The hidden craftsmanship of Royal Arcade: Inside Evans, Melbourne’s leather repair institution

Tucked beneath the cast-iron staircase of the Royal Arcade, Evans – Quality Shoe, Handbag & Leather Repairs – is one of the CBD’s quietest but most enduring treasures.

For more than 60 years, this family-run workshop has restored Melbourne’s most loved shoes, jackets, handbags and leather heirlooms with a level of craftsmanship that is increasingly rare.

Their promise, “restore your items like new,” is not marketing spin. It’s a philosophy shaped by three generations of knowledge, beginning in 1956 when European migrant Evan Skliros brought his leather-making expertise to Melbourne.

His skill quickly earned Evans a reputation as the place to bring the jobs others couldn’t fix – the intricate, the delicate and the sentimental.

The shopfront itself is part of this legacy. During the 2002 restoration of the Royal Arcade, Evans’ exterior was returned to its original heritage form.

Today its narrow frontage and the striking iron staircase leading to the upstairs workshop remain among the arcade’s most photographed details – a small doorway into a world of meticulous handwork.

That same dedication continues today. Jenny, Evan’s daughter, grew up in the business and now runs it alongside her own children. Their multigenerational bond is woven into every repair, and customers feel it.

Many come in clutching heirlooms – a grandfather’s leather jacket, a grandmother’s favourite shoes – trusting Evans to breathe new life into items heavy with memory.

What’s most rewarding is seeing a customer’s reaction when we finish a job,” Jenny told CBD News. “It’s those moments that make it special.

Behind the counter is a team of highly skilled artisans who share the family’s passion for quality.

“We do the work,” Jenny said. “We take the long road, not the short road. You can tell – and that’s why our customers keep coming back.”

While firmly rooted in Melbourne’s CBD, Evans’ reputation reaches far beyond the city.

Interstate and even international customers send photos for estimates, but Jenny says nothing beats visiting in person to talk through a repair and feel the texture and history of the item.

Open seven days a week, Evans is one of the CBD’s true hidden secrets – a rare blend of history, craftsmanship and heartfelt service.

Whether it’s a designer handbag, a vintage leather jacket or something deeply sentimental, the family at Evans ensures it is treated with the care it deserves.

Evans – Quality Shoe, Handbag & Leather Repairs is located at shop 50 in the Royal Arcade, 150 Elizabeth St.

evans.com.au •