Interview 6: Savannah Yarborough
Photo: Mike Dunn
I met Savannah a decade ago, when we were both working for the Alabama fashion house Billy Reid. I was doing content creation for the brand’s website, on my way to becoming its marketing director; Sav, at that time in her early twenties, was Billy’s head menswear designer, having been hired when she was still a student at London’s famed fashion school at Central Saint Martins.
We were both based in Nashville, but traveling to Florence, Alabama, for work for days at a time. For a while, we shared a room at a friends’ house. With our physical differences — she is very small; I am rather tall — I always thought we must look so funny lying there side by side in our twin beds.
Those were the early days of what has become one of my favorite friendships. I mean, who doesn’t want a pal who’s effortlessly cool, infinitely kind, and creatively a badass?
After leaving Billy, Sav opened her own company, making bespoke leather jackets. Today, Savas has expanded to include accessories (boots! purses!) and made-to-measure. Her clientele has expanded as well. She outfits everyone from rock stars to captains of industry to regular old Bobs and Bernadettes. She’s kicking all kinds of ass, from here to California to New York to Italy and back, and I could not be more proud to say I knew her when.
-Libby
What’s your name? Savannah Yarborough
How long have you lived in Nashville? A decade
Which neighborhood do you live in? I live in Love Circle. It's not so much a neighborhood, but it is a special place.
Where were you born? Birmingham, Alabama
Did you have any nicknames growing up? Savvy and Savage. I was a Savvy Savage. Today, people call me Sav and Tiny Human.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A criminal investigator
What do you do now? I am a clothing designer with a focus in leather and footwear (1). I run the company Savas.
Tell us some things that are rocking your world at the moment:
To wear: I just can’t stop wearing my Chloe sneakers (2). They are hand-stitched all over, with insane texture. Like nothing else out there. And I really admire the craftsmanship.
To eat: This Tokyo-style noodle dish at Tsujita Killer Noodle in LA. It’s crazy Sichuan numbness mixed with sweet, peanut flavor (3). Really indescribable — and something I can’t get enough of.
At home: Ann Demeulemeester dishes! I recently acquired a set of these and have now become the lady whose table is always set, even if no one is coming for supper (4).
To listen: Emotional Rescue by the Rolling Stones (5).
Favorite Nashville business: Because I am there all the time, Savas (6)! And breakfast time at Tempo. I get the bean and cheese taco (7).
What word or phrases best describe your personal style? Organized chaos and gritty luxury.
What’s a fashion rule you live by? I just wear what I feel good in each day.
What’s your favorite piece in your closet? My black leather jacket, because it takes me everywhere. Literally and figuratively (8).
What’s your favorite space in your home? I love my dressing room. I recently eliminated my guest room and turned it into a sanctuary for myself. It has everything I need to put myself together, all of my clothes, and is in the sunniest corner of the house.
What’s your favorite road trip you’ve ever taken? Through all of Italy last November. I was there for work, but took my mom along for the ride. We drove hundreds of miles and had a wonderful time (9).
What’s a road trip you want to take next? Somewhere on an antiquing journey with you! (Libby: Awww! Note: I don’t love shopping with other people. Sav is a rare exception.)
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? My father making me get a job as a highschooler. This provided me with an early foundation of a work ethic and set me up to be ready for the challenges ahead. I am always grateful for that.
WILD CARD!
How many leather jackets do you have in your personal collection, and which is your favorite? Well, this year I have sold a few and lost one (horrible, yes). So I am down to three personal ones right now. Gonna need to change that!