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AXL & B uses reclaimed materials to create couture leather cuffs
03 Jun '09
2 min read
Axl & B, a Santa Monica, CA based company, launches a line of uniquely handcrafted couture leather cuffs. Limited edition pieces are inspired by designer Claire Cole's passion to create wearable art through the use of reclaimed materials such as purse straps, keys, wallets and cufflinks in her accessories.
“The inspiration behind my line is that matter is neither created, nor destroyed, but instead reconfigured,” explains Cole. “I collect materials throughout all of my life experiences that will come together in a one-of-a-kind new piece of art.”
This founding inspiration delivers collections that reflect the attitude, essence and life of a particular city or life experience during which the elements were discovered. During her travels, Cole seeks out unique materials at thrift stores or rummage sales, walks in the neighborhood, or on the beach to be incorporated into her couture accessory lines. Ultimately, each design is a wearable souvenir from the city which it originated from. Axl & B's pieces are organic extensions of Cole's adventurous and insightful spirit as a designer and world traveler.
Cole introduces her new “Lost Angels” collection, inspired by the city of Los Angeles. A true Angeleno, Cole collected trinkets and treasures throughout the neighborhoods she has called home- from Silverlake to Santa Monica- to create the line. Her “4th St.” piece came to life by combining a vintage key rescued from an out of business locksmith with salvaged nails heads and a rustic, discarded belt.
Other highlights include, “Aime Ave.” which features an old world brass medallion rescued from a flea market, and “Cecilia St.” with tiny silver handcuffs taken from an old key chain. The 'Lost Angels' collection captures the essence of each various city as an ode to the individuality and adventurous spirit of Los Angeles.
The innovative and bold designs of Axl & B are quickly gaining popularity, garnering much media attention and celebrity placement. Most recently, cuffs were seen on Top 3 American Idol contestants, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert, in an American Idol Ford Commercial.
“The inspiration behind my line is that matter is neither created, nor destroyed, but instead reconfigured,” explains Cole. “I collect materials throughout all of my life experiences that will come together in a one-of-a-kind new piece of art.”
This founding inspiration delivers collections that reflect the attitude, essence and life of a particular city or life experience during which the elements were discovered. During her travels, Cole seeks out unique materials at thrift stores or rummage sales, walks in the neighborhood, or on the beach to be incorporated into her couture accessory lines. Ultimately, each design is a wearable souvenir from the city which it originated from. Axl & B's pieces are organic extensions of Cole's adventurous and insightful spirit as a designer and world traveler.
Cole introduces her new “Lost Angels” collection, inspired by the city of Los Angeles. A true Angeleno, Cole collected trinkets and treasures throughout the neighborhoods she has called home- from Silverlake to Santa Monica- to create the line. Her “4th St.” piece came to life by combining a vintage key rescued from an out of business locksmith with salvaged nails heads and a rustic, discarded belt.
Other highlights include, “Aime Ave.” which features an old world brass medallion rescued from a flea market, and “Cecilia St.” with tiny silver handcuffs taken from an old key chain. The 'Lost Angels' collection captures the essence of each various city as an ode to the individuality and adventurous spirit of Los Angeles.
The innovative and bold designs of Axl & B are quickly gaining popularity, garnering much media attention and celebrity placement. Most recently, cuffs were seen on Top 3 American Idol contestants, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert, in an American Idol Ford Commercial.
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