MATERIAL

LEATHER

What does it mean for a material to be chosen? Not selected from a catalogue, not approved against a standard — but chosen, the way something is chosen when it is intended to be kept.

Our leather comes exclusively from a tannery in Argentina. They are our partners, and they produce this material only for us. It is vegetable-tanned and struck through, so the dye runs through the full depth of the hide rather than sitting on the surface. Nothing is corrected or coated to create uniformity. We did not invent these standards, but we refuse to accept anything less.

We often return to the question of what it means for something to age well. The answer is not preservation. It is that it was never trying to look finished. This leather does not resist time. It receives it. Each mark is not a flaw in the object, but evidence of use. The only proof of value that cannot be manufactured.

PROCESS

All production takes place in our Toronto studio, where each step is carried out with direct oversight. Cutting, edge finishing, construction, and hardware setting are completed in sequence, with attention to consistency. Nothing is outsourced that would compromise that control. The result is work that reflects how it was made — without adjustment or concealment.

CARE

These objects are designed to be used and to change with use.

Leather will soften, darken, and develop variation across its surface. This is expected. It reflects how the object has been carried and returned to over time. If needed, conditioning can be used to maintain suppleness and prevent excessive drying. Oils or waxes may be applied for additional protection, depending on how the object is used.

Intervention should be minimal. The material is intended to respond on its own.

WARRANTY

All Sonya Lee pieces are covered under a limited lifetime warranty. Items will be repaired or replaced at our discretion, based on their condition and practical lifespan. Damage resulting from misuse or neglect may be serviced at a reasonable cost.