STREET TALK

Jetta's

Tribeca

I use quality threads and leathers. Some purses have chrome chains. I use a lot of

silks,

Janeane

Garofolo

Taye

Phair

Jetta

Q:  What are your Knoxville connections?

I'm originally from Greenback, near Maryville, and from '94 to '97, I had a clothing store in Knoxville [on Gay Street]. It was called Jetta's. And then I worked for a lady, designing for her, and I decided I had to move to New York. I ended up subcontracting designs for other people until I got prepared enough to launch my own clothing line.

Q:  How's New York treatin' ya?

It's going good. I did the subcontract work for about three years, and sold my things in Greenwich Village. It's a big scene there. In the beginning, a lot of artists go out and sell their things there and get exposure, but it's never something to do for a lifetime. But it's been very fun. I've done a lot of research that way. You learn so much about people. Of course, everyone's opinionated, and they'll tell you what they think.

Q:  What materials do you use to make your purses and hats?

I use quality threads and leathers. Some purses have chrome chains. I use a lot of silks, denims, canvas, and I have some linens, tweeds—whatever I can get my hands on. But I usually try to stick with natural materials. I make sure everything is top of the line. A main priority is making people happy, making quality work that will last a lifetime.

Q:  Any celebrity clients so far?

I've sold to Janeane Garofolo, Taye Diggs, Nicole Kidman and Liz Phair, and a guy in a rock band, but I can't think of his name. But being in

Q:  What's the price range of the Jetta Boone line?

The bags go anywhere from $65 to $800, for now. And the hats range from $45-$100. They can go to www.JettaBoone.com

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