Happenings in Houston

by Rooks

RIPCORD, Houston’s definitive leather bar has welcomed a new tenant — The Montrose Forge — to vend inside it’s already great atmosphere. The new store opened this February, filling a much needed gap for a gear shop within the local community after a previous local business closed its doors. The store owner is no stranger to leather work; AlphaPupRok began crafting with leather at just the age of eight. He has a passion for supporting the Montrose community, and plans to have the majority of his wares created by local artisans.

Coinciding with my visit to the Forge was the inaugural launch of Mr. Leather Bear Houston 2016 organized by PupMufasa (Mr. Leather Bear Austin 2015). The event featured social mixers, auction items, contestant speeches, and was accompanied by array of known leathermen judging the competition. Title winner Pup True hopes to “continue to bring suicide and depression awareness by benefitting the Montrose Center’s counseling program.” For more information about the Mr. Leather Bear Houston contest and additional leather bear contests organized within Texas, please visit leatherbearproductions.com

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