I don’t know about you, but I have these friends who get really into their hobbies. That’s all they talk about. They get so obsessed with what they’re doing that they have to share their love with everyone. Work with passion – it’s infectious!
So this ‘Raddest People I Know’ section is the place where I interview those people and share their stories with you.
I met Jahmal Landers last year through mutual friends. He was having a love affair with bow ties, and wanted to start making his own. Jahmal took a few sewing classes from me. He didn’t need much instruction – he was a fast learner and did a ton of research on his own. I was impressed with his thirst for knowledge. He quickly bought his own machine, and started pumping out bow ties. On the daily.
It wasn’t just a summer crush. He perfected the art of making bow ties and has since started his own company, Bowyer & Fletcher, with pal Megan Teng. Check out the interview below!
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got interested in making bow ties?
Being from Portland has had a huge impact on who I am. I remember going on field trips to factories and farms. I think our teachers wanted us to know the stories behind some of our favorite consumer goods.
The DIY attitude is a big part of the culture there. Once, I almost burned my house down trying to make my own action figures.
I have always been into men’s fashion. Inevitably, I arrived at bow ties; I fell in love. It was bad. I took over my apartment at the expense of my roommates, so that I could make my own bow ties. My fondness for men’s fashion and my curiosity allowed me to create Bowyer and Fletcher.
Who are the people in your team? What aspects of the business do each of you work on?
If I am Superman, Megan Teng is Wonder Woman. She is the other half of Bowyer and Fletcher. She is amazing. When I started this project, I begged her to join forces with me. She is a great artist, such a talented person. If it weren’t for her, I would still be at square one.
My friends over at Media Drink, a company from my hometown, are helping me with logistics and web marketing. Plus, I get by with a lot of help from friends. I would like to mention you! You gave me some sewing lessons and have been so supportive.
What fabrics do you work with?
I only work with natural fabrics: Cotton, linen, silk and wool. I have worked with rayon velvet, but I try to stay away from synthetic materials. I think about the process, as well as the finished product when choosing textiles. Megan and I try to be considerate of the story that we tell with the pieces that we create.
What inspires you?
I draw from a number of sources: Movies, television programs, art, historical figures, my sister and old photos of my grandparents are some that come to mind. I have always had a desire to create, to leave a legacy. Sometimes people joke and say they want to live forever, or people want to go to heaven when they die. To me, leaving behind a positive legacy is living forever and going to heaven. That is what has inspired me to create.
Where can I buy one of your bow ties?
As we speak,
my website is being finished. We have been taking orders from people via email (info@bowyerandfletcher.com). We get a fair amount of traffic on our
Facebook fan page and
Pinterest account, so people make inquiries there. We have been able to accommodate a few customers that way. But eventually, I want to sell primarily from my website. There are some select retailers in the US and one in England that I have been in contact with. If all goes well, I’ll be able to put our bow ties there.
Do you take custom orders?I have made some custom orders. Actually my first sales were custom orders. Come to think of it, I owe you one!
What’s your price range?
Depending on the material, they can go for $30 to $90. Most of the cotton ties are less expensive, cashmere or silk are more so.
What is in the future for Bowyer and Fletcher?Near future: We are working on a few projects that I am excited about. They are coming along nicely. We are working on pocket squares and neckties, as well as a few other surprises that I will share with everyone when the time is right.
Long term: We know we have a long road ahead of us. I think Bowyer and Fletcher will become a fixture in men’s fashion. Providing a small selection of tasteful garments done right, with careful attention to detail.
Teach us a little about bowties – how do you tie one?How many different kinds are there?
Bow ties evolved from the cravat, or croat, in French. The style was imported to France over four centuries ago. The cravat evolved into the necktie, which evolved into the bow tie. The bow tie gained notoriety when men of great character made them part of their staple, such as Winston Churchill.
Depending on whom you talk to, there are two or three different types, none of which are clip-ons, because those aren’t real bow ties, they’re clip-ons!
The “Bat wing,” is the very neat look. It’s synonymous with James Bond.
The “Thistle, “which is probably the most common and popular. They can be small, or huge but somewhere in between is the best bet.
The third kind is like the thistle, but it has pointed edges. It looks kind of like a diamond at the ends.
Which one is your favorite?
My favorites change, but currently, my favorite bow ties are wool with ethnic/tribal prints. I don’t even know why I think they are so cool.
Which one is the most popular? Outrageous?
I would say silk satin or cotton bow ties are most popular. As for outrageous, I see a lot of ceramic and plastic bow ties, also studded bow ties. I know some people who make wooden bow ties also. It’s a fun, alternative twist on a classic look, but I won’t make those.
What’s the perfect outfit to wear a bow tie with?The safe answer is the boring one. I would say, be creative, do whatever you want, I have worn a bow tie with a zip up hooded sweatshirt. One of my favorite looks right now is a bow tie with a denim jacket, or even better a leather jacket. But I still feel like nothing beats the time-tested suit jacket, bow tie combination. When the composition of textures and colors are right, the swagger is undeniable.
To check out the rest of their spring collection, visit Bowyer & Fletcher’s
website,
Facebook page, or drop them an email: info@bowyerandfletcher.com.
I wanna see YOU in a bow tie real soon. <3
