May 6, 2008

Under Construction

Basil Racuk Accessories

racuk out with your fancy leather bag out!

You’ve been trying to accessorize with leather your whole life. Exhibit A: the oversize brown bomber. Exhibit B: an S&M getup that scared off your ex (squares suck).

Get it right with elegantly rustic, custom made leather accessories by Basil Racuk.

The Banana Republic alum handcrafts brilliantly simple silhouettes showcased as objets d’art in his Berkeley studio. Sourcing domestic hides, Racuk prefers waxed cow and supple pebbled deer leathers for his unstructured, raw designs. Cut and sealed edges with minimal stitching and subtle hardware fastenings add a finishing touch without distracting from the material.

The unisex notched buckleless belt in waxed walnut displayed on a carved redwood slab or the timeless laptop case with adjustable straps would make Indiana Jones weep. Our fave is the waxed weekender bag with shadow-stitched pockets and vintage mohair lining that kicks the Birkin’s prissy ass.

Without totally chafing your wallet.

Basil Racuk, 2556 Telegraph Avenue, between Blake and Parker Streets, Berkeley (510-409-4452 or basilracuk.com). By appointment only.