Location: 7358 Manchester Rd. | Maplewood, MO 63143 | 314-932-1475Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-5 | Saturday 10-4
Sole Survivor leather artisans use timeless traditions to create contemporary and enduring leather goods. Our exclusive house-made designs both complement and enhance modern and vintage fashions.
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.
Visitors are invited to tour the studio on Saturdays. The studio is located in the lower level of the Maplewood retail store. There you will see an impressive array of hand tools, leather hides, and interesting machinery, along with surprising conversations with long time leather artisan Steve Rye.
MEET THE LEATHER ARTISANS of SOLE SURVIVOR
STEVE RYE 11/52 - 4/27/2023
"When I started working with leather in the mid ‘60’s, I knew that this would be my life’s work. Over the years, my work has continued to evolve. Today, I primarily work as a designer and maker of leather bags and belts. I sketch ideas and then design the pattern. Once the pattern has been made, I cut the leather into bags and finally, I sew them together. I am intrigued with the artistry of color and shape and enjoy using leather to express my visions."
KAY RYE
Kay, owner and manager of Sole Survivor, has worked together with Steve designing and making leather goods since 1979.Kay also enjoys creating one of a kind sculptural pieces out of leather, molding and shaping the hides into intriguing vessels and wall hangings. She collaborates with Steve and Annie on new product design and the selection of leather for each item.
ANNIE RYE
Annie began working as a full time leather artisan alongside her father, Steve, in 2007. Learning to design and create on her own, she's taken many of Steve's original designs, updating and redefiningthem for today's tastes. Her appreciation of color and love for tie dye has expanded the shop's offerings beyond the usual earth tones. Annie enjoys creating new designs, and working with color.
Studio Tours
Sole Survivor is located in Maplewood, MO - just minutes from downtown St. Louis and close to Forest Park, museums, and the zoo! 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.
Please note ~ Due to the recent passing of Steve Rye, workshop tours are currently suspended. We plan to resume workshop tours in the Fall.
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."
