Decade designer Molly Spittal and her long-time partner Matt Atkinstall were living in Montreal in 2014 where they were running a successful and cult-followed leather bag company, the Stowe. Molly’s designs were made with high quality Italian tanned leather, manufactured in Spain with a focus on form and function. In addition to running the books and business side, Matt also used his keen fashion photography skills to promote the brand.

Across town, their dear friends and fellow entrepreneurial couple Morgan Ellis and Ezra Kish were busy running bars and operating an artist collective space. Morgan had converted a warehouse into individual studios where local artists, including the Stowe, could design, create and host monthly markets. Ezra, the motorcycle enthusiast and self-proclaimed “Denim Dad” had always wanted to create the perfect pair of jeans to add to his collection (Fun fact: He has 15+ pairs in rotation today). Naturally, Ezra and Morgan approached the Stowe duo about evolving their sharp design essence from leather to denim. They all believe in the idea that one strong piece can really carry a wardrobe.

Molly set out to make the perfect pair of jeans. For a seasoned leatherworker and fashion designer, how hard could it be? Molly quickly learned that the standard fit for jeans was not even fit for her. Most brands use an industry-standard fit model which is not a relatable body shape for the average woman. Bigger companies will also use elastane in order to stretch one pattern to fit multiple body shapes. An integral fabric compromise the Decade foursome did not want to make. They were determined to use only 100% cotton denim, but still have it fit every body shape. By reaching out to their community and conducting some denim fieldwork they revealed a common issue with baggy and shapeless jeans; that pesky back gap! Molly had devised a way to solve this troublesome fit issue while fitting a variety of body shapes and sizes. This novel blueprint is what they call the Ratio-Fit. This formula allows space for the hips and tush while perfectly fitting the waist. Today, the Decade brand continues to produce ethically and sustainably made garments that are durable, stylish and fit for you.

Decade opened their Denim Shop in Vancouver in summer 2022. A beautifully designed space where you shop, and they ship from their fullfillment house in Ontario. If you’re lucky enough to live near Vancouver, you should drop by where you can have a personal fitting with the designer herself.