Maverick Style: Inspired by the West

Expanding the Limits of Quality Handmade Leather

I met Ryder Gauteraux at the Western Design Conference in 2010, where he was showcasing an incredible pair of hand tooled miniature trophy boots. They were truly spectacular, and yet I soon learned that where Ryder's talent is concerned, they were only the tip of the iceberg.

Ryder Gauteraux grew up in a log cabin the mountains of Eastern Oregon, without a phone or electricity. Without television as a diversion, Ryder looked to the outdoors, horses, and building things for his entertainment. His love of horses eventually led him to the rodeo circuit, where rode bulls and saddle broncs.

During his time on the rodeo circuit, Ryder noticed a lack of quality custom leather goods. As a "do it yourself" kind of guy, Ryder took it upon himself to learn custom leather work by reading books and watching videos. He began with chaps, and then expanded to building boots. As it turns out, Ryder has quite a talent for custom leather work, and he loves a challenge. His finished products are always stunning, as he continues to expand the limits of quality handmade leather goods.

Ryder Gauteraux made his name with his superb hand tooled boot tops, and the pair of boots featured below left is one of my favorites. It is an ostrich ladies boot with a fully tooled top. Five shades of dye and antiquing were used on the tops to highlight the gorgeous tooling. I hope to own a pair like these someday! Ryder also enjoys collaborating with other artisans to create even more distinctive custom made boots. The gorgeous red boots showcased in the center feature red Monitor Lizard vamps and side piping. The beautiful fully beaded tops were created by bead artisan Molly Kubista. These boots are definitely a one of a kind work of art! The boots featured on the right won the Historical Craftsmanship Award at the Western Design Conference this year, and I can see why. This pair of boots was a collaborative effort between Ryder and artist and musician Dyrk Godby, who created the spectacular hand burned designs along the tops of these boots. The boots were designed for a cattleman who is a fan of Charlie Russell, and the tops of the boots feature four of his favorite Charlie Russell themes. I have never seen boots like this before! They are absolutely amazing!

Those of you who are heading to the NFR in Las Vegas are in luck! Ryder will be participating in a "One of a Kind" Designer Trunk Show with Meredith Lockhart of Thistles West from 10 AM - 8 PM, December 8 - 9 at South Point Hotel & Casino. The trunk show will be take place in the Redwood Meeting Room across from The Art of the American Cowboy Fine Art Show & Sale. Stop by to meet Ryder Gauteraux in person and see more of his superb handmade leather boots and accessories. If you can't make it to Las Vegas, visit www.gauteraux.com to see more of Ryder's custom leather products.