for various seasons. The Essentials line includes the leather toque, beanie and two styles of leather scarves. The signature grommets are designed to ventilate the leather, adding both functionality and style to the design.
The brand's debut design - the leather toque holds a unique significance in the brand's portfolio. Derived from the French word "tuque," this style of hat is globally recognized as the beanie. Leela chose to retain the term "toque," imbuing the design with a sense of authenticity to Canada.
In addition to the toque, the beanie and two leather scarves were added to the Essentials line. The lining in the toque and beanie was selected for comfort and to minimize static in the hair. The two types of leather scarves offer both versatility and luxury. The long scarf and the triangle scarf can be styled in numerous ways, crafted entirely from leather to provide an added touch of opulence.
All designs in the Essentials line are created with attention to detail and crafted from genuine lambskin leather.
THE DESIGNER
Leela's fashion journey began with a desire to create and expand beyond the hair industry. Her time at a Couture Fashion school not only honed her design skills but also further developed her strong appreciation for craftsmanship and innovation. As a designer specializing in leatherwork, Leela brings a unique perspective to the industry, combining functionality and style with a touch of sophistication and a hint of edginess. Her meticulous attention to detail and focus on quality shine through in every piece she creates.
The debut slouch toque was inspired by a visit to New York. Unable to find the style she wanted, Leela decided to create one herself. Known for wearing various hat styles, she prioritized designing a hat suitable for different occasions that is both functional and fashionable. As a hairstylist, Leela understands head shapes and the benefit of good lining on the hair. Leela truly believes in creating your personal style and loves to see how people wear her designs.
PRODUCTION
Leela personally handcrafts each pattern before coordinating production with her family's factory in India. Her cousin, who owns the factory, brings extensive experience from working with high quality European designers for over 30 years. The dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the company for more than two decades, contribute significantly to the production process
Her visit to the factory last year provided valuable insights into the manufacturing process, reinforcing her dedication to the brand and its Indian manufacturing heritage.
The leathers are responsibly sourced from Chennai, India, through trusted suppliers with long-standing relationships with the factory. These suppliers ensure the use of premium leathers and fabrics and employ a specialized tumbling process to maintain the softness of the final product
