Wing & Weft Gloves: Keeping Craft Alive in the Garment District
Our story began with Glamour Gloves, founded by William LeBouvier, in the 1940s. Around 1973, Lacrasia Duchein and Jay Ruckel took over the business under William's guidance learning his craft and keeping traditional techniques alive. In the 80s, Lacrasia Gloves connected with the last glove maker in Manhattan, Louis Gelfand, to include varieties of leatherwork.
Louis Gelfand introduced Lacrasia to Joseph Perrella, a master glove maker who became their mentor, demonstrating an intricate art of leather glove making. Using this knowledge and inherited tools from Perrella, Lacrasia Gloves brought their expertise to the heart of New York City.
Louis Gelfand introduced Lacrasia to Joseph Perrella, a master glove maker who became their mentor, demonstrating an intricate art of leather glove making. Using this knowledge and inherited tools from Perrella, Lacrasia Gloves brought their expertise to the heart of New York City.
Katie Sue Nicklos, initially a customer of Lacrasia Gloves, took over the company in 2017. She established Wing & Weft as the fourth-generation descendant and has used her skills to protect the glove making legacy that is in our care.
Our mission is to preserve the craft of glove making in the United States and advocate for small businesses in NYC's Garment District. As the last remaining legacy glove manufacturer in NYC, we take pride in helping high profile clientele as well as everyone who needs custom gloves for their own special hands! Though we don't usually lead with a brag, we are very proud of our long and robust VIP list including - RuPaul, Prince, Madonna, Beyonce, and First Ladies. Katie Sue's favorite clients, when pressed, are the people who need us the most - those who have always dreamed of a perfect fitting glove.
Our mission is to preserve the craft of glove making in the United States and advocate for small businesses in NYC's Garment District. As the last remaining legacy glove manufacturer in NYC, we take pride in helping high profile clientele as well as everyone who needs custom gloves for their own special hands! Though we don't usually lead with a brag, we are very proud of our long and robust VIP list including - RuPaul, Prince, Madonna, Beyonce, and First Ladies. Katie Sue's favorite clients, when pressed, are the people who need us the most - those who have always dreamed of a perfect fitting glove.
Katie Sue was initially a theater enthusiast! Naturally comfortable on stage and romanced by the magic of live theatre, it wasn't until college that she discovered her passion for costume design and sewing, eventually earning a Master's degree in the field.
Drawn to the sparkle and excitement of New York City, Katie Sue was inspired to work "on or around" Broadway. Her career as a costume technician and costume shop manager spanned over 15 years, constructing costumes for stage and screen.
When Lacrasia and Jay sought after someone to take over their company, Katie Sue emerged as the natural choice. She cherished the opportunity to continue their unique glove-making service in the iconic Garment District, and was excited to see what it could become under her leadership.
Drawn to the sparkle and excitement of New York City, Katie Sue was inspired to work "on or around" Broadway. Her career as a costume technician and costume shop manager spanned over 15 years, constructing costumes for stage and screen.
When Lacrasia and Jay sought after someone to take over their company, Katie Sue emerged as the natural choice. She cherished the opportunity to continue their unique glove-making service in the iconic Garment District, and was excited to see what it could become under her leadership.
Today, after almost 10 years, Wing & Weft Gloves proudly carries on the legacy of craftsmanship while embracing new modern advancements in the fashion world. Though many clients miss Jay's handwritten invoices, we have incorporated modern ordering systems which has allowed us to beef up efficiency. Lacrasia Gloves was always known for their robust selection of gloves available to industry stylists for rental; we see this as a key factor in our longevity! Subsequently we have updated our inventory selection more and more each year, allowing us to have a fuller selection of gloves available for rental, as well as retail. We love having a wide range of gloves ready for our beloved Drag and Burlesque clients - who often need last minute gloves!
We are honored when you choose to be a part of our living history. Together we celebrate the artistry, tradition and specialness of New York City.
We are honored when you choose to be a part of our living history. Together we celebrate the artistry, tradition and specialness of New York City.
Experience the craftsmanship of Wing & Weft Gloves today.
We Glove You
Wing & Weft Gloves' mission is to preserve and nurture craftsmanship in New York City. With a singular 50+-year history of contributing gloves to the Theatre, Film, and Fashion communities, we understand the importance of keeping these custom traditions alive for future generations.
THE THRIVING GARMENT DISTRICT
New York City is the world's fashion capital, supported by an ecosystem of makers and crafts people located in the Garment District, central to all of the bustling creativity of the city. Clothiers, suppliers, and trendsetters all benefit from the determination of the small business who are thriving in the face of inadequate preservation protection of the unique aspects of our Garment District.
No other city can match us in terms of world-class quality and style offerings, which is why we use our legacy as a shining example that the makers in the Garment District are an integral part of our thriving fashion industry.
No other city can match us in terms of world-class quality and style offerings, which is why we use our legacy as a shining example that the makers in the Garment District are an integral part of our thriving fashion industry.
Katie Sue was asked to represent the factories of The Garment District in 2023 as a local planning committee member for New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s grant of $4.5 Milton through the state’s NY Forward program for neighborhood revitalization. Her insight was crucial to ensure that the funding considered the stakeholders who create the fashion that the Garment District is known for.
She also has been serving as a board member on The Garment District Alliance since 2024 as the singular representative of the fashion and maker community who call The Garment District their home. We will continue to show up to advocate for these small businesses that support New York City’s rightful place as the fashion leader of the world.
She also has been serving as a board member on The Garment District Alliance since 2024 as the singular representative of the fashion and maker community who call The Garment District their home. We will continue to show up to advocate for these small businesses that support New York City’s rightful place as the fashion leader of the world.