The ‘O’ Project: Artist’s Proof is a one-of-one prototype collar created as the final validation piece before producing a bespoke set for Oprah Winfrey’s visit to Melbourne. Handcrafted over 20+ hours in our Melbourne studio, it was built to test a complex four-layer construction, premium leathers, and luxury hardware without compromise. Designed to fit neck sizes 28–36 cm (adjustable), this is the original proof that brought the project to life, a true one-of-one prototype, now released to the public as a rare collector’s piece.
During Oprah Winfrey’s recent trip to Australia, I had the incredible honour of creating her a set of bespoke dog collars to commemorate her visit to Melbourne, Australia. But when you are crafting for someone of her reputation, you don't leave anything to chance.
Before presenting Oprah with the final gift, I first created a single prototype collar. This piece was my "proof of perfection"—a fully realised test collar built to validate the complex four-layer design and vibrant colour palette before cutting into the final leathers for her collars and accessories.
I devoted over 20 hours to this prototype, meticulously aligning every stitch and burnishing each edge to a glass-like finish. The result was nothing short of flawless.
There is only one. And it is now available to the public.
Materials
French Alran Chèvre “Fatnat” goat leather in a vibrant turquoise, renowned for its distinct grain and luxurious feel. Sourced from the prestigious Alran tannery in France, this leather is celebrated for its balance of softness, durability, and visual depth, bringing a refined, high-end finish to the collar
Premium veg-tan (vegetable-tanned) kangaroo leather in black and red. Kangaroo hide is pound-for-pound the strongest leather in the world, forming the unyielding structural core of the collar. Despite its strength, it remains slim and flexible, allowing for a lightweight yet exceptionally durable foundation built to withstand daily wear.
French Alran Chèvre “Sully” goat leather in rich purple, providing a soft, comfortable lining against the dog’s neck. This leather is chosen for its smooth texture and resilience, enhancing comfort during extended wear while adding a subtle layer of luxury and contrast to the design.
Details
These finishing touches not only catch the eye but also ensure the collar stands up to years of use. For example, the PVD gold coating on the buckle and D-ring provides exceptional resistance to scratching and wear
● Hardware: 24k gold PVD-coated buckle and a “briefcase-style” D-ring, adding a touch of opulence. The PVD finish ensures the gold will remain durable and highly scratch-resistant over time.
● Stitching: Hand-sewn saddle stitching using Meisi "Xiange" waxed polyester thread in Aruba Blue, chosen to provide superior strength and a subtle contrast that complements the turquoise leather.
● Keeper: A custom-made keeper loop crafted from the same purple Alran lining leather, serving as a functional accent that ties the design together.
● Edge Finish: Edges are hand-bevelled and put through a rigorous 10-stage burnishing process. We sanded progressively up to 3000-grit, applying Tokonole gum and wax between each stage, to seal the leather and achieve a smooth, seamless edge with a glass-like sheen.
This is the prototype that helped bring the Oprah collar project to life, crafted in my Melbourne studio by hand, with the same obsessive attention to detail that went into the final collars.
Note: Once this piece finds a home, there will never be another. It’s the rare mix of function, luxury, and true exclusivity — a genuine one-of-a-kind collar for a very special dog