SOLE STORIES VOL.9

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Three elements that Earl incorporates into all of his work.

Earl started off as an Art and Sole student and then quickly turned into one of our studio assistants.
Over the years he has been a huge help and source of inspiration behind the scenes helping out with sourcing, making samples and lending a helping hand to other students.

He has since launched two brands of his own so we wanted to help spread the word and show him some love!

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hello, I’m Earl. I’m 28 years old and I am from Toronto.
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If you were a shoe what style of shoe would you be?
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If I were a shoe type, I would be a boot, because I’m messy!

Earl stitching uppers on the post bed sewing machine

What inspired you to take classes at Art and Sole?

I took classes and art and sole, because I wanted to learned how to make shoes from start to finish, and the class I took was the derby/oxford workshop. I evenutally applied the knowledge I gained into deconstructing and reconstructing sneakers.
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Earl's first pair of handmade shoes in our Intermediate shoemaking workshop!

Python Decon/Recon project

What type of materials do you enjoy working with?

I love working with python Leather because it has a very unique texture. And vintage clothes for the retro graphics.

Python Decon/Recon work in process...

Have you continued to practice the craft?

I still do a bit of sneaker reconstruction about once or twice a year, but recently, A friend and I, are doing Upcycled Clothing called “the Upcycled
Collective”. We reconstruct old vintage clothes and turning them to accessories and streetwear.

@Upcycleclothingcollective vintage t's and totes

Where do you find inspiration?

I usually look at what nba players wear for inspiration!

@letherious Python Patchwork Jersey  and Custom Raptors x Louis Vuitton Crewneck 

What does being a maker mean to you?
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Being a maker to me means being unique. When people ask where I get certain clothes I’m wearing, they are surprised that it can be made at home...

@letherious Lime Green Python Fanny Pack

What's next for you !?!

For me my focus is starting a clothing brand called “The Upcycled Collective”. We rework vintage clothes and turning them to other garments and
accessories.

@letherious Upcycled Dior Ball cap

How can we follow along with your next steps !?!
@earlypoli
@letherious
@theupcycledcollective