Birmingham-born, Nashville-based Savannah Yarborough is carving a niche for herself in the fashion industry with her bespoke leather brand, SAVAS. Her journey began at the prestigious Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in London, followed by a stint with Billy Reid in 2010. In 2015, Savannah separated herself from the masses when she launched her own high-end brand.
These days, she’s headquartered in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood and has a roster of clientele that rivals the Grammy Awards, outfitting names like Keith Richards, Jack White, and Reba McEntire. Get to know this talented FACE of the South!
Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing?
I was born in Birmingham, AL, where I lived until college. I was always very active and actively swimming against the stream. I had creativity running through my veins and always felt like a bit of an outsider. This allowed me to always be an individual. I asked questions and always wanted to experience more than what was around me.
What inspired your career in fashion?
Individualism is what drives me. I want to see people for who they are, and I also love how different people express themselves through clothing. I didn’t know that a career could be made in fashion; it wasn’t on my radar until a friend from California recommended it.
Another chance encounter happened when I met someone who was a fashion student in London. He showed me how to look at a garment — to study its making and how to make that into an illustration.
What’s the first article of clothing you can remember obsessing over?
I have always loved shoes, even as a little kid. It was always about function for me — I wanted to have the exact right pair for the activity I was doing.
How would you describe your pieces, and where can we find them?
At SAVAS, we specialize in luxury leather jackets and boots — primarily for men and some for the ladies, too. We have our own stores in Nashville and Los Angeles (West Hollywood) and are launching with independent retailers in NYC, Aspen, Austin, and Charlotte this autumn.
How has your Southern upbringing impacted your designs?
I learned a lot about grit and function from my father, who is a master in the concrete construction industry. I believe that the tactile nature of my upbringing — watching things go from sand, water, and rock to the foundation for buildings, sidewalks, and roads — created my fascination with process and, ultimately, creation.
I always felt that the Southern men’s wardrobe needed to allow for more individuality, so I used that as motivation in my design work — not to make pieces that are outlandish, but more thoughtful, flattering, and nuanced with fit and construction than the basic khaki and polo shirt. I believe that personal expression is a vital part of a happy life, and I love being able to participate in giving that feeling to people.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
I love driving my 1982 Mercedes 380SL in Los Angeles, doing classical Pilates, seeing my friends play music, and traveling. My work takes me to incredible places like Japan, Aspen, and Italy.
If you could outfit anyone, who would your dream client be?
Mick Jagger is at the top of my list from a style perspective. I have been so fortunate to work with many people who are not famous but have such incredible and rich lives and who I’ve learned so much from. Everyone is a treasure and icon in their own right.
What’s next on the horizon?
SAVAS has been primarily known as a custom/bespoke brand for a long time; we have grown into new categories and now are selling much more ready-to-wear, off-the-rack pieces than before. We are evolving and growing, so the narrative of our story is, too.
It’s all very exciting because now that we have boots and jackets you can buy [immediately], it allows many more people to enjoy what we create.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Keep going.
Name three things can’t you live without.
Local honey wherever I’m traveling, my SAVAS black leather duster coat, and my Smythson notebook, which I write in every morning.
This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
**********
Southern women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
