we have been big fans of super knitter Yokoo out of atlanta, georgia for ages and we've been long chatting about a yokoo/bleubird collaboration and it is now in the works. these yokoo/bleubird exclusives will be sold on bleubirdvintage.com very soon.
here is an interview with Yokoo herself.
Tell me a little bit about your background. how did you get into knitting? Who taught you how to knit?
I was just talking to my friend the other night and we were speaking on this very matter. She was claiming that she had finally felt like we had become “artists.” And I was complaining that I still don’t know what that is — and I never did.
I only knew that, from a very early age, there were things that I absolutely hated, and things that I absolutely adored. This allowed me to feel in some way, a little more special than the kid who was immediately diagnosed as an “artists” as if part of a cult or something.
But perhaps I would have been a little better off, I guess, because maybe I wouldn’t have tortured myself with not knowing why I would choose to spend an hour configuring my bedspread morningly, or why I would spend continuous weekends rolling wallpaper in my bedroom.
Another one of these many tortures included these outrageously overstated handmade Birthday Gifts. Most of which, had to begin almost months before the actual birthday. It was seriously pathetic. But out of it, came this amazing scarf bearing resemblance to a red carpet. Everyone was too ashamed to wear this thing, but when I did it got all types of compliments.
what does a typical day at work involve for you?
Well, if you never seen the ABC, serial drama, Lost, by season three, a bulgerly, baldheaded man has reconciled a hidden celestial force on an abandoned island has compelled him to abandon everything he is doing at the moment only so he can pelt back to this old rickety apple ll computer that he may perpetually type in this code. They call it, “PRESSING THE BUTTON.” He can never go so far, or commit himself to too much or else he will lose his ability "PRESS THE BUTTON."
Well, where at once I was free to spend my days bouncing in the sun at the whim of whoever needed me, I now begin to sweat at the moment I am more than two blocks away from my computer. I start sweating and looking disillusioned like Im about to fade into thin air. Its nerve-wracking.
where do you find inspiration?
I don't think I am one those that "find inspiration." But I am definitely of those that is constantly plagued by all of the cliched artistic-psychopathic illnesses like envy, depression, anger and revenge.
what's the best thing about what you do/your job?
and the worst?
I would say that the best thing is the ability to meet new and interesting young women who seem to be part of this new more grounded movement of feminism. It’s unspoken, but you definitely feel it.
We love your style! what or who would you say is your biggest style influence?
Well this changes seasonally. As of right now, I would definitely say Katharine Hepburn.
how would you describe your personal style?
answer here.
any hobbies?
My hobby is right now is “PUSHING THE BUTTON.”
where is your favorite place to shop where you live?
The Ralph Lauren Mansion in Atlanta, Georgia.
what's your favorite vintage piece that you own?
My Ralph Lauren vintage knee high ski boots.
favorite musicians at the moment?
answer here.
what are your MUST HAVE bleubird vintage pieces right now?
the end.