We are sad to announce the passing of Paul Christensen JR (AKA Paul C), as he has begun the next step on his journey to Nirvana.
Paul Christensen Jr., 75, of Rogers Park/Edgewater neighborhood after a long illness transitioned July 31, 2023. Beloved husband of Kitty (2008). Loving father of Austin (Zoë) and Lars Christensen. Cherished grandfather of Sabrina. Dear brother of Eric (LeAnne). Dearest uncle of Cole. Fond friend of many.
Paul had an amazing life and leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Paul The Musician: Paul was a rock star in many ways! He played in so many bands over the years, most notably working with Ike and Tina Turner in Fort Worth, Texas, and with many blues artists both in New Orleans and here in Chicago. His first ever band was “The Cynics” and they were well-known for playing at Teen A Go-Go, Paul played in a band called Rockola with Lou Ann Barton, He was part of The Rolling Rumba Review and also the band Crosscut Blues. His love for music and his passion for leather were able to intertwine as his leather designs/creations would also be worn proudly by so many musicians in the industry.
Paul The Leather Craftsman/Designer: Paul’s leather fetish career spans over 50 years. Paul and Kitty started their leather business right here in Rogers Park and together they promoted and shared their creations with the Chicagoland area with fashion shows, photoshoots, magazine spreads and more.
In 2005, Paul C Leather joined Mephisto Leather, North America with Eric Kugelman and Michael Syrjanen. This business partnership allowed the Paul C Leather line to continue to be created and carried out of the retail shop/studio at 6410 N. Clark Street, Chicago. This relationship lasted over 15 years and customers came from all over the world to have a leather creation designed and created by Paul C. here in Chicago. Eric Kugelman says “We will forever celebrate and treasure our many years in business with Paul C. Together, we dressed countless numbers of people and are eternally grateful for what everything he has taught us. We will honor his legacy and keep it going with his designs.”
The leather designs and expert craftmanship of Paul C Leathers garnered attention throughout the world and also graced the covers of notable publications Playboy magazine, Penthouse magazine and more. For over 50 years, connoisseurs of leather lingerie and leather bondage accessories have coveted the unique style and uncompromising craftsmanship of Paul C’s designs.
The Legacy Continues: One thing that was certain, was Paul C was an expert in the field of leather craftsmanship and design and he was able to share that expertise and passion with his son Austin (AKA Milo). Milo worked together with Paul at 64TEN and continues to provide his expertise and leather craftsmanship to this day. The legacy of Paul C Leather will forever live on through the work of his son Milo and we are grateful for this. Milo says "My father was my friend, my colleague, and my co-piolet. In his passing, I will forever miss those things. I have spent my whole life next to my father, and I find peace knowing that he will live on through me, in my daughter, and as a Leather Tailor here at Leather 64TEN."
In honor of Paul C. and his contribution to the leather community, 64TEN will create a Paul C. library featuring his leather works and designs. 64TEN and their design team will also be putting together a beautiful, memorial window in honor of Paul C. which will feature his very first sewing machine, the leather outfit he designed that was featured in Playboy Magazine and a vast array of vintage leather and corsets that Paul created.
Eric Kugelman says “Losing Paul was losing my best friend, we have shared so many moments and memories together that I will forever cherish, and I promise I will continue his legacy at 64TEN and throughout the leather community, he will never be forgotten”
The Celebration of Life: 64TEN is proud to announce that we will gladly be hosting a celebration of life to pay tribute to and honor Paul C. This celebration will feature various displays of Paul’s vintage designs throughout the 1st and 2nd floors, all of Paul’s favorite food and drinks, treats and bites, a guided meditation and Paul’s favorite music. The evening will end with Paul’s son Milo putting on an amazing fireworks display for everyone to enjoy. Let's celebrate the amazing rock star that we all loved - PAUL C! Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023 Time: 11am-8pm Location: 6410 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL Please RSVP: www.leather64ten.com/paul-c
Contact Us:
If you have any questions about the celebration of life, please contact Eric Kugelman at 312-498-9979 | eric@leather64ten.com Or call the store at 773-508-0900 | info@leather64ten.com You can also send a private message on Facebook to the Leather64TEN page.