For truly wearable art, check out Brooks Shane Salzwedel’s Shane by Brooks Salzwedel belt buckles. Trained at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design, this artist/designer does not subscribe to any fashion magazine (he doesn’t want to be influenced by other people’s work), and stays away from the fashion scene as a whole. His buckle themes are always a direct reflection of what’s going on in his art, which often involves the friction caused by urban development and nature, how they clash, but at the same time, how that collision can be very beautiful.
What inspired your latest collection?
I don’t really do collections—my belt buckles always are inspired from my art. My last pieces had an autumnal theme and I used gold leafs as motifs to really bring out that feeling.
Who’s the quintessential Brooks Salzwedel man/woman?
I see people who are really interested in art and design, not necessarily fashion, wear my pieces. Also, it has to be someone who has a bold style. In general, I can’t even wear them, just rarely can I pull it off.
Who’s your favorite LA designer?
Since I’m not at all familiar with the LA fashion scene, I can’t name anyone.
Who’s your favorite designer overall?
Dries Van Noten. I’m better with artists: my favorites are Jenny Seville, Egon Schiele, and Doug Henderson.
What are the advantages of working in LA over working in NYC?
I can be a little more laid back here, NYC is very intense. Somehow it makes me comfortable to get around in my own car, to have a little space.
What’s your go-to shopping spot in LA?
Don’t have one, I really don’t shop. Maybe H&M, so sorry, I know it’s awful. I dress really simple, also because I ruin everything I wear when I work in my studio. Stores like Ron Herman, Opening Ceremony, and Acne are amazing and I can appreciate them, but I don’t shop there.
What’s the season’s must-have item?
Alpaca scarves—I picked up a bunch when I was in Peru and have given them to all of my friends.
The season’s-not-under-any-circumstances – don’t care if you’re Jennifer Aniston or Anne Hathaway – have item?
Rhinestones in any form.
Brooks Shane Salzwedel's belts are available at A+R among other boutiques. Photos by Christina von Messling.For more stories from Racked LA, go to la.racked.com.
