EXCLUSIVE OFFER:
Until Wednesday September 9th, use code BIGDEAL for 15% OFF at nwdvan.com
Pin-up model/Sunday girl turned Gastown store owner Jen Kabatoff chats with us about her love for dressing her world in everything pin-up punk. Jen shares with us her adventures in lending new life to a Vancouver fashion mainstay.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up on the Prairies. Born in Saskatchewan, lived there ’till I was about 6, then spent 10 years in a teeny tiny town in Alberta called Castor. I moved to Vancouver when I was 19 to take a job on the Rocky Mountaineer train. I come from a culinary background, and in order to take that job, I had to be Vancouver based. Clearly I no longer work there, but nearly 15 years later, I’m still here!
What is one thing that you love about Vancouver?
One thing I love about Vancouver is the diversity. Coming from a small town, everyone is kinda bred to to be the same and hold the same ideas and beliefs. Vancouver is a place where you can be who you want to be.
Tell us your story, what sparked your interest in Pin Up Punk fashion and how was New World Designs born?
I actually took over the business 3 years ago. New World Designs was the name of the original owner’s brand. She had the shop for 28 years and started off by selling her designs.
As her shop got busier, she couldn’t keep up, and started bringing in other brands and designs. Soon the shop was strictly a retail store, and her heart just wasn’t in it anymore. I had worked for her as her Sunday girl for about 5 years prior to taking over. I was a pinup model at the time, and the shop was everything I had ever dreamed of. I would always get my outfits for photo shoots and car shows etc, from New World before I was offered a casual position. She saw how much life I breathed into the business, and approached me with a proposition of taking it over so she could retire.
And that’s exactly what I did. I re-branded, moved locations (since I would have been priced out of the original location due to market value rent prices, and having a new name on the building lease), and put my own punk rock spin on it.
In three words how would you describe New World Designs?
Fun, Rad, Colourful.
What’s your favourite part of the process when it comes to finding new items to your shop?
The buying shows! It’s my version of being a kid in a candy store! There are a couple in Vegas that I attend (pre-covid) where hundreds of vendors have booths set up with all of their available items that you get to see, and feel the quality of etc. It’s SO much fun!
What is one of your personal favourite items you carry?
I absolutely ADORE the Wicked Purses that I sell. They’re hand-made here in Vancouver by a couple that does automobile upholstery. All unique, and one of a kind!
What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened in your career so far?
hahaha legit being recognized by my voice! I was in Victoria visiting a friend of mine and this guy was walking behind us and said “excuse me, you’re from New World aren’t you?” I turned around and said “why yes, I am” and he told me that he could recognize my voice from all the videos I do for the shop. hahah
To people who are curious about exploring Pin Up Punk style but don’t know where to start. What advice do you have for them?
Come in and let me dress you up!
COVID has affected us all in different ways. If you’re comfortable, can you share with us how this time has affected you and your business? And do you have a message to share with the community?
COVID is something that I don’t think any business owner had a plan for. I went from being a strictly brick and mortar shop, to having all of my inventory online (on instagram) within days. I take pride in my social media posts by meticulously planning each look, each tag, and branding it with my logo. I went into survival mode. Literally uploading each item with a price. And my customers were so rad that they would e-transfer me and I would either ship it out, or deliver it right to them.
My customers are my backbone. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. Something I really pride myself on is the relationships I have with my them. I’d say that 85% of my customer base are repeat customers that I’m on a first name basis with. They’re like family to me. AND I LOVE THEM ALL!
What advice do you have for someone wanting to start their own shop? What is something you wish someone had told you?
Trust your gut. Have confidence in what you’re doing, and stand behind what you’re selling. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t bad mouth other shops. Support each other. There’s room for everybody!
What’s coming up for you?
Well, I just launched my actual ONLINE store, so that’s pretty exciting! I’m also stoked to now be carrying merch from a few of our local punk bands here in the shop. COVID grounded all of their tours and upcoming shows, so now you can pick up shirts, stickers, records etc. here in store!
EXCLUSIVE OFFER:
Until Wednesday September 9th, use code BIGDEAL for 15% OFF at nwdvan.com
Jen of New World Designs shares Five Fun Facts!
- New World carries a variety of sizes (XXS-6X in some styles)
- I’ve personally curated every item in this shop
- Almost all of the accessories and ALL of the art are by LOCAL ARTISTS
- New World has a loyalty program (stamp card style). We all work hard for our money, and I’m stoked you choose to spend it in my shop! So for every $50 you spend (before tax) you get a stamp. When the card’s full, it’s good for $50 off! I also have branded reusable tote bags for sale for $10 each. Everytime you bring it back to use, you save $2 off your purchase!
- New World is a recognized SAFE SPACE, meaning we are inclusive to ALL regardless of how you identify!
WBD’s Lighting Round!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
I’m exactly where I’d like to be! Who can complain with mountains AND ocean?!
If I gave you $20 to spend on anything right now, what would it be?
A six-pack of tequila Nudes!
In an alternate universe, what would you be doing for a living?
PR for bands
What advice would you give to your 15 year old self?
QUIT PLUCKING YOUR BROWS INTO PENCIL THIN LINES!
What’s your guilty pleasure food?
Popcorn!
For more info:
Website: www.nwdvan.com
Instagram: @nwdvan
Facebook: facebook.com/nwdvan