I am starting this interview with something Jennifer said. She said “I suppose that I hope that people realize that the indie fashion industry has the opportunity to challenge the status quo and really bring back the value of handmade and unique items to our culture.” This really speaks to me. I some times have a hard time putting into my own words why creating a community like Smashing Darling is so important to me. What she said is one of the biggest reasons. We as an industry can challenge the status quo. This is a great interview and I had a lot of fun reading it. To shop for her product online go to Pantyline Productions.
SD: How & when did you get into the wonderful world of printing fun panties?
JG: I started right about the time that President Bush was elected. Needless to say, I wasn’t crazy about his plans to invade Iraq, so one night, over a few bottles of wine, some friends and I decided to start screening “the only bush I trust is my own” on panties. The rest is history.
SD: Who or what inspires you and your work?
JG: Many of my designs are rooted in social consciousness. I actually teach college and spend many of my days designing lectures and activities around feminist, Marxist, and critical race theory, so at the end of the day, a girl needs a pick-me-up. I have found that making the panties is a way to let off some steam, while actively participating in an arena of social change that is light-hearted.
Some designs are just for fun too. I love to collect vintage fabric, so when I get a fabulous swatch, I’ll try to come up with a design to use it with. That is where the “Silka” panties came from.
SD: Do you think the desire to design & make things is in your blood?
JG: Yes, definitely. In one way or another, I am constantly engaged in creation. Both my mother and grandmother have always been involved in some sort of textile craft, whether it be knitting, sewing, cross stitch, etc., so I’ve been exposed to the joy of making something by hand, start to finish.
SD: How do you see your company in the future?
JG: I am hoping that the next step for Pantyline will be that the panties are made by hand, as well as the screen prints. My goal is to start a women’s sewing cooperative in Kenya, where my beneficiary is located, as a way to provide women in the region that was recently devastated by political violence with work.
SD: Do you have a message you want to get across?
JG: I suppose that I hope that people realize that the indie fashion industry has the opportunity to challenge the status quo and really bring back the value of handmade and unique items to our culture. Because our market is driven by capitalism, we have the power, both as consumers and businesspeople, to re-direct it from foreign-made sweatshop junk that fuels our materialism toward products that are more sustainable.
SD: What does your average day entail?
JG: Hmm…everyday is different, actually. They all start off with a cup of coffee and a little NPR. My “day jobs” (yes, notice that is plural), all have to do with education at some level, whether it be teaching or program directing, and to be honest, the day-to-day of that isn’t that exciting, except for the time I spend with students. I normally tackle panties in the evening, when my brain is done working. I love cooking dinner, with a bottle of wine, of course, and then I normally read at night. Insert skiing powder or riding bikes to the beach in any one of these days, depending upon the season.
SD: Describe your personal style?
JG: Well, I would like to think that I am hip, but I am not a hipster. I can’t keep up with it. You all look fabulous, but I don’t know how to pull that look together. I like basics – a nice basic bottom and top with an interesting pair of shoes, paired with some big hoops or a chunky necklace, and then, I can’t forget, my messenger bag.
SD: Has the movement to be more mindful of the environment affected your company?
JG: Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I’ve been mindful of the environment, both in my business and in my personal life, long before “An Inconvenient Truth.” I’ve always used water-based inks, sweatshop-free apparel, recycled paper, etc. I do have to say that I am excited about all of the new products available. I now use a 50% bamboo 50% post-consumer recycled paper for all of my tags and promo materials. My packaging is 100% recycled. And I have gone completely green with all of the screen printing chemicals – there is a new line out there and it is fabulous. I applaud the movement and hope that more people get on board, because now you don’t have to sacrifice anything to be green.
SD: 20% of all of your sales goes to an organization, can you tell us a little about it?
JG: Dolphin Anti-Rape and AIDS Control Outreach was started about six years ago by a Kenyan woman, Winnie Anyango, who witnessed brutal violence against women in her town and was motivated to do something about it. She partnered with a local man, Duncan Bomba, and together they created a program that teaches more than 1 million school children per year self defense skills, street smarts, and ways to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS. The 20% that I send to them is helpful, but not enough, so we are always looking for other people to collaborate with. You can read more about them at dolphinkenya.blogspot.com.
SD: Is there anyone in the Smashing Darling community you have a question or comment for?
JG: Laura Miller, do your models get to take home what they are wearing, and if so, can I be a model for you?
{ 1 comment }
