Sometimes opportunities come along totally unexpected...
Robert Schaeffer, the owner of Schaeffer's Garment Hotel, is the cousin of a co-worker of mine (John Hughes). During one of my visits to LA, John and I stopped by so that he could say hi to his cousin. I was absolutely amazed by the space that Robert had created. He has vintage clothing, boots and belts. He repairs jeans and fabricates/sells custom made denims. On top of all of that (no pun intended) he has a custom hatter, Gunner Foxx, that operates out of the back of his shop. After this visit I just couldn't quit talking with John about the shop. I asked John to call Robert and ask if I could come back during my next visit and take some photos of the place. A few weeks passed and I returned. Robert was such a gracious host! After I had taken a few instant and digital photos of the shop with my SX-70 and Leica, Robert introduced me to Gunner Fox. They were both cordial enough to let me photograph Gunner in action. One word: AMAZING!
If you're ever in LA around Sunset Blvd and N Gardner Street, make sure and stop by. You will not be disappointed...
Hopefully I can get another opportunity some day to do this again. I have thought about all of the things that I would do different. So many details about the shop that I missed.
That being said, below are my seven favorites from the Leica...
the piano...
some dogs have it good...
not so sure this is accurate...
about to start the fire...
watching it burn...
a unique way of putting out the fire...
mr. gunner foxx...
