Col. Littleton

Colonel Littleton (born December 15, 1943) is an American fashion designer and business proprietor, best known for his Col. Littleton brand of leather goods, apparel and specialty products − most handmade in his Lynnville, TN workshop by local craftsmen. His designs are sold through his Americana Collection catalog and in over 800 stores worldwide. Col. Littleton, The Great American Leather Company, was established in 1987.

Colonel Littleton
Littleton at his Foxfire Farm
Born (1943-12-15) December 15, 1943
Camden, Tennessee, United States
NationalityAmerican
OccupationFashion Designer
Known forAmericana Style;
Customer Experience
LabelCol. Littleton
Awards2009 Inductee Tennessee State Museum;

Costume & Textile Institute;

Honorary Colonel in Tennessee and Kentucky

Early life and career

Colonel Littleton was born Garry Allen Littleton in Camden, Tennessee to Avery (née Allen) and Lester Coleman Littleton, a millwright and carpenter.

His mother died shortly after his birth and he was initially raised by his grandparents, in Holladay, TN, while his father sought work in east Tennessee.

He graduated from Bellevue High School in Nashville, TN, attended David Lipscomb University and later served in the US Coast Guard. He married Norma Ann (Susie) Hobbs in 1975. He worked at Tom James Co., where he sold custom men’s clothing and as National Sales Director at The Benson Company (later known as Benson Records), a music publishing company in Nashville, TN. Later, he worked for New York based companies like Ghurka and Trafalgar, selling clothing and accessories to men’s specialty stores.

Col. Littleton No.3 Grip

Business

He launched his label in 1987 from the third floor attic of his home, selling antique cufflinks to specialty stores such as Paul Stuart in New York City, that appreciated his eye for the interesting. He designed the packaging, creating the cross swords logo and Col. Littleton motif that would become his brand mark.[1]

From antique cufflinks he moved into pocket knives, which he designed using mother of pearl and bone. He offered customers the option to engrave the handle and/or bolsters.

Over the years, the business has expanded into leather goods, home accessories, apparel, belts and more.[2]

References
  1. "The Great American Leather Company ® . . . To us, it's more than just a name". Col. Littleton. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  2. "Col. Littleton, The Great American Leather Co.: Portfolios, Bags & Other Goods". Col. Littleton. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
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