Arthur Porter Designs is a line of handmade, high fashion leather bags created for the discerning woman or man who is not afraid to turn heads. All of my bags are my own designs, cut from leather hides, sewn by machine in-house and embellished with studs, eyelets, crystals, hardware and contrast stitching.

My joy comes in creating a piece in consultation with a fashion-conscious client that exceeds the customer’s expectations in terms of quality, uniqueness and craftsmanship. My line includes shoulder bags, clutches, backpacks, messenger bags, and tote bags. All of my products are made of high-quality leathers, a timeless material that with care can last a lifetime.

Arthur Porter Designs began almost a decade ago after a broken promise from a bag designer who pledged to create a leather bag for me. Although I paid for the bag up front, numerous calls to the designer made it obvious that no bag was forthcoming. Disappointed, I challenged myself to at least try to make my own bag. After almost two years of experimentation with a variety of leathers, hours at the sewing machine, teaching myself to lace and stud, and creating prototypes that weren’t quite ready for prime time, my creations became more and more polished. People began to ask me to design bags especially for them. Eventually, I outgrew my home workshop and opened a retail shop carrying my own and others’ handmade leather bags, belts, hats and personal accessories.

Based on my own struggles as a lone, virtually self-taught designer, my proudest achievement has been conducting one-on-one and small group bag design classes where I share my skill and passion for design and handmade leather products. Through these classes, offered to both aspiring and established designers, I feel I am creating a legacy for others who share my passion for creation. For years to come, they will enjoy the creative outlet, pleasure, and entrepreneurial opportunities that creating your own designs affords.