By Summer Durand

The formula behind leather goods company, BillyKirk, is simple yet effective: utility, quality, and Function. Conceptualized in 1998 by brothers Chris Bray and William Kirkland, the pair’s original muse was a wide strapped, leather watch that was made in the 1970s. Bought at a pawn shop in Santa Monica, California, the timepiece became the topic of many a conversation, and the light bulb went off. With a background in design and an innate desire to create a company called “Billykirk” (a play on William Kirkland’s full name), the luxury leather project was well on its way.

The beginning of Billykirk was well researched and humble. According to their website’s bio, “We worked under a third generation leather maker in Los Angeles for three years.  We eventually bought some of his antique machinery and opened our own studio a couple of miles away. It was like going back to the early 1900s. Our mentor was very understanding and a great teacher. He literally showed us how to put a rivet on a belt. We had this incredible space to go to each day for free! We were surrounded by all of his grandfather’s tools and machines and had nothing stopping us for exploring and creating. We owe him a lot.”

Fast forward to today. The Billykirk label now consists of belts, wallets, satchels and housewares. Utilizing domestic as well as Italian leathers, each product is vegetable dyed in the “tradition of the old west.” It is then hand treated with beeswax and natural oils to achieve a beautiful patina that develops over time. Much like a fine wine, the product becomes better with age.
Originally designed as unisex, the brand began attracting a predominantly male audience. However, they recently started working with J.Crew on a women’s-only collection named (appropriately) “Billykirk for J.Crew. The brothers are also anticipating a project with Opening Ceremony that will offer looks for both men and women. In addition, they’ll soon create a line of eco-friendly leather items.