[ 1974 Leather by artisan, beth dryden ]

1974 is a working leather studio where each piece is made by hand...slowly & soulfully. With an eye for imperfect beauty and a nod to the indie-spirited, these small-batch leather goods are designed to be worn, weathered, and passed down. All items are made here in the USA.

current work /

Each piece is made to order, distinctively designed, crafted and stitched by hand using vegetable tanned leather.

why 1974?

People buy 1974 leather goods because they're tired of spending money on things that don't last... the pieces that look good in a photo and fall apart in a year. What I make is the opposite of that. Each piece is built for your hands, your habits, and your journey. The leather will show where it's been. That's not a flaw... that's the whole beautiful point.

frequently asked questions

What is veg-tan leather? 
Vegetable-tanned leather is cured using natural tannins from bark and plants rather than chemicals. It starts firm and pale, then softens and darkens with use...developing a patina that's entirely your own. It's the oldest tanning method in the world, and still the best. Read more here >

How long does an order take? 
Each piece is made to order, so currently please allow 5-15 business dayas from the time your order is placed. You'll receive a note when your piece ships. Good things take time...this is intentional. With that said, if you are needing something sooner, please reach out as sometimes I have pieces already made and ready to ship.

Do your pieces really last? 
Veg-tan leather is built for decades, not seasons. With basic care, occasional conditioning, and keeping it dry, a 1974 piece can outlast most things you own. Many are designed to be passed down.

Can I request a custom piece? 
Occasionally. Reach out here and describe what you have in mind. Custom work is taken on selectively and that which would align with my style, artistry and always begins with a conversation.

see more faq's here