The Obtainer - 10/25/23, Wednesday
↦ Style Strategies: Savannah Yarborough of Savas
Wednesday, October 25th Edition
Presented by
Presented by
I wish you could smell the rich leathery aroma of today’s newsletter. Because today’s guest makes the best damn leather jackets in the game and dresses some of the coolest guys in Hollywood.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Market Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Style Strategies
How the Leather Designer Shops
Savannah Yarborough, the founder and designer of Savas, is bringing the classic tailoring sensibility of Savile Row to the badass world of leather with her bespoke, made-to-measure and ready-to-wear jackets, boots and accessories. Dressing well-known individuals like Jack White, Brian Cox and Daniel Kaluuya is a testament to the brand's reputation and the appeal of its products.The designer isn't only outfitting superstars, but coins Savas as a “Rock n' Roll country club” that styles the whole band, “and everyone who makes the show happen—from lead singers to the financial managers, lawyers, roadies, and everyone in between.” All share one common theme—excellent taste and appreciation for craftsmanship. Yarborough's detail-oriented jackets didn't help her create a business overnight. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, she cut her teeth at the all-American label Billy Reid, working closely with the creative director and CEO, which unknowingly prepared her to take off with her own venture.The brand is known for its one-of-one leather and suede products—sourcing from some of the most prestigious tanneries in the world. “We create our leathers directly with a luxury Italian tannery. We are their only 'tiny' brand that they develop with—and it is my most passionate aspect of our products,” says Yarborough. One of her favorite leathers is Pacific lamb. A triple, hand-dyed process that has a multi-layered effect of changing in front of your eyes, so it doesn't look like leather.For someone who's always dressing others, Savannah's style reflects her brand. You can always catch her in perfectly patinaed denim with a well-worn vintage T-shirt and a signature leather jacket. We caught up with her to see what makes a leather jacket so iconic, the keepsake from her dad she cannot part with, and what suitcase brand she has her eye on.
How did you know it was time to start your own brand?
A leather jacket I designed changed the way I felt. As I started to fall into obsession with the material and emotions from it, I didn't have a choice.
What does a guy need to know about buying a leather jacket?
You should wear your jacket; it should not wear you. This is something you can wear for decades and that will evolve with you. If you're going to spend the money, it should be a good, classic fit so you don't tire of it. We all know that guy who buys “the jacket”, and everyone around can tell it's a style stretch. It's more about adding a layer of style, like icing on the cake.
What was the process like starting out with custom pieces and then evolving to made-to-measure and ready-to-wear?
It has been a wild ride—that wasn't planned, but evolved organically. Being in the room (or now on screen) with every client since day one, I have had hundreds of conversations that have led me to move forward.
Not everyone wants bespoke, and some don't like to wait. It's a long process that involves a ton of trust with the maker. After making a few dozen iterations of The Denham jacket, why wouldn't I commit to a style and make it easier? That kind of situation has risen at the right time, it seems. Expanding on that, when we opened the store in L.A., I needed to have pieces available right away. Hollywood doesn't wait, and some folks love the immediate gratification. I think now we safely have options for everyone.
Tell me about putting Brian Cox into your jackets and boots.
We worked with Brian's stylist, Venk Modur, closely and it was a lot of fun. He was ready to show the world that Brian Cox is not just Logan Roy. The day after “Logan” died on the show was the “Saffron Resurrection”. None of us knew about the series storyline, so we were just as surprised by the timing as everyone. It brought such a fun sense of approachability to Brian and also us. It was nice to see him having a great time and looking handsome.
How would you describe your style in five words or less?
That depends on the day, but usually, I fit into the “Rock and Roll country club” vibe.
What’s one item that every person needs in their closet?
A leather jacket, of course. Or a good pair of boots.
The '68 jacket, $3,800 by Savas
What’s one item that every person needs in their closet?
A leather jacket, of course. Or a good pair of boots.
What’s one item that you cannot part with?
