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Taylor Pemberton The Cavalier Taylor Pemberton is a name you probably have never heard of, but soon that will probably change. With overwhelming interest from all around the world into a school project. Taylor had a vision, Cavalier Essentials is the answer to what Taylor thought Steve McQueen would have in his duffel bag. Designtimes interviewed Taylor to get insight into this prolific young designer. When did you graduate? I am currently 21 years young. I’ll graduate here at the Savannah College of Art and Design in June 2011. With the approach of creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for the client, how have you benefited? I think being a go-getter forces you to make important decisions at an early age. Exploring personal projects and selfinitiated projects are completely openended. While client work is nice, there’s nothing like pursuing your own dreams, ideas, and visions. The possibilities are virtually endless when you are driven by a self-conceived concept. You become more invested in the project and the outcome always seems to be more fulfilling. You also are a member of the KDU, how did that come about? What work did they recognise you for? I’ve been a member of the KDU since early last summer. I haven’t had the opportunity to do any specific work for them, but I’m hoping that will change in the near future. There is an amazing amount of talent within the gates of the KDU, so it’s an honour to really even be a part of it. Where did the motivation to complete the Cavalier Essentials come from? What was your goal for the project? Cavalier Essentials was a project that stemmed from an idea I’ve had for quite some time. I never had the chance to dedicate time towards producing it, until one of my classes at college allowed me too. I knew right there that this needed to come to life and it was born! My goal for the project was to create something that would embody this lifestyle while pushing the limits in terms of project deliverables, impressions, and attributes which becomes increasingly difficult as I try to push projects further and further. You must have received much interest in the project from people actually wanting the products? The demand for purchase has been huge! I would love to put this into commerce, but am currently seeking manufacturing/ production. I’ve been talking to a few outlets for making it into shops and stores. I’m open to any offers and/or partnerships at this point. You also completed a project for Ralph Lauren, was the work commisioned? Ralph Lauren was another college project, but created quite a lot of buzz. I actually got a call from Polo asking me if I was interested in an internship. However I was
already going to England for the summer. You demonstrated a ‘total’ design philosophy through the Cavalier Essentials project, even working on the process to do the “laser” engraving yourself? Which other designers do you look to, that you think fulfill the “total design” philosophy? I think the urge for being a total designer stems from curiosity. Ever since I was young, I’ve always had the desire to learn more. If someone was better than me, I’d reach out and ask them questions—I wanted to know why! Most of it comes from my competitiveness with sports growing up, and ultimately wanting to be the best. I believe there is a rare breed out there that will never be satisfied until they reach the top. I had the opportunity to have a private dinner with Massimo Vignelli and the information I received from that will last forever. Massimo is famous for saying “If you can design one thing, you can design everything.” I think this is absolutely true and it boils down to having good taste and a great work ethic. I can’t wait to see where this leads next as 10 years from now I could be doing something completely different. This progression has been interesting and each subsidiary I’ve picked up along the way has added to how I work today. Relationships and partners are a major part of the success and failure of ideas, how did working with Collin Hughes add value to what you where creating? Working with Collin completed the project, without a doubt. Collin and I are good friends, and one of the few people I will fully trust with my visions and artistic confidence. He’s an amazing photographer who is able to capture life in beautiful ways. I think subconsciously I had Collin’s photography in mind all along through the entire process of Cavalier Essentials. I remember thinking at stages “Man, this would look so good if Collin shot it...” He added a side to the project that I will never forget, and it was a pleasure working with such a good friend. What next, going forward? Moving forward I hope to push more into the field of entrepreneurial success. I have plans to move to New York City postgraduation, in late June 2011. I’m actually launching a company that has been in the works for a few months when I move to NYC... I’m hoping I have the opportunity to pursue that full-time as soon as summer ends. I’d love to continue working with young, driven, like-minded individuals that make a change in the world. I feel we have the greatest power with up and coming trends, ideas, and technology. We are the future, and I can’t wait to see who I meet in the upcoming years. It’s going to be an amazing adventure and I hope to continue working with good people with great aspirations. by Ryan Jared Ali