Alan Selby—widely known within the Leather community as “Mr. S”—is one of the most influential figures in the modern history of Leather culture. As the founder and creative force behind Mr. S Leather, Selby transformed Leather craftsmanship from niche, underground production into an internationally recognized standard of quality, authenticity, and pride.

Founded in 1979 in San Francisco, Mr. S Leather emerged during a pivotal era when Leather identity was evolving from post-bar culture into a broader expression of personal authority, erotic authenticity, and communal belonging. Selby’s work provided not only garments and gear, but symbols of earned identity—harnesses, uniforms, chaps, and custom leatherwork that communicated presence, intention, and respect for tradition.

Alan Selby is distinguished by his unwavering commitment to craft excellence. He insisted on durable materials, meticulous construction, and designs that honored both form and function. In doing so, he elevated Leather gear from costume to cultural regalia, reinforcing the Old Guard ethic that Leather is not merely worn—it is earned, lived, and carried with responsibility.

Beyond craftsmanship, Selby played a crucial role in preserving Leather history. Through the physical space of Mr. S Leather stores and his long-standing collaboration with community institutions, he supported the documentation and continuation of Leather traditions during periods of immense cultural loss—particularly throughout the AIDS crisis. His work helped ensure that Leather culture would not disappear with its elders, but instead be passed forward with dignity.

Selby’s influence extends internationally. Mr. S Leather became a pilgrimage site for Leatherfolk worldwide, offering not just gear, but education, community connection, and continuity. The brand’s longevity stands as a testament to Selby’s ability to bridge Old Guard values with evolving expressions of identity while maintaining respect for Leather’s roots.

Although Alan Selby himself often remained understated, his legacy is unmistakable. Generations of Leathermen, Sirs, Masters, and kink practitioners have been shaped—quite literally—by his work. His impact is woven into the very fabric of contemporary Leather culture.

Today, Alan Selby is recognized not simply as a retailer or designer, but as a custodian of Leather tradition, whose life’s work reinforced the values of integrity, pride, craftsmanship, and historical continuity that remain central to the Leather community.