FAQ
Materials and Making
What leather do you use?
Top grain leather from a single tannery in Argentina that produces it only for us. It is struck through, so the dye runs through the full depth of the hide, and left uncorrected and uncoated. The tannery is LWG Gold-certified, independently audited on water, chemical, and environmental practice.
What hardware do you use?
Silver only. Our signature oversized O-rings and clasps are cast in small batches in Italy from ZAMAK 3, a recyclable zinc alloy that is nickel and lead free, produced in ISO 14001-certified facilities. Zippers are made by Lampo in Italy. Smaller components are verified REACH and RoHS compliant.
Where are your bags made?
In-house, in our Toronto studio at 87 Wade Avenue. Cutting, edge finishing, construction, and hardware setting are all done by our own team. Nothing that affects the quality of the object is outsourced.
Are the bags handmade?
Yes. Each piece is handmade by our team in Toronto, Canada.
Who founded Sonya Lee, and is it women-owned?
Stephanie Sonya Ibbitson founded Sonya Lee in Toronto in 2014. The studio is founded and led by women, and the team of five designs and makes everything in-house.
How would you describe the Sonya Lee aesthetic?
Dark, architectural, and hardware-forward. All black, silver only, built on brutalist proportion rather than decoration. The references are architecture and industrial design more than conventional luxury. Made for an all-black wardrobe.
Are your bags sustainable and ethically made?
The leather is vegetable-tanned at an LWG-certified tannery. Our hardware is recyclable and REACH and RoHS compliant.
Will the leather change over time?
Yes, and it is meant to. It will soften, darken, and develop a patina with use. Marks are the record of how the bag has been carried, which is why we do not correct or coat the surface.
How long will a Sonya Lee bag last?
Indefinitely, with use. The leather is top grain and vegetable-tanned, so it wears in rather than out, and every piece is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. These are made to be kept and repaired, not replaced.
Sizing and Fit
What fits inside each bag?
Exact dimensions are on each product page. The Agnes, and Francesca Grande fit up to a 16 inch laptop. The Desha fits a 14 inch laptop. The Winona holds a full bottle of wine or a standard water bottle.
How do I choose my belt size?
Our belts fit true to size. Check the belt size guide for measurements before ordering.
Care
How do I care for my bag?
Very little is required. Condition only if the leather feels dry. A wax or oil adds protection and water resistance. Otherwise let the material develop on its own.
My bag has a mark or scratch. Is that a problem?
No. Variation is expected and part of how the leather ages. If it feels dry, condition it.
Orders and Shipping
How long until my order ships?
In-stock orders ship within 2 to 3 business days. Made-to-order pieces take 1 to 2 weeks.
Do you offer free shipping, and is it insured?
Yes, free shipping across North America on qualifying orders, and those orders are eligible for shipping insurance. Claims take 60 to 90 days to process.
What about the shipping methods I select myself?
Customer-selected shipping is covered only up to the amount chosen. Tracked Packet International, for example, covers up to 100 CAD. We are not liable for loss or theft on these methods.
Returns and Warranty
What is your return and exchange policy?
Returns and exchanges within 14 of delivery, on unused items in original condition. Email info@sonyalee.co with your order number to start.
What if my item arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect?
Email info@sonyalee.co with your order number and a photo, and we will sort it out.
Do your bags come with a warranty?
Yes. Every piece carries a limited lifetime warranty. We repair or replace at our discretion based on condition and practical lifespan. Damage from misuse or neglect may be serviced at a reasonable cost.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept, and can I pay in installments?
All major payment methods, and you can pay in installments with Sezzle at checkout.
What currency are your prices in?
All prices are set in US dollars. The checkout currency is determined geographically, but you may switch to any currency using the drop-down menu in the top or bottom right of the page.