In less than two weeks, BARE will be attending our first international fashion trade show – Capsule Las Vegas.

We’ve been preparing over the last year for this major step and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to attend this great show to release our AW15 line, the BARE Wool Collection, to the international fashion community.

As the countdown to Capsule is upon us the BARE team will be working overtime finalizing all the details necessary for a successful show and we wanted to share this adventure with you all.

For the next two weeks we’ll be giving you an inside look at the last stage of our journey to Capsule, highlighting the design challenges, creative work, and final road trip as the BARE team makes our last push towards Capsule Las Vegas.

Be sure to keep an eye out for daily updates, sneak peeks at current projects, and info on BARE’s progress. 

Sincerely,
The BARE Team

“Capsule is known for its global curation of the world’s most directional designers and the brands that participate in Capsule are among some of the most prestigious, respected and coveted fashion labels. Our team scours the world hand selecting only the best of the best – from the independent emerging designers, to more established labels who push the envelope of design, craftsmanship and quality.”

Grason Ratowsky

BARE Designer / Creative Director

Grason Ratowsky, a self-taught designer and artist based in Denver, is part owner, designer and creative director of BARE, a local, ethically-conscious bag brand.

He describes his artistic style as raw, wild and unconventional which is why his designs at BARE are, as the motto says “As unique as you.”

His interest in design and art has to do with a unique upbringing from living throughout the United States, Latin America and Europe. This exposure to various cultural aesthetics and worldwide experiences first sparked his interest in art and fashion.

Designing Goods That Matter

Thomas Paul Althaus is a hands on designer, a sustainably focused, mission driven entrepreneur and a man who follows the signs in life.

Upon meeting Thomas you feel an inexplicable energy and a certain, palpable creativity that exudes through his presence. It’s the alignment of this creativity, this energy and a trained business mindset that has allowed Thomas to create a beautiful business; one that gives back to our world more than it takes.

Thomas is the founder and lead designer of Canned Goods, a Denver, CO based jewelry company that creates simple, modern, classic, handmade goods out of tin cans. Adding to the beauty of these clean and striking designs is the companies CAN DO GOOD program, which donates one can of food for every Canned Goods item sold.

As with many entrepreneurs, Thomas’ business began organically from one small creative leap and has evolved into something that has taken on a life of it’s own.

After deciding on a “no gifts” celebration for their 10 year wedding anniversary, Thomas did what any good husband would do and went looking for a gift anyway. Upon discovering that Tin was the traditional 10 year anniversary gift Thomas set out to find something creative and beautiful enough to give the woman in his life. While making dinner one night Thomas recognized the presence of this Tin material in all the “canned goods” he had around the house. He decided that instead of buying a gift he would give his wife a gift with more meaning, a gift he had made himself. Late one night Thomas decided to take his first unofficial shot at a Canned Goods prototype with a can from his own, home kitchen.

“He washed it out, took the label off and took it to the garage. He cut. He hammered. He bent. He sanded. A pair of earrings and a bracelet appeared. She loved them.”

The sign was clear, an idea existed here – one that was valuable, beautifully positive and had to be followed.

And follow it he did. From this synchronistic beginning Thomas has expanded drastically within his first year moving into more than 10 retail locations and now offering over 30 handmade, Canned Goods designs to customer’s in the Mountain region. The only problem, and a good to one to have, is how this one man designer will be able to keep up with consumer demand.

To learn more about Canned Goods please visit: www.cannedgoods.net

Online

www.cannedgoods.net
www.etsy.com/shop/CannedGoodsCo

Social Media

Facebook

Handmade—A Family Tradition

There takes a special type of courage and a hefty dose of innate talent to seamlessly transition from one artistic career field to another. And in a time where most people are trading the physical for the digital, choosing speed and immediate satisfaction over thoughtfulness and quality, Clint Wilkinson has made the choice to slow down.

A sixth generation Texan and one man in a long family line of cowboys, artisans, and American pioneers, Clint is the founder, designer, and head leather maker for Bell and Oak Handcrafted Leather Goods.

Located in Denton, TX and operating within the same custom saddle and leather making shop his grandfather Weldon started some 60 years ago, Clint has continued the family tradition through his company Bell and Oak which launched in April 2014.

As a man who spent the first half of his life as a highly successful graphic designer and entrepreneur, Clint initially found his artistic talents in the world of computer graphic design. And although Clint’s successful venture allowed him to collaborate artistically through his design projects with clients all over the world, the draining work volume and a life dependent on staring into a computer screen eventually took it’s toll. It is a vicious cycle; when one no longer can enjoy the active creation of their craft because success has created confinement and unwanted guidelines. So instead of staying put, Clint smartly realized his soul was in need of change and during this break he began doing leather work more seriously, using the same techniques, tools, and studio space as his grandfather before him. This hiatus from design turned permanent and Bell and Oak Handcrafted Leather Goods was born.

Today Bell and Oak is making an impact each and every day, in Clint and his families life, as well as in the lives of each person who gets to experience the USA Made, hand crafted, artistic products the company creates.

If you’re ever in the Denton, TX area be sure to stop by his grandfather Weldon’s store where Clint can be found working diligently on his next handcrafted creation. You won’t need directions; just look for the store on the corner of Bell and Oak.

To learn more about Bell and Oak.

To purchase Bell and Oak Products.