Blog &

2017

Posted on February 03, 2017 by Ray Holmes | 0 Comments

Happy New Year.

I realize I've been quiet of late on the blog front, but for good reason...I've been busy making straps! 2016 was a good year. Lots of new customers coming through, and even better, a ton of repeat customers. I'm counting on the new year bringing more of the same. In the next month or two I'll be trying to focus on updating the site a bit, adding new photos to a few of the listings, and whatever else I can think of to tidy the place up.

Meantime, thanks for the support and feel free to let me know what's on your mind, anytime.

Hiss Golden Messenger / McCartney

Posted on November 13, 2016 by Ray Holmes | 0 Comments

Custom for M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger, based on Paul McCartney's main RAM-era strap. As always, it's more an interpretation, working from the broad details of a few 1971-72 photos. I think I got it right. The vintage buckle took a couple of weeks to find, and needed to be stripped and lightly re-patinated.

Posted in Hiss Golden Messenger, Paul McCartney

Skinny Video Action

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Ray Holmes | 0 Comments

Neil Halstead // Slowdive // HOLMES skinny on the Epiphone Casino. An epic half-minute. ☠ #slowdive #epiphone #primaverasound #HOLMES

A video posted by Ray Holmes (@__holmes) on

Posted in skinny strap, Slowdive

Black Fabrics

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Ray Holmes | 0 Comments

 Flat Nylon // Lite Nylon // Canvas. 

Spent part of the summer redefining tab styles and what I'll offer in black fabrics going forward. These three are it. As always, fully handmade / no machines. 

Flat Nylon: medium weight, equals parts grip/slip

Lite Nylon: light weight, more grip than slip

Canvas: medium weight, grippy, natural cotton

Belts!

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Ray Holmes | 0 Comments

in the shop / Rowland S. Howard + HOLMES

Posted on May 09, 2016 by Ray Holmes | 0 Comments

Okay---time is here. I'm happy to say that the Rowland S. Howard strap that's been plotted out and I've been dropping hints on for the better part of the past year is now available.

Huge thanks to Harry Howard, Angela Howard, and Genevieve McGuckin. Their participation meant everything and the project wouldn't have happened without it. 

The strap is up in the store section of the site (here). 12 are being released from me this go-around, with the same amount being directly distributed in Australia. If the strap sells out before anyone gets the chance to pick it up, just hang for a bit and watch this site and my instagram acccount, etc. Another batch will be available in a couple of months.   

Meantime, because moving pictures are magic, here's a bit of Rowland to watch...

Trailer for Autoluminescent, 2011:

Marry Me (Lie! Lie!)...wait for the lyric used on the shoulder of the strap:

Demonstrating early transformative influence...and possibly my favorite track Rowland had anything to do with:

The Birthday Party via German television:

Another Rowland favorite, 2008:

From Rowland's last year:

Crime & the City Solution from Wim Wenders' 1987 film Wings of Desire, with Rowland delivering a masterclass in swagger. Harry Howard on bass:

And finally-

Thanks, Rowland. See you in space...

photos / RSH + HOLMES

Posted on May 06, 2016 by Ray Holmes | 2 Comments

Available for order this Monday, May 9, 12pm PST (US west coast).

Set the alarms. 

 

 

Posted in Rowland S. Howard