about

Bryan started working with leather in 2003, after being inspired to make a handsewn bag for his then-girlfriend. The initial design led to wallets, belts & a variety of bags, which he began to sell at craft fairs in New York City. While living in N.Y., Bryan's leatherwork gained a following, spanning from the east village to the upper west side. In 2006, after launching the first DE PALMA collection, the line was carried by United Arrows in Tokyo, Japan. Since then, DE PALMA's following has grown to include many stores in Japan and across the U.S. alike. Bryan's grandparents hailed from southern Italy & his grandmother worked as head seamstress in New York's garment industry upon arriving in the U.S. The DE PALMA brand was named after Bryan's mom... Palma. In the early 1970s she made herself leather bags & a belt for Bryan's father before they got married. The few pieces she made are still worn by his family members today. Having grown up next to the ocean, Bryan spent time as a kid working on tuna boats & summers working in the fishing industry in Alaska. Bryan is self-taught & his inspiration comes from vintage leatherwork & sea life. Each piece combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Most everything is cut, sewn & assembled by hand in California; the hum of a machine in the DE PALMA studio is heard on only the rarest of occasions. The designs are simple, classic & made to be enjoyed for generations. We mark each piece by hand in a subtle way (so there's no label showing). You can spot a piece by DE PALMA by look & quality alone. DE PALMA has been featured in magazines such as Nylon, New York Magazine, Spur, Daily Candy & Magazine Blu. We hope you enjoy browsing & shopping in our web store. Select DE PALMA products are also available in numerous boutiques throughout the U.S. and Japan (a complete list of retail stores is provided here).