ABOUT US
Alfie Darrow and Susan Tamara began collaboration in
1969 with a common goal of creating functional, handmade objects of
lasting quality craftsmanship. For 40 years they have produced both
original and custom designs, approaching every project as a work of
art. |
|
|
HISTORY
Living
only 2 blocks apart in NYC's Lower East Side, Alfie and Susan never
met but had a brief encounter on Avenue A, May 1969. Each had made
the decision to move to Woodstock, NY that same month. Alfie, whose
career as an independent jewelry designer, leather craftsman, and
buckle sculptor for D'naz, a contemporary boutique, led to
a partnership, with his friend, Elva Bishop, that summer in A Leather
Shoppe on Tinker St.,
Woodstock, NY.
Susan, a hairstylist and custom designer for East Village Boutiques
shuch as Chocolate Soup, Wisdom & Folly and Krishna,
transferred her base to Woodstock boutiques, Kamalila
Loka, Folk
Art and Pan Copeland Gallery. There was not a large clientele
for hairstyling at that time in Woodstock, beyond an occasional trim.
Independently entrenched in their new community, Susan and Alfie,
were introduced one week after the infamous Woodstock Music Festival.
Remembeing their Ave A encounter, they discovered their mutual creative
interests. Networking led them to collaboration in work and in life.
Over the next six years, A Leather Shoppe bcame known for beautifully
styled hand-stiched leather clothing, handbags, sandals, and belts
with hand sculpted buckles, buttons and closures, developing a diverse
clientele of Woodstock residents and visitors. As a local service
business, they expanded out to include leather and shoe repair, adding
to their reputation for quality craftmanship. A Leather
Shoppe closed in 1976 and was re-incarnated as Cobbler's
Corner, Alfie continued to make handbags, belts, sandals and metal
work along with leather and shoe repair.
On the opposite end of Tinker St., Leather
and Lace Gallery opened
spring of 1977. LA Tamara, Susan Tamara, Karen Frimmer and Augenija
Fortuna, in response to a failing economy and plummeting job market
(sound familiar?), pooled their talents and creativity to design
one of a kind and limited production clothing and accessories (alterations
were done to supplement income) in a combination workshop/showroom.
Eventually, Cobbler's Corner and Leather and Lace Gallery merged,
closing to retail in 1985. Susan Tamara and Alfie Darrow continued
designing and creating for other local retail stores.
In recent years, they've expanded to include
custom upholstery, pillows and window treatments, created with the
same attention to detail as their clothing and accessories. Now they
have decided to bring emphasis back to their true crafts. Alfie is creating
new jewelry and metal works to complement leather belts, handbags
and garments. Susan is continuing to design for bridal and special occasions
as well as her signature jackets, coats and ensembles.
Attempts to rename the business were futile, Leather and Lace Gallery had
become their designation. |