At a glance: Job & Boss is a line of hand-dyed bags and scarves, mostly focused on indigo and shibori, though they have recently branched out into Oaxacan woven textile bags as well.
Who are they? Brook Lane and Kirby Mckenzie, the masterminds behind Job & Boss, both attended California College of Art (studying film and textiles/fashion/sculpture/graphic design respectively) and both shared ties to shibori dye techniques (Brook’s mother was a textile designer who worked with the technique among others, and Kirby worked with the traditional Japanese resist method in college) along with a desire to blend traditional crafts and handmade products with modern aesthetics.
What do they do? They hand dye and hand sew every bag, scarf and garment in their line. Brook heads up the dying department, using natural indigo and traditional Japanese resist techniques. They don’t dye yardage, but by the piece, so each piece is an adventure and turns out totally unique. Kirby, who learned to sew at an early age from her mother, sews most everything herself, though as they expand they are looking for ways to increase production without sacrificing quality. They also started incorporating other textiles into their line, focusing now on Oaxacan woven fabric created for them by weaver Alfredo Orozco.
Do they collaborate with other designers? Why yes the do. They recently were commissioned to do 15 pieces for conceptual artist Desiree Holman’s performance at SFMOMA, and they often collaborate with designer Ali Golden as well (another Goat & Gramper).
Editors’ favorites from the line? We are suckers for a good hand-dye job, so the shibori is what first caught our eye here at Goat & Gramp. Our two favorites would have to be the Clothespin Tote, for it’s great everyday size and deep indigo color, and the fabulous fold-over Blocked Clutch with the grey suede bottom. So gorgeous, but totally tough enough to be used all the time.
What materials do they use? Natural indigo, cotton canvas duck, and locally sourced leather make up the shibori bags, and the shibori scarves are made of rayon or cotton, and likewise dyed with natural indigo. The new Oaxacan collection is made with 100% organic cotton hand-woven in Mexico, leather, and indigo-dyed cotton lining.
Where are the based? They have their sewing and dying studios in Oakland, California, and the new line of woven fabrics come to them from Oaxaca, Mexico, from the hands of master weaver Alfredo Orozco whose family has been weaving for many generations.
Where can I get the goods? On their own website and also at various brick and mortar stores throughout California, Oregon, and New York – check out their stockists page for details on where to see it all in person.