Gone are the days when Danier was a leather company that sold jackets worn by our moms and dads.

The Canadian leather brand has just launched Greta Constantine SKIN for Danier, a collaboration with one of Toronto’s favourite young labels. Their modern designs include drapy, kimono style coats and obi belts, plus a killer leather dress in tones of slate, walnut and eggplant. Think conceptual leather pieces that are buttery soft and understatedly elegant.

Next up are collaborations with Mark Fast and Object, which will probably scare off mom, but will keep us right on trend for winter. —Alexandra Suhner Isenberg

Greta Constantine SKIN for Danier, from $399 to $999, at Danier, 1018 Robson St., Vancouver, 604-689-7330 and Park Royal, www.shopparkroyal.com

We have mad respect for the masters of reinvention – Madonna, Lady Gaga and now Ashley Watson.

The Vancouver designer transforms vintage jackets into on-trend leather goods, which means big-shouldered eighties bombers can find new life as chic arm candy.

Our pick for spring? Ashley Watson's buckle wallet. Like all of her pieces, it is one-of-a-kind and bears some imprint of its previous incarnation, whether a seam or a button or a badass attitude. And because it’s made of eco-friendly repurposed leather, it’s green, no matter what colour you choose.

From $165 at www.ashleywatson.net

Whether it’s from the house of Chanel or Alexander Wang, leggings or sleek little dresses, there’s more leather than ever these days. And if your closet needs a boost of something buttery, there’s a new store in South Granville you must see.

Known in the wholesale industry as experts in leather, Marquis of London has a new label name and its first retail store, Identify. While the space is simple and unassuming, the leather outerwear, all designed in Vancouver, is quite divine. The perfect motorcycle jacket made in grey ($450), a cool toggle coat in crinkly black ($625) and a hip hooded zip-up ($475) were all begging to be bought. And that’s just the leather. There’s also a plaid equestrian jacket with suede elbow patches and tweed blazer with of-the-moment zipper detailing (both $350) to mull over.

That’s five different jackets we identified with. Here’s hoping the significant other will still identify with us when we bring them all home.

Identify, 2662 Granville St., Vancouver, 604-736-8885.