Costume & Textile Institute; Colonel Littleton (born December 15, 1943) is an American fashion designer and business proprietor, best known for his Col. Littleton brand of leather goods, apparel and specialty products − most handmade in his Lynnville, TN workshop by local craftsmen.

Following the loss of his mother, his father married Martha Beech and the family relocated to Oak Ridge, Tennessee and later to Nashville where Colonel spent his formative years.

Colonel graduated from Bellevue High School in Nashville, TN, attended David Lipscomb University and later served in the US Coast Guard.

Later, he worked for New York-based companies like Ghurka and Trafalgar, selling clothing and accessories to men's specialty stores.

He launched his label in 1987 from the third floor attic of his home, selling antique cufflinks to specialty stores such as Paul Stuart in New York City, that appreciated his eye for the interesting.