VANCOUVER- Tucked away in Vancouver’s Chinatown is a sweet little store owned by an equally sweet woman, Erin Templeton. It’s rare not to be greeted by the designer herself upon entering her store and if not you’ll hear her laughter coming somewhere from the back where she’s busy at work.
35-year-old Templeton and native Vancouverite opened shop 3 years ago and has since become famous for her hand crafted leather bags and accessories, which are the main focus in her store. Her fine craftsmanship and creative designs have been featured in Marie Claire, Flare and Teen Vogue Magazine (among others).
While her leatherwork is the main attraction, the other half of her store is filled with racks of carefully handpicked women’s vintage bold and beautiful dresses, shoes, scarves and pants. Hunting for vintage since the age of 20, Templeton has developed a keen eye for finding wonderful one of a kind piece. Her store is home to one of the best vintage collections i've seen in the city.
The back of her shop is where all the sewing goes down. Piles of different coloured leather cover the tables. Templeton says it takes her about half a day to build one of her signature bags. My personal favorite was a bright, cobalt blue hobo made from an old jacket.
She hasn’t always used her talent and creativity for making bags; Templeton went to shoe making school and then tried her hand at making hats. She still uses her skills from school by making lace up sandals that are also sold in the shop, but she’s retired from hats because people tend to be less fussy about what holds their valuables as opposed of what goes on their head.
She’s found her niche and her passion and we’re all better for it.
Be sure to visit her store at: 511 Carrall Street on the corner of Pender. Or visit her website at: www.erintempleton.com
Open- Wed-Sat 11a-6p Sun noon-5p
604.682.2451
