Forever Together: Fur + Leather

Carole McClellan's future was destined to be in the art of fashion. At age 14 she fell in love with an expensive leather jacket she couldn't afford, which led her to a profession of making pieces for others to cherish. I felt the need to share her talent, her home, and her work. What you may not know about Carole: she left college after just one semester to seek a living as a designer, using strictly:

|fur + leather|.

Seattle Met Buzz

To the right: Refurbished Persian lamb funnel-neck coat ($3,260)

To the left: Refurbished Saga black cross mink vest ($2,350)

Made to Order

I have been in closets where women have beautiful leathers and furs that are just sitting there. Really, all it needs is a little altering in the shoulders, but if you really want to take it apart, Carole can make custom pieces you can wear. According to Carole, "A piece that has been passed down can be retouched and last another 20 years."

Her Loft: Home and Studio

Carole's attention to detail took my breath away. From consultation to drawing, designing to sewing, each process was completed with intricate work and focus. I must share with you, these pictures do not do justice and hardly captures the feeling of the fur or workmanship in the structure of the pieces.

**Fall 2011 leather basics are in the works, and the best part? There are more colors, washable leather, and waterproof leather integrated in the mix.