For seven years, Antiseptic Fashion has been pioneering leather design with corsets and accessories sometimes reminiscent of medieval armor, others – of alien carapaces. Owner Billy Vahan began his career as a punk kid in Montana, using traditional leather working methods to make knife sheaths and bondage belts – he’s come a long way. Since launching Antiseptic in San Francisco and teaming up with designer Melisande Innes-Brown, his work has been featured internationally in print and television. The brand’s cutting-edge posture collars, feather-embellished shoulder plates, buckled harnesses and laced waist cinches have been gaining popularity with high-profile clients like Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, and more. In recent years, Innes-Brown moved on to other projects and Billy moved Antiseptic Fashion to Los Angeles, revamping the label and putting on art events with his partner, Marlo Marquise. Last week, we browsed his decked-out downtown studio and talked about the transition and the future.
