Leather and silver, and new to my wardrobe.

Leather and silver, and new to my wardrobe.

It’s done. I picked up my belt today, a handcrafted beauty from Jason Maida’s workshop, one I’ll wear and enjoy for years. It’s made of alligator, soft and supple and strong, and its sterling silver buckle shines.

I profiled Maida and his art for PaperCity magazine earlier this year — you can read the story here — and never tire of visiting his showroom. It’s full of buckles and jewelry vintage and new, wonderful turquoise and silver necklaces and earrings and bracelets. Maida is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the buckle (and other subjects), and his enthusiasm is infectious. Pay him a visit and see what I mean.

The artist in his workshop

The artist in his workshop