About Sole Survivor

Location: 7358 Manchester Rd. | St. Louis, MO 63143 | 314-932-1475

Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-5 | Saturday 10-4

Sole Survivor is located in St. Louis, MO - just minutes from downtown St. Louis and close to Forest Park, museums, and the zoo.

For more than 50 years, Sole Survivor has carried on the tradition of the fine art of leatherwork in St. Louis, a city with a centuries old history of fur and leather. We are passionate about creating exceptional leather goods!

The Maplewood, MO store offers a selection of original and exclusive leather bags as well as belts, wallets, satchels, and more. All are made on site.

MEET THE LEATHER ARTISANS of SOLE SURVIVOR

KAY RYE

Kay, owner and manager of Sole Survivor, has been working with leather since 1979. Besides making belts and other small leather goods, she enjoys creating one of a kind sculptural pieces out of leather, molding and shaping the hides into intriguing vessels and wall hangings.

ANNIE RYE

Annie is lead designer at Sole Survivor. She began working as a full time leather artisan alongside her father, Steve, in 2007.
"I am an artist and designer who specializes in creating one-of-a-kind, handmade leather goods. I use a combination of machine and hand sewing techniques to bring my designs to life. My process begins with sketching out the design, taking precise measurements, and creating a pattern. I work with high-quality leather sourced from reputable dealers, ensuring that no animals are killed for their skin as it is a by-product of the meat industry. I incorporate a variety of colors and utilize sturdy, long-lasting solid brass or stainless hardware to produce unique bags, wallets, accessories, and more."

Studio Tours

Visitors can tour the workshop to see an impressive array of hand tools and machinery as well as a view of the artists at work. To take the tour, please call ahead to arrange a time so that we may be prepared for your visit. 314-932-1475

HISTORY

"Our adventures began in the late 60's into the 70's with the Midwest arts and craft show circuit. The journey continued in St. Louis where, in 1985, Sole Survivor settled and opened shop in the Central West End. Over the years, changes to the retail scene inspired a series of moves that eventually led us to Maplewood, MO. Since January 2014 Sole Survivor has been happily settled in Maplewood. We love it here! The community has been so welcoming and supportive."

STEVE RYE - Founder

Steve, our founder once expressed, "When I started working with leather in the mid ‘60’s, I knew that this would become my life’s work.” And it was. His legacy endures today, as his family faithfully upholds the traditions and visions they cultivated through years of dedicated collaboration.

Tuesday - Friday 11-5
Saturday 10-4
Sunday - CLOSED

7358 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63143

314-932-1475