Known for pop-inspired furnishings and paintings with an Americana-meets-Armageddon twist, San Francisco artist Melissa Hutton is out with a line of hand-crafted leather belts featuring design-driven buckles mixing resin, found objects and paint.
The collection ($75-$125) includes thick cowhide belts with oversized, rounded buckles perfect for hitching up your favorite pair of jeans, as well as narrow options secured with rectangular buckles ready to cinch waists with design-driven motifs and objects ranging from old-fashion arrows to mod dots. Hutton uses vintage brass hardware, whenever possible, and offers several styles with reversible suede straps.
The line is proof of Hutton’s wide-ranging creative appetite. With paintings currently on display through September in the Bank of America Building at 555 California St. (you’ll also spot a piece of hers in the bathroom at Mission wine bar Heart), this local artist has worked with everything from fabric to chairs.
“I’ve always printed clothing and designed a line of silk-screened t-shirts a few years ago. I’ve dabbled in jewelry design and even sewed my best friend’s wedding dress. I’ve worked in practically every medium. I can’t imagine not knowing at least the basics of everything. You never know when you might need it,” says Hutton.
Even newer than the collection itself is Hutton’s online shop, launched last night.
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Photography courtesy of Melissa Hutton
