Growing up in a small town in Texas, football was life. I didn’t play, but was a spectator that enjoyed the grandeur of it all. Friday night, the town came alive. The cheerleaders, marching band, drill team and of course the fans. The letterman jacket with the soft wool body, the firm leather arms and the striped ribbed band on neck, waist and sleeves inspires my designs. The chenille letters, nam
e and other patches personalize the award. Many of the fabrics and camouflage in the designs are a reflection from my youth. Many guys from school went hunting often with their families. Hunting was their sport and like football, I only watched from afar. Mesmerized by the unknown. Childhood experiences. Uniforms and awards. The competition: the win, the loss. It’s the hard against the soft, the matte with the shiny. Duality. High and lows of it all… the satin ribbon carrying the medal. Validation. While the design of the Gado bags stems from my youth. The bag itself comes from the essential needs of today. Living in New York City and carrying a bag daily to work and to the gym. Through technology, the daily junk we carry has increased. Including our phone/s, keys, wallet, headphones, gym lock and more. These daily essentials are more accessible when organized in one place and not floating in the abyss of a tote, gym bag or backpack. The Gado bag holds your junk, and keeps you organized while expressing personal style.
