We caught up with the team behind the Canadian leather brand Danier.

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My first leather garment came from Danier.

It was a black, panelled pencil skirt that came to just above the knees. I adored it. The Toronto-based company, which was originally founded in 1972, was an entry point for many Canadians into leather fashions.

But when the brand shuttered its stores in 2016, many shoppers thought that was the end of Danier. Turns out, it wasn’t. The company has reopened stores in select locations across the country, including Metrotown in Burnaby.

We caught up with Olga Koel, executive managing director, to learn more:

Q: When did Danier relaunch?

A: Danier relaunched in 2016, the same year the original business closed its stores. At the time, many Canadians believed the Danier story had ended, but that’s precisely when it entered its next chapter. The brand was reborn with a renewed vision honouring its 50-year history while embracing a more modern and immersive design approach.

Q: What made that the right time to relaunch?

A: Danier had strong brand recognition in Canada and was known for its quality, craftsmanship and beautifully designed leather fashion. Rather than let that legacy fade, the relaunch was an opportunity to preserve what made Danier special while modernizing it for a new era.

At the time, customers were seeking quality and versatility — values that aligned perfectly with Danier’s heritage. Relaunching allowed us to evolve the product experience, refine the assortment, and introduce a fresh perspective without losing the essence of who we were.

Q: Many Canadians remember Danier as the go-to brand for leather fashions. Is it still the same?

A: Leather will always be at the heart of Danier. It holds memory, softens with time and becomes more personal with every wear. But the brand has evolved. Today, Danier designs its renowned leather products to pair with luxurious wool outerwear, high-quality knitwear, and elevated handbags and accessories, creating a complete modern wardrobe.

The spirit of the original Danier remains through its designs, craftsmanship and distinctly Canadian sense of style. Our collections are intentionally simplified, but each piece is highly considered.

Q: Is there a hero design for spring?

A: One of our standout directions is the continued evolution of our leather fused with Italian knit, a fabrication we introduced two years ago. It blends traditional leather craftsmanship with fine-gauge Italian micro-rib knit, creating pieces that are lightweight and breathable, while still retaining structure. This season, it appears in clean, minimal silhouettes — from modern biker jackets to softly tailored hybrids — in colours like camel, sand, driftwood, dusty pink and pale French blue.

The result is leather that feels fluid, effortless and distinctly modern.

Q: Where can people learn more?

A: The best way to experience Danier is through our stores. Our product has an inherently sensory element — the moment you touch the leather or slip into a perfectly cut jacket; you understand the difference.

For those who cannot visit a store, our website and Instagram accounts give a good sense of the brand, and we are working to improve those platforms to better reflect where Danier is now.