The Artists

Shannin Strom-Henry - Red Buckle Shoes

Fanciful handbags & accessories from vintage textiles

(323) 493-2665
shanninstrom@gmail.com
www.redbuckleshoes.com

Having a line of vintage inspired accessories and clothing is a lifelong dream of mine. Red Buckle Shoes is named after a favorite childhood book which started my clothing obsession. Born and raised on Bainbridge Island, I have loved fashion design and vintage clothing since I was a child and my mom taught me to sew. I have since gone on to receive my MFA in costume design and worked in Los Angeles for several years as the assistant costume designer for the Los Angeles Opera and in Seattle as the Assistant Costume Shop Manager at Seattle Repertory Theatre. While working for the Opera, I traveled the world on many business trips and accumulated fabrics as I went from places like Florence, Buenos Aires, Vienna, St. Petersburg and Madrid. Red Buckle Shoes was created several years ago when I created a handbag for myself made out of some vintage textiles and wore it shopping in L.A. A woman stopped me on the street to ask where I had bought my bag, had me make one for her, and ever since I have been making one of a kind handbags for friends and family, clothing boutiques, and art shows.

All of my handbags, booties and accessories are one-of-a-kind creations inspired by a vintage textile found on a shopping excursion. The textiles I use come from flea markets, vintage clothing, thrift store finds, European business trips, grandma's attic, and a collection of odds and ends I have been accumulating since I was a kid. They include such things as vintage obi fabric, old needle points and embroidered pieces, hand dyed velvet piano runners, and antique beaded appliqués and fine silks. I start with the vintage textile piece, whatever it may be, and design the rest of the piece around it - I do not use any patterns for my purses. The bases of my handbags are generally made out of Chinese silk brocades, vintage upholstery or drapery fabric and are lined in silk dupioni or vintage silk scarves. Antique buttons, buckles and trim and some fun new pieces complete the design. Each bag is a one of kind piece of art, but still functional as an everyday carry all if you wish.

I was inspired to start making baby booties and accessories by my daughter, Zoe, who I hope will be a future fashionista and be as obsessed and inspired with color and texture as I am. Booties are made from felt and vintage textile remnants such as hankies and Chinese embroideries and are perfect for those precious baby feet. Headbands and brooches are made from vintage Indian silks, washed taffeta, obis, vintage men's ties and other opulent fabrics. Cuff bracelets are also made from vintage textiles and either have appliquéd hand done needlework or are finished with sparkly antique buckles and other spectacular findings.

I am also able to create a one of a kind bag or accessory to your specification if you would like a particular color or size that I don't have available. Also, if you happen to have a special piece of fabric lying around, maybe your grandmother's prom dress or a beaded belt of your mother's, I would love to design a handbag or accessory especially for you so you can use your family heirloom every day.

2010 Summer Studio Tour: August 13, 14 & 15

2010 Winter Studio Tour: December December 3, 4 & 5

Questions? Call 206-842-0504, or e-mail us at: bistudiotour@earthlink.net.