Be golden Local leather worker and mother of three Louise Middleton of Golden Bear Belts creates original, wearable masterpieces from her studio in Bideford
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limbing the stairs to Louise Middleton’s lofty, sun-lit workshop seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bideford’s historic pannier market. The high-ceilinged space with white walls and exposed beams is that perfect balance of creative chaos and quiet productivity. Recently finished leather belts adorn the walls, while in a far corner Louise’s 16-year-old dog Ketchup is resting her weary bones on an oversized bed. Long work tables are covered with hand tools, stamp blocks and colourful paints – and Louise’s co-worker Jo is busy laying delicate sheets of gold leaf onto freshly cut leather. Louise takes me straight to her latest design, embossed with the phrase ‘Be Golden’ – referencing not only her four-year-old company’s name, Golden Bear Belts, but also her mantra. ‘It’s aspirational,’ she says. ‘It’s about being your best self. Signs, symbols
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and mantras adorn all of our belts, filling the wearer with positive vibes every time they buckle into their trusty pair of jeans.’ After selling a successful swimwear design company, Louise set up Golden Bear Belts four years ago. ‘I wanted to make something that everyone needs – men, women and children. A one-off. Something that will last a lifetime,’ she says. Louise has hit on a winning formula and Golden Bear Belts is taking the fashion world by storm. Stockists now include Tucker NYC, Celestine 11, Donna Ida, Liberty London, By Marie, Wolf and Badger London, Edition Japan, Art Wednesday and Secret Emporium. All of the belts originate here in Devon though, made by hand in the Bideford studio, using local materials and traditional techniques. Hand-drawn
Photos by Rosie Anderson www.rosieanderson.co.uk
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