Shinola is getting serious about elevating its watches. The Detroit-based company — best known for its handcrafted timepieces, bicycles, journals, and leather goods — has tapped Richard Lambertson and John Truex to join the team as design directors. The two will focus specifically on accessories and leather goods.
“We believe this partnership positions us to build a unique capability to manufacture and design leather goods in the United States,” said Tom Kartsotis, founder of the brand. “It is such fun to have an opportunity to work with all the amazing talent that is attracted to this brand.”
“We were inspired by the fact that Shinola is about the people who work there — the energy is addictive,” said Lambertson. “We loved it the moment we walked through the doors, and look forward to the opportunity to build a world-class leather division.”
“The opportunity in leather is wide open, and to be a part of that is very exciting,” said Truex.
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Prior to joining the brand, Lambertson and Truex were named design directors of Tiffany & Co.’s Leather Collection in 2009. The two were once partners and owned their own brand, Lambertson Truex, which was founded in 1998. They still own the trademark and sell products at retail. The duo won the CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year Award and Ace Award for Design Excellence in 2000.