Mooney Leather Goods

Mooney Leather Goods offers a collection of luxury leather accessories, each meticulously handcrafted by me, Sierra Rae Mooney, right here in Hyde Park, Chicago.

My path to leathercraft began in 2019 shortly after moving to Chicago. While I'd previously explored a wide range of creative hobbies—from conventional pastimes to the very strange, such as bone carving—I often struggled to stick with one long enough to refine my skills in that area. My move to a smaller space meant letting go of these scattered pursuits, which led me to the (sometimes questionable) world of online "maker" videos. It was through these videos that I first encountered leatherwork. In March 2020, I started gathering my tools and materials to give it a shot myself. The first creations were vastly better than any belt and wallet I had ever owned, but the juxtaposition of that fact and how short they fell from the work I had seen of traditional craftsmen quickly forged an obsession.

I had finally found a medium that demanded not just my commitment to continuous learning, but fostered a true passion. I insisted I hand-stitch everything, that I work primarily with veg-tanned leather, and that I never buy a pattern to learn patternmaking as much as possible. For a long time each piece was hand-dyed, and I hesitated far too long to upgrade any tools for fear there was more I should learn before doing so. Eventually, friends began requesting commissions as my skills steadily improved, and then acquaintances, and then strangers.

During this time, my professional life centered around luxury jewelry and watch service. This career instilled a profound understanding of intricate problem-solving, unwavering attention to detail, and a careful, strategic approach to technical work—qualities vital for achieving the high standards of precision expected in fine jewelry and high-end watch service. Encouraged by a friend in the industry, I began to consciously apply these invaluable lessons from luxury watchmaking to my leather work. This integration sparked a powerful creative renaissance, continually deepening my love for the craft.

My designs showcase a distinctive fusion: vibrant color palettes inspired by the sprawling graffiti of my hometown, a foundational commitment to durability and precision, and an homage to iconic luxury textures and materials. The warm embrace and vibrant energy of the Chicago community have been an unexpected and incredible source of support, consistently fueling my motivation. Thank you, Chicago. To those discovering our brand for the first time, I hope you find something within my work that speaks to you.

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Sierra Rae Mooney
Founder, Craftswoman