belts

[TVD]

Pickett, which has shops in Burlington Arcade, Sloane Street and the Royal Exchange in London is an excellent and very reasonably priced source for belts. They do not manufacture themselves, I believe, but have an encyclopaedic knowledge of manufacturers and craftsmen to get accomplished whatever custom order you require.

I have all my calf belts from them, and have been most content for years. They have a splendid range of small leather goods and luggage, and are capable to get virtually anything custom made. Trevor Pickett is a real pleasure to deal with, and knows exactly which craftman excells in what field. He will guide you in chosing the best for your particular commission.

They also stock rather splendid gloves.

[iammatt]

There is a woman in San Francisco named Beatrice Amblard who makes all sorts of bespoke leather goods. She worked for Hermes for many years, first in Paris, then doing in-shop belt and wallet making in their San Francisco store. She has all of her hides tanned to her exact specifications, as well her exotic skins done to her own personal finishes. She has a finish called millenium alligator that is slightly shinier than matte, and is beautiful. She also has gold, rose gold and sterling removeable buckles made to her specifications.

Prices are not cheap, as an Alligator belt with a removeable silver buckle runs just shy of 1k, but the quality of her work is Hermes plus. If you have any request, she will be able to satisfy it and to guide you towards the best possible design for your ideas. She also will do all of the maintenance and repair of her work (usually free). Her website is www.aprilinparis.us. If anybody wants more pics, I will be happy to post some. She has a private section of her site which has a lot of pictures.

At her shop, she usuall has a few belts and a few small wallets ready to sell, but 90% of her work is exclusively bespoke. I should also add that she does all of the work by her own hand. She does not outsource.

[misterjase]

Does anyone know the belt maker is for Pickett?

[misterjase]

What about who the English artisan belt makers are out there?