My gold ring was given to me by my father. He did construction work in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s. The prince he worked for gave it to him as a “bonus”.
Centenary carry-on, $2,195 by Globe-Trotter
What’s something you’re looking to buy at the moment?
Suitcases. But the good ones are so expensive.
Centenary carry-on, $2,195 by Globe-Trotter
Three favorite brands, currently?
Khaite, Visvim and Elder Statesman.
Do you shop more online or in person?
I really only shop in person.
What city has the best shopping?
It's getting harder to find independent stores these days, but I recently had a great trip to Mexico City. I typically head to flea markets and antique stores. I like to be surprised.
What’s a necessary extravagance for you?
Vintage T-shirts. My eyes go dark when I'm shopping for them, and I just can't walk away from a good one.
Anything you refuse to spend a lot for?
I loathe spending money on suitcases!
Ribbed socks, $4.90 by UNIQLO
What’s something you buy in multiples?
UNIQLO socks. They're just so good.
Ribbed socks, $4.90 by UNIQLO
Do you ever get buyer’s remorse? Or regret for not buying something?
Buyer's remorse, but only for a moment. Once you've bought it, the consequences never seem as bad.
What’s one shopping hack that you can let everyone know about?
It's not a hack, but more of a principle. Only buy what makes you feel something, not because someone else thinks it's cool. Otherwise, there's no point, and everyone around you can tell.
Partner
Your Early Holiday Gifting Source
Make 2023 the year that you actually start buying your gifts early. Spare yourself the stress of shipping deadlines or discovering the ideal present, only to see that it's now sold out. Buying early is the only way to ensure you get what you want—and get it on time. And whether you're shopping for a gift or maybe treating yourself, Huckberry has everything you might need. Their team takes the holidays very seriously, which is why they always put together an impressive gifting section, stocked with a wide range of items that live up to the Huckberry ethos—stylish, hard-wearing and built with integrity. Which, come to think of it, are also the tenets of a good gift. Here are a few items that the team is excited about. Get 'em while you can.
Indoor/outdoor pizza oven, $999 by Ooni
100% cashmere sweater, $198 by Wills
Decanter and whiskey glass set, $95 by Whiskey Peaks
Performance aluminum cooler bundle, $500 by Oyster
Joe Rogan hot sauce collection, $55 by Señor Lechuga
Bestselling 365 pant, $98 by Flint and Tinder
Flannel-lined waxed trucker jacket, $298 by Flint and Tinder
Nordic elk leather gloves, $165 by Hestra
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This handsome carafe set can be on a nightstand or used for decanting wine. It's constructed of lead-free crystal, and the glass can double as a lid.
$100 / $75 by Sempli
If you need durable, stylish pants for winter, Flint and Tinder's corduroy 365 pant seem like a reliable choice. Especially when they ring in under $100.
$118 / $88 by Flint and Tinder
Gap's wool-blend shirt jacket is warm and durable, making it suitable for layering in various weather conditions. The bellowed chest pockets are a convenient feature and the pointed collar adds a touch of style while offering some extra warmth when flipped up.
$188 / $112 by Gap
This vest features a quilted design for insulation and warmth. It's a lightweight layer that can be worn in various ways: on its own for a stylish and functional look, underneath a coat for extra warmth, or over a sweater to create a layered outfit.
$118 / $35 by Everlane
The quilted lining of this military-inspired deck jacket helps to distribute heat and keep you warm even in cold weather, and the drawstrings at the hem of the jacket provide a customizable fit.
$180 / $126 by Alpha Industries
J.Crew's fall items are already on sale. Including this archival sweatshirt, cut on the cross grain (an old-school method that prevents shrinkage), the cotton/poly fleece has a vintage feel.
$98 / $58.80 (w/code SHOPNOW) by J.Crew
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How much of ‘you’ exists online, and how much of ‘you’ actually exists in the three-dimensional space that your physical form occupies.”
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Everything is a circle. The new is informed by the old. Look closely and decide what’s right for you.
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