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