Our Past Inspires Our Present
What began as a small leather goods company has become one
of the world’s leading developers and distributors of luggage,
travel bags and accessories.
1931
And So It Begins
Capitol Leather Goods Inc., a manufacturer of leather goods and handbags, is founded in Montreal.
1941
Young. Poor. Determined.
At 14 years old, Sammy Rapps drops out of school to support his struggling family. He is hired by Capitol Leather Goods as a shipper, earning $0.17/hour.
1949
Venturing Out
After leaving Capitol Leather Goods and working elsewhere in the industry, Sammy Rapps dreams big and bets on himself by starting Nu Mode Handbags Co.
1960
I NY
Capitol Leather Goods opens an office on 5th Avenue after its handbag sales throughout the Northeast continue to grow.
1964
Sammy in the Sky with Handbags
Sammy Rapps believes that the future of handbags is in brands and licenses Nu Mode Handbags’ first brand, The Beatles.
1972
You Can’t Script This
30 years after having left Capitol Leather Goods, Sammy Rapps buys the company and merges it with Nu Mode Handbags under the Capitol Leather Goods name.
1977
Less Is More
Capitol Leather Goods abbreviates its name to “Calego”.
1980s
Young At Heart
Calego directs its focus away from handbags and towards character brands and children’s licensed products. Calego signs California Raisins, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Batman before the decade is done.
1990s
Like Father Like Son
Stephen Rapps guides Calego into a new era as Calego builds a deep portfolio of licensed brands and becomes the leading licensee of character branded products.
1993
A Modern Approach
Calego expands its production overseas and Irwin Ludmer takes over operations and logistics, making Calego leaner and more agile.
1999
Pikachu!
Calego + Pokemon = the cutest, cuddliest, most adorable plush backpack EVER!
2000s
BONJOUR. CIAO. HOLA. HELLO EUROPE!
Wendy Rapps and Hocine Yenneck expand Calego’s distribution of children’s backpacks and accessories into and throughout Europe.
2010s
Stars, Stripes and Leafs
Richie Copelovitch steers Calego towards adult luggage and grows Calego’s distribution throughout the United States and Canada.
2015 – 2019
The Sky’s The Limit
Calego and iFLY redefine the meaning of quality, stylish luggage by offering travelers luggage that is miles ahead of its competition.
2020
Health & Wellness
In a year defined by Covid-19, we kept people, retailers and leading organizations safe with our best-selling smart kits, face masks and sanitizers.