Shara Porter is a designer and artist who makes a career out of giving vintage accessories a new life. She received her MFA in Textiles from UMASS Dartmouth in 2004 and started her own business soon after. She spends many hours in thrift stores shopping for vintage leather accessories, then cleans and mends the items, and adds her signature printed image, making each piece current and unique.

“I have always liked finding discarded items and seeing their potential with some sort of alteration. I love the hunt- and rescuing items that have been passed along.”

An observation during a long drive prompted the designer’s current collection of handbags, shoes and small leather goods. She spotted a sign for a construction company with a picture of a dump truck on it. As she got closer, she also noticed a small unicorn on the corner of the sign. The funny, quirky combination of information and the misplaced creature inspired Porter to create similar juxtapositions with her collection of leather goods.

She loved the idea of taking an ultra-feminine purse and putting something unexpected on it, such as a tire or a ladder. The bags have since evolved to include all kinds of imagery, including more feminine and playful designs like birds and trees.

Aside from an occasional trunk show, you can find her line at boutiques across the country.
Click here for a list of retailers.