The Tunu Pookrum atelier produces leather goods and apparel for men and women alike. A native of Detroit, Tunu Pookrum is a Spelman grad and a #SoFu resident. We are honored to call her one of our readers! She is a couturier who specializes in handmade luxury “leather sculptures,” including unique exclusive offerings.
“I’m a fashion designer,” she says. “But I consider what I do a fusion between art and fashion. I often make 1-of-1 pieces and I seek to offer the new and not yet seen. I’m an African American woman who took my talents and jumped into fashion. My business is considered small but it’s growing! I’m trying to bust the whole fashion game wide open and take the joint over!”
Creative Process
Pookrum says, “I often get 'Eureka!' moments when I am inspired to create a piece. Ideas will pop into my head out of thin air or I may have a dream about an idea which sets me on the path of creation. When I’m working with animal skins in particular, I’m very attentive because not all skins perform the same. Some are more pliable to work with than others so I allow the skins to show me what they’re willing to do and I’ll create designs around that. Then there’s just moments where I just want a cute new bag to go with an outfit so I open my mind for those ideas to flow.”
Style Tips for 2023 and Beyond!
A style tip for 2023 and from here on out is that color is no longer seasonal. “We used to save the darker colors for the colder months, but vibrant colors have permeated the colder months too. Plus, the benefits of wearing colors goes far beyond standing out. We know that levels of depression increase in the colder months because of the lack of sunlight and seeing those vibrant colors actually stimulates the brain and ups your mood so get some colorful staples in your wardrobe.”
For pricing and purchasing info, visit TunuPookrum.com.