A fixture in the Chicago gay community is closing its doors, literally, thus ending a long, storied historywith Stanley Harrison retiring, capping a near-25-year leather legacy.
Chaps worn in Chicagoespecially over Memorial Day weekend, the annual tradition of International Mr. Leather (IML)never will be the same again, at least in design.
Harrison, 66, the owner for the past 10 years of Shel-Don Chicago and who previously worked about 14 years at Male Hide Leathers, is calling it a career. His Lakeview store, at 3820 N. Broadway, will close for good at the end of May.
He has been working since last September to reduce his stock.
"I have reached the ripe old age to collect social security, so it's time to move on," said Harrison, who said at the IML in 2012 that was going to be his finale.
Harrison initially planned to close his 1,500 square-foot Lakeview store at the end of April, but pushed it back until the end of May.
"It's been tough the last few years, mostly because of the economy. But as for memories, wow, I could go on for days," said Harrison, who lives in Berwyn, and has been dating Daryl Bergeron, 45, for about 10 years. "I know I'll miss the customers and the socializing, but now I have more time to get out and go to events."
Harrison has a degree in fashion design and was working for a large wholesale florist when, about 25 years ago, he spotted a posting at Male Hide for a leather craftsman job. He talked to Male Hide about the position and soon began working there part-time. Six months after starting, Male Hide owners wanted Harrison full-time, though Harrison admits he was leery as to whether or not Male Hide could afford him, including a similar benefits package.
He ultimately spent about 14 years working at Male Hide and then, in October 2002, he opened his own leather store, "to carry on the tradition of Male Hide Leather," he said.
That includes, "dressing the boys and making them look great for IML with a lot of custom-made leather," he said, laughing.
Harrison also has aided contestants for Mr. Chicago Leather, Mr. Cell Block, and more.
His handiwork has been worn all over the U.S., if not the worldparticularly his chaps.
"I make your ass look the best in chaps, he said.
So what's the key to a good pair of chaps?
A good fit, Harrison said. "I make them out partially before I finish them, then I have the customer come back in for a fitting, in case we need to do any nips or tucks. You want [the chaps] to fit like a glove."
Harrison has been a fixture working the leather market at IML, and admits it's "satisfaction" seeing his work worn on stage during IML weekend.
Harrison said he's planning to attend the 2013 IML, but will not be working, just enjoying the festivities and renewing long-time friendships.
Harrison said he also is proud of countless product demonstrations he has led, from how to properly put on a cock ring to how to use nipple clamps. He has led many demonstrations over the years at Touche.
"I've been able to show [the community] my knowledge and help them out. It's been fun," Harrison said.