Red Monkey Designs' rocker client list also includes The Chicks, Melissa Etheridge, and Justin Timberlake.
By Brian Fishbach
Back in 2017, with the Apple Watch in only its second year, Apple was selling thick cuff watch bands made by french designer Hermès to go along with their new wearable line. The watch encasements were made of steel and thus much more expensive than the more basic line (with 99% the same digital features). But on a chance meeting at an Apple Store in the San Fernando Valley, I met the maker of a similar—but much more rock music chic—Apple watch band.
The man I met was looking at his own website on a display MacBook. The watch band he had up on his website was a black leather cuff with white stitching. It cost only $150. It was called the "1990." I knew I had to have it. To this day, I still do.
So who was this fella? Well, the next time you see one of your favorite rockers on stage, take a look at their leather accessories—cuffs, watch bands, guitar straps. This Los Angeles man I met has quietly carved a niche that blends rock ‘n’ roll flair with artisan craftsmanship for over 25 years—Torry Pendergrass, founder of Red Monkey Designs.
Born from a blend of necessity, creativity, and a touch of punk rock defiance, Red Monkey has become synonymous with leather goods that speak to a culture deeply rooted in music, individuality, and a resistance to mass production.
Torry Pendergrass moved to Los Angeles from Seattle in 1992, bringing with him a background in classical ballet and modern dance. His transition from the arts to leather crafting was more serendipitous than planned.
"I went to Cornish College of the Arts, and after moving [to Los Angeles] with the intention of going to New York, I found myself stuck," Pendergrass told Rock Music Life. "Dance wasn’t paying the bills, so I started making jewelry as a hobby." This hobby soon evolved into a passion for leather, sparked by a Native American-themed play he choreographed, where he was asked to create some of the costume pieces. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but I said, yeah, sure, that’d be great,” he said.
The early days of Red Monkey Designs were characterized by a willingess to experiment.
"It was trial and error," Pendergrass said. “I was working 18 hours a day, just drinking coffee and working in my garage, trying to figure things out.”
His determination paid off when his wide cuff watchbands, initially met with skepticism, became a signature product.
"People would say, 'No, this is too big, too bulky, too hot,' but I knew it was going to work, and it did," he said. As Red Monkey Designs gained traction, it caught the attention of some of rock’s biggest names. Zach Wyld, guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, was one of the first major artists to collaborate with Pendergrass.
"[Wyld] saw my stuff at a store in Sunset Plaza and called me up to make his guitar strap," Pendergrass said. This led to a long-standing relationship where Red Monkey was responsible for much of Wyld’s signature look during the early days of his band, Black Label Society. Other rock legends soon followed.
"We’ve made straps for Slash, John 5, and Justin Chancellor from Tool," Pendergrass shared. Even with the biggest names in hard rock as clients, Pendergrass has never relied on traditional advertising. "I've never advertised, back then, the internet wasn’t what it is now, and word of mouth was everything," he said.
Operating a small business in the age of Amazon presents an on-going evolving challenge, especially for a brand like Red Monkey, which prides itself on craftsmanship and individuality.
"Amazon's a tricky animal," Pendergrass said. "People's sense of shopping now is completely different. They expect to order something and get it the next day, but that’s not what we’re about."Red Monkey’s products are made to order, and each piece is guaranteed for life.
"We’re not Amazon, guys, we build clients for life, not just a piece of product," Pendergrass said.
In recent years, Pendergrass has expanded his product line to include a vegan collection, though the decision was more about innovation than ideology.
"I discovered this thick German felt that had a great feel to it and thought, 'How can I incorporate this into my designs?'" Pendergrass said. Although not all of his vegan products are free from animal-derived materials, he sees this as a natural evolution of his brand.
"I own a leather company, but I’ve been a vegetarian for 15 years," he said. "It just felt right."
With over two decades of experience, Torry Pendergrass and Red Monkey Designs continue to thrive in an industry that often feels dominated by the impersonal nature of e-commerce. His dedication to his craft and refusal to compromise on quality have earned him a loyal following, from rock legends to everyday customers who appreciate the artistry behind each piece. Beyond the business side, Red Monkey Designs represents a community of like-minded individuals who value quality over quantity. Pendergrass’s commitment to his craft is evident in his approach to design and production.
"It was always about making really cool fashion-inspired stuff with a rock and roll flair," Pendergrass said. "We’ve had people like Justin Chancellor’s wife come back to us years later for more straps, and that’s what it’s all about—building those long-term relationships."
Here's a list of everyone that wears Pendergrass' products, as proudly touted on the Red Monkey website:
Antonio Bernardini (Sober), Ari O'Neal (Beyoncé/SZA), Bobby Schneck (SLASH), Brent Woods (Moby Dicks), Bret Michaels w/ Casey James (American Idol), Brian Tichy (The Dead Daisies/Whitesnake), The Chicks, Chris Traynor(Bush), Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper), Crystal Bowersox (American Idol), Curt Chambers (Alicia Keys, Eminem), Driver Williams (Eric Church), Duff McKagan (GNR), Ed Helms, Eddie Veliz (KYNG), Frank Sidoris (Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators), Gus G (Firewind/Ozzy Osbourne), Jack Sizemore (Jason Aldean), James Hetfield (Metallica), James Lomenzo (Megadeth), Jason Aldean, Jason Hook (Flatback/Five Finger Death Punch), Jeff Hanneman (Slayer), Jerry Cantrell (Alice In Chains), Jim McGorman (Avril Lavigne, Shakira), Jimmy Ashhurst (Buckcherry), Jimmy Deeghan (Kane Brown), Joe Perry (Aerosmith), John Five (Mötley Crüe), Johnny Depp (Hollywood Vampires), Justin Chancellor (TOOL), Justin Timberlake, Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper), Kerry King(Slayer), Kriss Allen (American Idol), Kurt Allison (Jason Aldean), Laura Cox, Lee DeWyze (American Idol), Melissa Etheridge, Michael Devin (The Dead Daisies/Whitesnake), Mike Duda (W.A.S.P.), Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge/Slash), Paul Stanley (KISS), Piggy D (Rob Zombie), Richie Faulkner (Judas Priest, Elegant Weapons), Slash, Steve Lukather (TOTO), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol/Michael Jackson), Todd Kerns (SLASH), Tom Araya (Slayer), Tommy Clufetos (Ozzy Osbourne), Tully Kennedy (Jason Aldean), Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society).
To check out Red Monkey Designs products, visit their website: https://redmonkeydesigns.com