A Visit With Seattle's Rock'n'Roll Designer: Carole McClellan

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Contributed by Subterfuge Staff, Photos of Seth and Sarah by Thor Radford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seattle has little in the way of fashion notoriety, however, thanks to this fabulous woman there is some to be had. Designer Carole McClellan specializes in designing custom leather and fur garments. Of course, in true Seattleite fashion, out of reused and socially conscious materials. Carole has designed pieces for the likes of Ann Wilson from Heart, and Chris Cornell from Sound Garden. Her studio in Pioneer Square is of course, super cool, with art by Juan Alonso displayed throughout. The lucky Subterfuge couple Seth Noble and Sarah Caples got to pay her a visit and play dress up. There may be some plans brewing between stylist and designer to do a trunk show together when McClellan completes her men's line. Stylist Sarah Caples tried on the famous jacket designed for Ann Wilson of Heart during the "Barracuda" era. Sarah is hoping that she'll get to borrow this jacket for an event this fall... she's keeping her fingers crossed Carole will let it out of the studio! What's it like to wear something Ann Wilson wore while making rock 'n' roll history? Sarah claims she now has more mojo after absorbing the residual coolness left by the 70s badass rock-goddess in this seriously beautiful jacket. Much love went into this piece, and it's evident in all of the designer's work that she is in her bliss.  Being at it for all these years, Carole McClellan has fine tuned her craft and takes regular trips to France for buying and selling. Her men's line promises to be amazing... Sarah is looking forward to seeing her husband in a pair of leather pants this fall and is also anxiously awaiting the new leggings that Carole will be creating out of stretch leather, the same fabric used by Zac Posen, The Row, and a host of well-known designers. Be paying attention for updates-- you do not want to miss out on  these fall creations. The prices are right too. For several hundred dollars less, Seattle fashionistas will be able to wear runway styles. Carole's craftsmanship is top-notch and her designs are unique. Her reversible fur vests can be worn with the leather on the outside and fur on the inside or vice versa; any woman going to the opera, symphony or gala will appreciate the warmth in high style. And of course, anyone clubbing, attending concerts or fab parties will love the rock 'n' roll edge of these pieces that will set you apart from the crowd. Seth was having a Jim Morrison moment in these kickass pants designed by Carole for the last fashion show she participated in. He and Sarah will surely have a great time getting dressed this fall for their upcoming parties and events! Pay a visit to Carole McClellan's studio and have your custom-made leather leggings started now, or bring in  vintage pieces for embellishment or alterations. Carole is currently working on a pair of wild leather pants for Seattle social mover JJ McKay.