About Sole Survivor

Location: 7358 Manchester Rd. | St. Louis, MO 63143 | 314-932-1475

Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-5 | Saturday 10-4

Sole Survivor is located in St. Louis, MO - just minutes from downtown St. Louis and close to Forest Park, museums, and the zoo. The Maplewood, MO store offers a selection of original and exclusive leather bags as well as belts, wallets, satchels, and more. All made on site.

MEET THE LEATHER ARTISANS of SOLE SURVIVOR

KAY RYE Leather Artisan, Designer

Kay, co-founder, owner and manager of Sole Survivor. "I started working with leather in 1979. I specialize in making belts as well as hand sewing a wide variety of leather goods. I also enjoy creating one of a kind sculptural pieces out of leather, molding and shaping the hides into intriguing vessels and wall hangings."

ANNIE RYE Lead Designer

Annie is lead designer at Sole Survivor. She began working as a full time leather artisan alongside her father, Steve, in 2007.
"I am an artist and designer who specializes in creating one-of-a-kind, handmade leather goods. I use a combination of machine and hand sewing techniques to bring my designs to life. My process begins with sketching out the design, taking precise measurements, and creating a pattern. I work with high-quality leather sourced from reputable dealers, ensuring that no animals are killed for their skin as it is a by-product of the meat industry. I incorporate a variety of colors and utilize sturdy, long-lasting solid brass or stainless hardware to produce unique bags, wallets, accessories, and more."

HISTORY

"Our adventures began in the late 60's into the 70's with the Midwest arts and craft show circuit, bluegrass festivals, and the like. The journey continued in St. Louis where, in 1985, Sole Survivor settled and opened shop in the Central West End. Over the years, changes to the retail scene inspired a series of moves from The Loop, to Belleville, then BACK to The Loop, Eventually, we were led to Maplewood, MO. Since January 2014 Sole Survivor has been happily settled in Maplewood. We love it here! The community has been so welcoming and supportive."

STEVE RYE † Co-Founder (1952-2023)

Steve once expressed, "When I started working with leather as a teen in the late ‘60’s, I knew that this would become my life’s work.” Steve's legacy endures today, as his family faithfully upholds the traditions and visions they cultivated through years of dedicated collaboration.

Studio Tours

Visitors can tour the workshop to see an impressive, array of hand tools and machinery as well as a view of the artists at work. COME CURIOUS! Check our Facebooke event pages for current tour dates. Or call ahead to arrange a time so that we may be prepared for your visit. 314-932-1475