He works with a variety of tanneries that offer quite a few options. Regarding his design journey, he tends to start with the materials and design around them. “Because I’ve been retailing for a number of years, there are certain styles that I will always have in store (Paper Bag. Zip Top Tote), but I do think about what end uses I might be missing from my assortment.” A recent example of this is a Waist Pack style that he recently created. The shape is his take on a fanny pack with what he hopes is a successful adaptation that elevates the concept to be more modern. He has been making a collection that includes bags and small goods–wallets, phone cases, and belts from the beginning. The philosophy is that there are end uses and people who will need such items. “I’m fortunate to be able to create things that resonate with people. The longer that I am
making things, the more certain I am that I don’t need anything more. I guess I’m a lucky man.” ‘A Girl Like That’ is his women’s clothing brand. Each piece is designed and made for women who want comfort and cool in equal dosage. He sources small batches of materials with the idea that scarcity is the ultimate luxury. Each piece is made at his atelier located in San Francisco’s Chinatown district. Sometimes he is asked to create a piece that requires more brain power than he usually has access to, which stresses him out until he finds his way through to the solution. The journey can be scary, getting the balance right between the technical and the beauty. When it comes to leather, his favorite color is the beige-pink of a good piece of vegetable tan skin. “The simplicity of the skin in its original tone is lovely, giving way to the natural tanning and oiling that occurs through use and time.”
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