UP-CLOSE & PERSONAL - Meet the Designer

Right in the heart of Chicago, in one of the most exclusive areas of Chicago Downtown, we meet with Fashion Designer Kate Jacobsen, in a relax yet fun enviroment, we were able to learn what this established designer thinks and feels about the fashion industry in Chicago.

Here it is our UP-CLOSE & PERSONAL interview with Kate Jacobsen of Shibuy Hada.

12- With stores opening in such exotic locations are you planning to remain in Chicago?

I have no plans to leave Chicago as a designer. The only thing I may leave for is to be the funny old coot on the beach in the Caribbean making wild clothes in her retirement. (I'm not retiring.) That or the wacky Phyllis Diller-type out in some art colony.

13- Where can our followers purchase your designs?

Shoppers can find Shibuy Hada creations in the boutique at 56 West Maple in the Gold Coast downtown Chicago. They can expect tea and non-pressure attitude, and get to dig, and play dress-up. After all, the clothes come alive on the body.

14- What's waiting in the future for Shibuy Hada Boutique and Studio as a company? How about as a person?

1- Can you give me a rough definition of what fashion is for you?

A rough definition of fashion to me is not only the image you project of yourself to the world, but also the BEING of the image you have of yourself. Fashion is what we live our lives in everyday.

2- What can you tell us about your collections? How would you describe your designs in one sentence?

My collections first and foremost, are easy to wear, comfy and pleasurable to the body. I attain this through use of sensuous fibers to make the cloth on my knitting looms, leaning toward the naturals; cotton, bamboo and lambs wool. But sometimes, a girl's gotta have some glitz, and only a satin or metallic yarn will do. I usually have a theme, such as the Viking collection where all these tough outfits were made in sweet white and pink. Last year's collection a friend of mine called, "Dr Zhivago on Acid." In any case, you have to be prepared to be noticed and complimented on your Shibuy Hada look. My clothes reflect the wearer's originality most things being one of a kind.

3- How long have you been designing clothes? How long have I been doing this? Gee, my mom gave me this Mattel knitting set when I was 6, so…

4- What is your opinion about the Chicago Fashion industry? Do you think we are moving forward or we are still contemplated as the city with "big shoulders?

I think the Chicago Fashion Industry is on the move. I like the noises lately about people getting together and working on a common goal, because none of us are an island. I always like to talk with other designers to exchange ideas and help if I can. I think the City with Big Shoulders moniker is still part of our town, and nothing to be ashamed of. After all, any designer I know works. I mean WORKS. Takes a lot to make "effortless beauty. "

5- What are the challenges you face as a designers in the Chicago Market?

As a designer in the Chicago market, I feel the importance of giving fashionistas a choice. I understand the economic viability of producing mainstream and acceptable designs over and over, but those who are secretly splashy, can come here on a hunting gathering mission. But they have to open to it. That's my job, to let them know it's ok to be different.

6- Your boutique studio is located at a great location in the Gold Coast, has this accomplishment taken years of effort and commitment or was it easy to get placed in this area?

As for my Gold Coast location, I have to say I visualized just such a spot for the year I was contemplating opening a shop, and when I was ready, it fell into place; plop, just like that. But I had to be in the right place in my head before I could get there.

7- Describe your collections and how you would like the public to recognize them?

Regarding how the public can recognize my collections, they will have a good clue it's mine if it has a lot of knits, especially with graphics knitted into the cloth. I like mixing geometric patterns, and using photographs like an Andy Warhol silkscreen effect. You could say they are a bit on the dramatic side, but sometimes quirky with a sense of humor. Dare to be as hot or bookish or sweet or fierce as you are, OR ALL OF THE ABOVE AT THE SAME TIME! That's what I say.

8- Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get inspired by the soulfulness of nature, and its timeless affect on our gut feelings. After that, I'd say the textile itself seems to talk to me, "Ooh, what should be made from this yarn?" Then history and costume has its influence, and the great artists in history, like Andy Warhol! And the Bauhaus folks, and architecture.

9- Where did you receive your training and experience?

My mom taught me how to sew. She and I did every crazy little crafty thing that came along. Decoupage anyone? And we also had the entrepreneurial slant, in that we sold stuff and bought carpet for my room. My auntie taught me how to card wool off a sheep, and dye it with flowers and walnuts. She also taught me to spin yarn, weave and knit by hand. I still have the first ball of yarn I made with a drop spindle. From there I went to school for theatre. The school needed costume staff and I knew how to thread a machine, so I was in. I was either on the crew, or headed the department for four years, age 18 to 22. It gave me the idea that I could just jump in and do it. Later I caught up on my engineering skills of sewing, by perseverance.

10- What is your background?

I grew up on the farm 30 miles outside Sioux City. I had lots of space to wander and look at nature, dig clay form the creek and make pots, dye curtains for my tree house with elderberries, horse ride, and imagine. In the library was a shelf of books with all the masters; ancient and modern. When I came to Chicago for the first time at age 13, and saw some of my favorites face to face, I thought I'd faint.

"I always like to talk with other designers to exchange ideas and help if I can..."

Programming, Technology & Hosting Services, by: MW Productions, Ltd.

11- What do you consider your biggest accomplishment/ successes as a designer?

My son brags about me and admires me. This is a wonderful success. I'd hoped to be an example of being your best self. Now I get to do my art every day, and people come in and love it and buy it.

As designer of the company, I am pointing Shibuy Hada toward an even more creative direction yet, clarifying the concept of Shibuy Hada, and achieving finer and finer craft. As for myself, the goals of the company are mine as well. As an owner of a retail boutique I look forward to elevating the experience of buying, owning and living in Shibuy Hada.

15- Tell us something that no many people know about Jake the person?

(Do you mean to tell us something about KATE the person?) Something no one knows about me? Hmmm. I always secretly wanted a tattoo of the sound holes of a violin on my back, like the photo from Man Ray, the early surrealist.

16- Who is your favorite designer besides you? My favorite designer, I suppose it is Jean Paul Gautier, with his visionary edge.

17- Do you have any inspirational phrase you go by? what motto do you live by?

I have no inspirational phrase, but I like to live by the ideas behind my company name. Shibuy, the kind of beauty that gets better through time and wear, and Hada, the mask we wear in public; a thing of flashy skin deep beauty, though fleeting. It encompasses timelessness and the evaporating moment at the same time.

To learn more about this designer please CLICK HERE.