KokoroYAK

I was working with a co-worker of mine on a project for custom upholstered chairs. The theme was punk rock and we decided to use spike studs and 2 way zippers as trim for the perimeter of the seat. The design was in place and now it was a matter of sourcing the materials. I looked everywhere on the web for zippers and studs and couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. Then I stumbled upon this place, Zip-Up-Zippers, made a phone call and then drove down there to take a look. This place had everything! I even had the option of choosing between gold or aluminum for the zipper as well as multiple color choices for the banding. The zippers came on rolls which they cut per my specification of 20″L and they even assembled the zippers to function as 2way.

Along with the amazing zipper selection, they had great options for studs, decorative trim for furnishings or clothing, belts, buttons, etc. It was an accumulation of sorts and definitely something to spend some time looking through. It’s basically one of those places where you never know what you’re going to find. Expect to do some haggling, although the prices are already pretty low. It’s just the nature of the business.

Contact:

828 Wall Street

Los Angeles, Ca 90014

Ph (213) 489-2029

www.zipupzipper.com

This place really is the saving grace of tight budgets. Leather can run you anywhere from $10/sq.ft. to $25/sq.ft. depending on the grade you are looking for. A single hyde runs about 40-50sq.ft. and a standard size tufted sofa requires about 400 sq.ft. Add up the cost of leather plus labor for the frame and you’re looking at about $9,000 easy.

That’s where United Leather comes in They have saved my butt on more than one occasion. I found the BEST black leather there for $3.50/sq.ft. and great quality. The grain was minimal and the skin was extremely soft, similar to calve skin, but without the guilt.

They have ostrich skin, alligator skin, sheerling and multiple grades of leather all in a wide selection of colors and sizes and of course, affordable prices.

This is one place you have to go. The customer service is great, the building is beautiful and you don’t have to worry about all the haggling that goes down on Wall Street.

Contact:

1414 Newton St
Los Angeles, CA 90021-2726
Ph (213) 747-1723

www.unitedleather.com

One of the great things about working with Cesar and Victor over at Dynasty is their sense of creative intuition. They understand PROPORTION!!

Depending on who you’re working with, there can be a lot of lost time with the typical back and forth exchange of “that doesn’t look right” or “there’s something missing” or my favorite “who told you to do that?!”. With Dynasty, it’s as simple as a quick sketch or reference image and it’s all understood.

It is vital that a vision is communicated in its end result. And to work with a group of people who understand this………well, it’s invaluable to say the least.

Dynasty has a rather impressive portfolio which they are completely modest about, and have worked both extremes of the design world all the way from the snooty to the laid back. They are great for furniture frame work, upholstery, refurbishment, finishes and  my personal love, throw pillows!

Contact:
Cesar or Victor
3213 W. Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Ph (323) 730-1556‎
Note: English and Spanish