Those somebodies keeping Barbdwyr in business and buying up those ankle shackles, says Brandt, are not a small, far-out fringe group, as might be supposed in a conservative Midwestern city. The bulk of Brandt's business isn't what's found on the shelves, however, but his own custom designs. If the client can fantasize it, he can make it. Leather is the most popular material, and Brandt designs and creates boots, bras, halters, pants, skirts, chaps, masks and whatever else people can conceive and Brandt can stitch. People now collect my masks.
People call with color schemes.
He pulls out his portfolio, which, he admits, is hard to maintain because so many of his clients require anonymity. The base of the gown sweeps 18 inches, Brandt says, admiring his own handiwork. Most of Barbdwyr's business comes by word of mouth. Brandt doesn't advertise much, because there's no need. He once put up a Web site but closed it down immediately because he couldn't handle the volume of business it attracted.