We know Portland-based Jesse Champlin as a photographer, snappy dresser, and partner in crime to Mercury managing editor and fashion columnist Marjorie Skinner. We did not know until a couple of days ago that Mr. Champlin designs and makes leather accessories of the highest order.
His snakeskin belts are finished with cast bronze belt buckles emblazoned with his Rush logo in relief. And the image is repeated in miniature in the little medallion on the zipper pull of his bags. That detail is one telling point of the line (turned out by Champlin on an old Singer industrial machine one at a time) that, as he puts it, focuses on “luxurious materials, lots of color, and shiny details.”
We love the ripe shape of this vicious pink leather clutch tipped with gold piping. And the black shoulder bag, which also comes in a fabulously blinding gold, is so very good. The limited edition collection is available at Seaplane (827 NW 23rd).
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