Slow x Crow: A Partnership Celebrating High Quality and High Spirits
Our appreciation for the handmade and for those who take the time to master their craft and honor its heritage led us to explore ways we can connect and work with those we admire.
It should come as no surprise that we sought to partner with the trailblazing designer and leather artisan Leslie Crow. Since entering the market in 2007 as one of the creators behind Heyoka Leather, Crow has become a visionary in the makers' movement.
After a decade-long quest of traditional techniques inspired by her Appalachian heritage and a family tradition of leatherwork and blacksmithing, Leslie set out to create a classic collection of original designs that are recognizable not by the label but by the craftsmanship and integrity of the creation itself.
Once we connected, it felt natural to create something special that was based on our shared principles - "High Quality and High Spirits." Working with Crow, we developed the first-ever Rock & Rye bottle bag. Handcrafted from wild harvested deerskin leather each bag fits a 750ml bottle of Slow & Low and transitions into a designer bucket bag purse. The Slow x Crow bag is made-to-order so each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind. Call us biased, but we think it’s really rad - you can shop it here.
While we are stoked on our limited edition Slow x Crow bag, the real benefit to creating with Leslie is getting to know her. Her creativity is captivating, but it is not overshadowed by her kindness and genuine openness to connect and collaborate.
Read on to learn more about Leslie Crow and about our Slow x Crow collaboration.
Straight-Up: The Slow & Low Interview Series featuring Leslie Crow
Q: If you weren't a leather smith, what would you be?
A: If I wasn't a leather smith, I would probably be some other kind of artist. I have always loved expressing myself, working with my hands and having creative freedom above all else…. I honestly can't imagine myself ever having a "real" job, but if I did I would probably want to be a veterinarian because I love working with animals.
Q: You received an all-expense paid trip and you fly out tomorrow - where are you going and why?
A: Brazil and Columbia. I've never been to South America and would love to explore the continent and see the beautiful beaches, rainforests, and cultures.
Q: Is it better to use our Slow x Crow bucket bag as a purse, or as a Rock & Rye bottle holder?
A: I love the idea of gifting the bucket bag with a bottle of Rock and Rye. I think the presentation is so beautiful and elegant, and instead of throwing out the gift wrap, the packaging suddenly transforms into a super cool purse that you can keep forever!!! So it's really the best of both worlds.
Q: Who has influenced you the most - personally or professionally?
A: My grandmother. She is 96 and she has not had an easy life, but she never gives up on anything and has worked hard her entire life. She raised me to be strong and steady and not take shit from anyone. She really taught me to stick to my guns and keep going no matter how challenging life can be and not to doubt myself ever. She has always inspired me with her independence, grace, and resilience.
Q: If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
A: There have been so many different chapters of my life it's real hard to pick just one so here's a couple random nostalgic songs for each of the places I've lived and loved…
The Appalachians (where I'm from)
- Sugar Magnolia, Grateful Dead
- High on a Mountain, Olabelle Reed
- Shady Grove, Doc Watson
Los Angeles
- The Weight, Levon Helm
- Feel like Makin' Love, Bad Company
- You got the Silver, Rolling Stones
Tucson
- A Thousand Miles from Nowhere, Dwight Yoakum
- Willin', Little Feat
- Carmelita, Linda Ronstadt
Austin
- Georgia on a Fast train, Billy Joe Shaver
- Going up the Country, Canned Heat
- Fly Eagle Fly, Marshall Tucker Band
Q: In your opinion, is it better to be Slow & Low or High on Rye?
A: Slow and Low
Q: What’s your favorite word and why?
A: Eccentric - my favorite aunt who had a huge impact on me growing up always told me she was my eccentric auntie…so it was like her scapegoat phrase for I can do anything I want because I'm different. I've always loved that concept.
Q: The road less traveled or the path of least resistance?
A: The road less traveled. Always.
