Behind the Scenes: ABLE’s Leather Collection

Q&A with Megan, Leather Product Development, Sourcing, and Production at ABLE

How long have you been with ABLE?

I’ve been with ABLE for a total of 7 years. I actually started as an intern back when we were primarily producing handwoven scarves made by women in Ethiopia. Shortly after, I joined the team full-time in 2014 to spearhead our leather category and expand on the success of our first leather tote, The Mamuye Classic Tote. I was with ABLE for 5 years before moving to New York City to pursue my career in the fashion industry. There, I had the opportunity to work for an American legacy brand, where I learned more about manufacturing, sourcing, and design principles. In 2022, I moved back to Tennessee to be closer to family and re-joined the ABLE team. What brought me back was ABLE’s mission and the relationships I had built with our vendors. I was excited to apply my new learnings with a fresh perspective and contribute to ABLE’s growth and product expansion.

What’s the most rewarding part of working with our leather partners for ABLE? 

The most rewarding part of working with our leather partners is seeing the care and intention they put into developing ABLE products that our customers love. They are truly passionate about their craft, and I deeply value our partnership, as it allows us to collaborate and grow together.

What makes ABLE’s leather pieces stand the test of time?

ABLE’s leather pieces stand the test of time because of our commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainable sourcing. Each piece is made from high-quality leather that is hand-selected for its durability and rich texture. We work closely with partners who use traditional leather tanning techniques to ensure our leather ages beautifully over time. I particularly love the natural patina that our ABLE Pull-Up leather develops, which is often rare in today’s market due to the sensitive nature of this material. Additionally, our focus on ethical sourcing means we prioritize materials that are not only long-lasting but also responsibly produced, providing our customers with products they can feel proud to wear for years to come.

Can you walk us through the process of crafting one of our signature leather bags?

Our design process usually starts with finalizing the bag silhouette, then selecting the type of leather we want to sample—whether it's Pull-Up, Pebbled, Perforated, or Woven. This choice depends on how structured or slouchy we want the bag to feel. For example, our Pull-Up Leather starts off rigid but softens over time, while our Pebbled Leather has a softer, more drapey feel right away. From there, we build out the product specs and create a detailed tech pack to communicate our vision to the vendor. Once we get the proto sample, wear testing is key to evaluate functionality and comfort. If revisions are needed, we provide detailed feedback, often through video calls, to ensure clarity. We also value the vendor’s input to address potential production or quality issues early in the process.

What sets ABLE’s leather apart from other brands?

What sets ABLE’s leather apart is our commitment to both quality and purpose. We focus on using high-quality leather that’s designed to age beautifully, which gives our bags a unique, long-lasting character. Beyond just the materials, what makes our leather pieces stand out is our dedication to craftsmanship and the partnerships we’ve built with our vendors who care deeply about their craft. Each product reflects our mission to empower women through ethical sourcing, making our leather not just about style and durability, but also about making a positive impact.

What inspired the new colorways for our classic pieces?

The newest colorways, Moss and Clay, were inspired by the natural world around us. Moss is a deeper, neutral green that evokes the earthy tones of nature, giving our classic pieces a grounded, versatile vibe that pairs well with anything. Clay, on the other hand, is a warm, terracotta-inspired color that brings in a bit of richness and warmth, perfect for adding a pop of color while still feeling timeless. Both shades were chosen to enhance the versatility of our bags, making them easy to style for any season.

What are some of your favorite ways to style these classic leather pieces?

I love styling our classic leather pieces because they’re so versatile. My go-to look- I’ll pair one of our bags with jeans, boots, and a graphic tee. Our newest colors, Moss and Clay, are neutral enough to complement a wide range of outfits, and they add a little something extra to both casual and more dressed-up looks. They’re really the kind of pieces that work with almost anything, making them perfect for everyday wear.

Do you have a favorite go-to bag and why?

The Alem Backpack is one of my favorite ABLE bags. It’s my go-to travel bag that allows me to have all my travel necessities organized and secure. I love how roomy it is! It truly can fit all of my essentials that I need - laptop, journal, book, zip pouch with hand sanitizer & wallet, a light cardigan, and most importantly snacks (chex mix + sour gummy worms for me)! The side pocket for a water bottle is also a must. I especially love that the front zip pocket is deep enough to put my phone & ID for quick access when going through airport security. The wide straps make it comfortable to wear even when loaded down like my Alem typically is - it's so roomy & well made!

Styled With: Madilyn Varsity Cardigan, Everyday Tee, and Amanda Utility Pant (the patch pockets on those pants + the adjustable waist button extenders = comfy & practical while still feeling put together)

Can you give us a hint about what’s coming next for ABLE’s leather designs?

We’re exploring new materials with different woven patterns and colors, which we’re really excited about. We’ve also been testing a new travel tote that features a zipper and super functional pocket details. Versatility and functionality are always at the forefront of our designs, so we’re working on expanding into additional crossbody styles that can serve dual purposes.

What do you hope customers feel when they carry one of these pieces?

When customers carry one of our pieces, I hope they feel a sense of confidence and connection. Our leather bags are designed not just to be functional and stylish, but to reflect the craftsmanship and intentionality behind each one. I want our customers to feel like they’re carrying something that’s built to last, both in terms of quality and the positive impact it represents. Whether it’s the unique patina that develops over time or the knowledge that they’re supporting a mission they believe in, I hope each piece feels personal and empowering.