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Q1 What made you decide to be a designer?
I fell into it or designing fell into me. I was doing a lot of private label contract work under my name Jenny Tabor. I was sewing and creating products for other designers who do not have the skills to make their own, I still do contract work. I sew, crochet, knit, tailor, and silk screen (I printed concert shirts for Kid Rock and Umphrey's McGee when they both started out, now they have Souldier guitar straps). |
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I suggested a few of my ideas to these designers and nobody really liked them, so I made and sold them myself. People really loved my products and that is how Souldier was born.
Q2 What inspires you to design?
I design out of neccessity. What is missing in the world, how can I make something new or better? To design you have to observe. As far as visual inspiration, I watch a lot of TV, read magazines, and look at people.
Q3 What is your signature style?
My style is beautiful functionality with affordable boutique pricing. Everything has to look good with out falling apart and be strong to stand a lot of use. I incorporate a lot of recycled materials into my products. My seatbelt guitar strap with the 50 year old vintage fabric that Jimi Hendrix used is better than original. |
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Q10 Favorite store?
There is a store in Chicago called "Renegade Handmade." It is great place to find strictly really great handmade products.
Q11 What do you see about Japan?
In Japan, I see a condensed area of creativity. There is a movement of great design coming from Japan, so much to aspire to. |
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Q12 If you could rewrite your history a bit and take on a totally different career or lifestyle, what would it be and why?
I would be a musician. I am trained classically in the cello, piano, and other string instruments. I play bass guitar in the band, Elkhart. If I wasn't creating with Souldier, I would be giving more time to practicing and playing more shows.
Q13 What is your favorite guilty meal? Any good restaurants?
A guilty pleasure, I like to eat every so often is a good cheeseburger. There is a place in Chicago, called Moody's Pub. They have one of the best burgers in the city. There is this huge outside dining patio with trees you can't really see from the street and you kind of forget you are in the city.
Q14 What is your aspiration?
I want to make a lot of truly great products and have Souldier become a lifestyle brand. |
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Souldier is an independent design manufacturer, fusing aesthetic textile creation with functionality. Our unique merchandise is inspired by musicians and created for the connoisseur looking to express their inner spirit. All of our products are handmade in Chicago. We do not outsource to other agents and pride ourselves on the craftsmanship of our product. Our straps and hand cut leather ends carry a lifetime warranty that we are proud to standby. The online store, www.souldier.us, was created with the customer in mind, offering complete customization of any and all products we offer. With an ever increasing product line, we hope you continue to visit the site, and contact us with your designs ideas. Our products are not designed for the masses, but for those are committed to their craft. Support the independent lifestyle. |
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Q4 Is there a dream project that you'd like to do?
I would love to make a limited number of really great electric guitars that do not cost an arm and a leg.
Q5 Who is your favorite designer (or an artist)?
I really like Hedi Slimane during the Christian Dior years. The faux-hawk haircut was his hairstyle and it seems like everybody wears their hair like that now. He turned around menswear for them with a slim silhouette, just a great designing mind.
Q6 Tell us about a project that you are working on right now.
I am working on a project for the legendary Neil Young, I can not really talk about until it is done.
Q7 Is there a dream collaborator you would like to work with?
I would love to work with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters |
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Q8 What's coming up in 2008? Any plans?
In 2008, I plan to get more products designed for Souldier.
Q9 Music to live by.
I am listening to a lot of "Band of Horses" right now. Also, I love the band, Metric. |
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