Introducing Clair Letton - leather artist and maker
Some of you will have seen Clair's work for her competition entry earlier this year. She has long been painting on leather and has created her own unique style of surface decoration. The leather used here is the Identity Heritage UK Mellow veg tanned leather.
These are some of her latest pieces which premiered at London Fashion Week 2024...
"Thanks for choosing the hides for me - the client was really pleased and I got to see my bags walk down the catwalk for London fashion week!! So exciting."
For photography credits see below...
A partnership of heritage tanned leather meeting contemporary fashion... - follow on Instagram @hideandbrass
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| About Clair
Originally trained in fine art painting and printmaking, I spent years as a practising artist, I have a deep passion for blending shape, colour, and texture to craft stunning surfaces, a quality that is reflected in my designs. I took up Leather work seriously about 18 months ago, and want to bring some of my paint and print training into what I do with with this wonderful and versatile material. My leather work embodies the idea of wearable art. Each piece is meticulously hand-painted, with layers of colour built up to create depth, often enhanced by the addition of studs, tassels, and textile elements, making each bag unique. Every item is finished with a clear sealant that not only protects the painted surface but allows the piece to evolve over time. As the bags are used, different areas will wear uniquely, resulting in a dynamic surface that continually transforms. These bags are made with a lightweight, "Veg Tanned" leather. I work with my material and allow the natural shapes or marks in the leather to inspire me. These bags were created in collaboration with Hibiscus Ibiza for the S/S 2025 collection, using colours and detail elements from Isobel Websters print. |
Top Tips for Painting on leather
- If the leather is unfinished as with the mellow leather you can paint right on. If the leather has a finish you will need to apply Deglazer to the areas you wish paint before starting.
- Squeeze small amounts of paint onto a tile or palette
- Use the Cadence Extender fluid to thin the paint down a little
- Build up in layers
- Once dry finish with Permacoat
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Photography Credits:
Credit to @kamilkustosz for use of all these picsHIBISCUS @hibiscus_ibizaA Collaboration between - Liz Mendez and Carley HaguePattern - cut and design - Carley Hague Styling and vision of mood - @carleyhague @lizmendezvisionPrint design - Isobel Webster Embroidery @jennykingembroidery Hats - @piersatkinson Nails - @giulia_oldani_nails and @clawsbytigertaylor Rings - @gemlettucejewelleryBags - @hideandbrassEarrings and Necklaces @organik_mechanik_ @chillingbythesea Marketing & PR @samiakanlondon Décor @mariebrenneis @oliverfadam @jamez.manezBoa @bearboas Creative Lead/Makeup Designer : @astridkearney makeup sponsored by @kryolanofficialLead Hair @siizzard sponsored by @unite_hair_ uk @unite_hair @yuliana_jones_mua @danielle_everitt_tv_makeuphair @laurarachelmakeup @ambermountford_mua@mimis_mua @axelartistries @miagrace.mua @makeupbyrossino @ambermountford_mua @rebecca_manning_wham @alyssa_makeup_hmua @sissyzheng_hmua@katyg.mua @riakmua @jesshawkins.hmua @wigs.by.sian @nazsonmez @nancykhanmakeup @hairbymx_.max @ariane.young_mua @kramerzoe @kc_makeupartistry_ @ojaskaur_DJ - @prosumeramaLive vocals by @bettyjudd.music Pre-show performer@rhysspieces_ Host @don1drag Models Jessica Hynes @jaimewinstone @natashadiggs @msjaydeadams @bettyjudd.musicGeraldine @Grace_coldicot @bettyjudd.music @hannah.shilllito @cazeleon @charlotteca88 @fredsausage@getjakietaylored @naomibonafoux @maya._.kihara @ash_thorton_ @lukey_haley @__meshii @un2moi @juliana_formicola @liusbenlon @stephen_eyre_ Special thanks to @jonnywoouk & @johnsizzle for amazing Venue - @thedivineldn Graphic design @aliceraphShow production @axlfshawMarketing & PR @samiakanlondonWhich all just goes to show how much goes into these projects!
