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Lifestyle

Mari Cla Ro

MARI CLA RO 457 Roncesvalles, 416-533-9161, mariclaro.ca


Behind the Mari Cla Ro store, piled high in a Roncesvalles back alleyway, is a heap of old tarps, tires and ripped-up upholstery that the team has collected from junkyards and local furniture factories. Their recycled-material haul changes with the seasons, and so does Mari Cla Ro’s collection of courier, duffel and laptop bags.

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Patricia Youn (left) and Willa Murray make bags at Mari Cla Ro.

Kathryn Gaitens

Ninety-nine per cent of each bag is made with reused seat belt straps, air bag linings and other found fabrics and notions. Only the thread and label are new. Small-to-oversized carryalls feature car-seat-sourced panels embossed with Cadillac and Lincoln logos and corners reinforced with bicycle inner tubes.

The store supplements its bag stock with eco and locally made clothing and accessories by lines like Embody and the Deadly Nightshades.

Mari Cla Ro co-owner Sven Schlegel recycles.

Kathryn Gaitens

Mari Cla Ro picks: Green upholstery scraps form the shape of a heart on the white 3 Speed bag, $129 the Aries duffel has a sportier look, $119 there are two strap positions on the Cadillac bag, including an across-the-body configuration that keeps it close while you ride, $169.

Look for: Upcoming workshops where customers will be invited to put in their 2 design cents on the development of the perfect messenger bag.

Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.

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