JAK Designs began in 1997 in a tiny rooftop studio apartment in San Francisco's Mission District. In a world of mass-produced mimicry, Jen and Tanya stay true to a standard of old world craftsmanship. They knit every piece in each collection using a bed of 200 needles and an array of hand tools, striving for excellence by constructing their work with thorough attention to detail and quality. As artists and designers, Tanya and Jen value the craft quality and the design aspect equally.
Jen's designs are motivated by an appreciation of fiber – its wondrous variety as well as its subtle complexities. She creates for comfort, movement and style using a vast array of natural, organic and sustainable yarns from around the world. JAK Designs knitwear provides luster and a luscious texture with elegant simplicity, while the design detail reveals a cunning understanding of the body and the nature of the knit.
And that's only the beginning. Jen and Tanya are dedicated to preserving the environment while acting responsibly in their own community. JAK Designs is a certified Green business – using recycled office supplies, recycling remnants, printing all marketing and packaging supplies on recycled material using soy ink and burning as few fossil fuels as possible. JAK Designs is a community-minded business. From the very beginning, Tanya and Jen have connected with service organizations and provided donations to support their good works. The business continues to grow mindfully, by buying locally, supporting small and woman-owned businesses and industry that supports their vision.
Their business and their lives have been enhanced through the assistance of Women's Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women overcome economic and social barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. In 2011, Jen and Tanya started a scholarship and matching gift award to recognize the hard work of this excellent organization and the commitment of one graduate working to build an eco-friendly business.
JAK Designs knitwear can be found in museum shops and galleries, but the best way to find JAK is to meet the artists at juried fine craft shows around the country.
