Seattle - April 03, 2009

Hide to Seek

Katie Q’s Leather Origami Cuffs

Moderator: Tonight, a polarizing topic — spring’s flouncy floral dresses. Is it possible to wear one without looking like a prefeminist throwback?

Pro: The way I see it, leather accessories modernize and toughen the look.

Con: Leather! Ridiculous! So you can look like a schizoid Barbie?

Pro: No. A ruffled leather cuff from Katie Q’s Origami Collection would make the ensemble edgy and feminine.

Con: Confirm your source.

Pro: New Yorker Katie Q, real name Catherine Quintard. She handcrafts kid-, lamb-, and pigskin into soft waves, hearts, ruffles, and pyramids on sleek cuffs. Neutral colors (soft gray, nude, white) keep the pieces versatile; metallic beadwork makes them a little punk. In sum, the perfect opposition to wispy fabrics and girly tees.

Con: And what I’ve been waiting for with debated breath.

Available at Hitchcock, 1406 34th Avenue (206-838-7173 or shophitchcock.com). To see styles, go to katieqny.com.