Who We Are
About Us
Family-owned and treasured for over a decade, Kelly Tooke designs celebrate fashion, family heritage, and the incredible natural beauty of leather.
Handcrafted in small batches to achieve unmatched quality, Kelly Tooke handbags are an icon of craftsmanship and tradition. Influenced by 3 generations of leather artisans and the eye of an inspired designer, each distinctive piece is meticulously composed for both function and show-stopping beauty.
Kelly Tooke pieces are made from the finest leather in the world. Each hide is hand-selected from prized ranches throughout the United States and finished with gorgeous, custom-made hardware. All pieces come with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that every Kelly Tooke handbag is destined to become an heirloom – passed down and loved for generations.
Kelly Tooke is a dream realized. It started in Houston, Texas as the vision of an artisan husband and his inspired wife, and the legacy continues through their devoted daughter.
Our Family
More than forty years ago, the Kelly family stepped into the world of leather, but not in the way you might expect. Rooted in a century-old family trade in Houston, Texas, they dedicated themselves to mastering the art of footwear and handbag re-crafting. Through years of hands-on experience, they developed a deep understanding of what defines true quality — meticulous triple stitching, durable hardware, and the finest leathers.
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As their expertise grew, so did their relationships with ranchers, tanneries, and skilled leather artisans who shared their vision of creating heirloom bags. With access to the most exceptional hides, they learned which tanning methods and craftsmanship techniques elevated a good handbag into something extraordinary.
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Out of this knowledge, passion, and reverence for the natural beauty of leather, Kelly Tooke was born. Handmade bags and accessories that reflect a legacy of craftsmanship and a love for leather that’s been generations in the making.
Our Quality
At Kelly Tooke, we take our time, because great leather deserves nothing less. Each hide is hand-selected from the finest ranches across the United States, chosen for its natural character and integrity. Our leather is meticulously worked and tanned to achieve unmatched strength, deep color, and our trademark supple and buttery soft textures.
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We believe in honoring the beauty of the material. That’s why we use oil-based aniline tanning to preserve the natural grain, texture, and rich aroma that defines truly exceptional leather. We embrace every unique marking and variation. They’re not flaws, they’re the story of the hide. It’s what we love. It’s what we do.
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Inside each Kelly Tooke bag, you’ll find lining leather that’s as delicate and beautiful as it is durable. We use Italian pig suede — never vinyl — because we believe in quality that lasts and creating a timeless and gorgeous handbag you’ll love forever.
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Our commitment to craftsmanship extends to every stitch. We use the strongest polyester threads, double-stitched for durability. Many parts of our handbags are sewn by hand, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully finished and made to stand the test of time.
We hope you love your Kelly Tooke as much as we loved crafting it for you!
What's in a Name
Kelly Tooke is the inspired union of two families bonded in life by humility and resolve.
Kelly: with 4 generations deeply rooted throughout Texas, the Kelly’s are known in their communities for their work ethos, integrity, and heart. Kelly Tooke encapsulates the passion they have for their craft and for the enduring bonds of family.
Tooke: when the Kelly brothers were just children, their then 4 year-old cousin, Kelly Tooke, tragically lost her parents in a house fire and was adopted into their family. As their little sister, Kelly quickly became the heart of the family. Having Tooke in the name is homage to her parents, whose incredible legacy of humility and humanity in the town of Freer, Texas still lives on to this day.
Love, family legacy, and passion for leather craftsmanship is what brought Kelly Tooke to life.