There is a visceral feeling that comes about when holding something in your hands that was made in your community — perhaps by a neighbour, a friend, or a friend-of-a-friend. As Toronto continues to refine its voice as a global cultural force, we look inwards at the individuals quietly working away, creating careful objects of beauty with their hands. It is this entrepreneurial gusto and cultural vision that we believe makes Toronto special. Our Made In Toronto series is intended to serve as a looking glass into the minds and workplaces of these creative spirits, all with a unified love for craft, who believe in hard-work and creating something meaningful for their neighbours. Here, we present once again: Made In Toronto at Hoi Bo.
As far back as she can remember, Sarra Tang has always made things. Four years ago, she decided to make things for a living, and created Hoi Bo, a store, clothing line, and her reknowned series of hand-crafted hand bags. Based out of Toronto’s storied Distillery district, Hoi Bo doubles as her permanent workshop where customers can watch as Sarra and her team create their handbags from the raw materials. And these materials are very important: leather and hand-waxed canvas chosen to offer the perfect blend of style and strength. Sarra took us through the process of creating one of these wearable works of art–from the design process to cutting raw hides to sewing on the handles. Visit Hoi Bo at 55 Mill St in the Historic Studio District. Studio 107, Case Goods Warehouse #74. More info at www.hoibo.com Our Made in Toronto series won ‘Best Video or Multimedia Feature’ at the COPA. View other videos here.
