Artisan

 A fun break from the business (or, more recently, Moo.com) card exchange and running around that is SXSW was the chance to see the Stowe Provisions studio in East Austin. Designer Mark Stowe showed off the leather company’s sewing machines, letters for pressing, and space for a shop in progress. The company currently sells directly to Free People, Fred Segal, and a few other places you may have heard of. 

As for the ethical hangups I have about leather, I’m sorry to say I’m weak when it comes to good-looking handmade work. I left with a little rocker wrist decoration–a small token for missing the music portion of this week–and a bird-themed belt. But that one was a gift.