North Beach Leather was established by Michael Hoban and Frank Morgan in the mid-1960s as a leather goods store in Los Angeles, California. In 1967 the shop was moved to San Francisco, to the North Beach section of town, hence the name. Hoban’s leather designs proved to be popular with the San Francisco hippies and a branch was soon opened in Berkeley.
By the early 2000s there were eleven North Beach Leather stores, but financial difficulties caused all but the San Francisco store to close in 2004. Hoban left the company, which was acquired by its general manager, Skip Pas.
Their pieces are known for their boldness in both color and design, as well as for their priciness, as these were quite expensive garments. North Beach Leather did custom work for celebrities including Elvis and Elton John.
Written by fuzzylizzie
from a pair of 1970s leather pants
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1970s jacket
Courtesy of VB Vintage
from a 1970s pant suit
Courtesy of eel
from a late-1970s fringed chamois skirt
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1980s dress
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from an early 1990s dress
Courtesy of eel
from a 1990s coat
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
from a 1990s jacket
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
