Tanner Goods: Contemporary American Heritage | Hypebeast

Typically most items from Tanner Goods are quite simple and utilitarian in their design. Often what’s your process? Do you conceptualize a product and then choose the leather or is it sometimes the other way around (or maybe nothing along those lines at all?).

Sam: Most of our goods are cut from the same style of leather, English Bridle, but they vary in weight depending on the intended use. Mark and I generally start with a concept and make half a dozen rounds of samples and put them to use. We’ll come back and discuss certain elements we like or dislike, and make the appropriate changes. Even though our designs are clean and simple, a lot of thought is put into size, dimension and usability. In the end we’re aiming to make a product that speaks to a consumer who appreciates an honest product, not one with a ton of extraneous pockets or embellishments they won’t use. We’re definitely subscribers to the “form follows function” ideal.

Mark: Inspiration for a large portion of the designs come from our own personal needs, say a card holder Sam is interested in making or a tether that I wanted to secure my wallet when I’m on my motorcycle. We usually construct the wallets and bags around their purpose and we do many revisions to get it right. Then comes the fun part, using the product. This generally takes a few months before we’re comfortable releasing it to the public. Sam and I are very particular about what works and what doesn’t, and won’t put the Tanner Goods makers mark on it until its right. We respect our customers’ need for a functional product, just the same as we do.

It’s been argued that a lot of the American heritage brands without their own hundred year old history have mainly been inspired by what the Japanese have been doing the last few years with their own Americana appropriations, do you have any particular thoughts on this? Or do you feel even if it’s the case, the irony of it all doesn’t necessarily need to be reflected or focused on?

Sam: I think you could make the argument that even the heritage brands WITH a lengthy history are taking inspiration from Japan. It’s one of those snake eating its own tail scenarios, can you really call out a heritage brand for taking inspiration from a Japanese brand who did a reproduction of something they were doing 50 years ago? I don’t think you can. If anything, it’s sparked these companies to take a closer look at where they are now compared to where they started out. In essence, it has forced them to examine how they might recapture some of their original vision.

And on a larger level, interest here in the states with Japanese Americana has helped build an appreciation among US consumers for their own history. That’s played a huge role in helping boost this resurgence. It’s ironic on many levels, but I think it will eventually lead to some new direction in design. Seeing how other parts of the world, like Scandinavia for example, reinterpret the Americana aesthetic is particularly interesting.

Any upcoming projects and last words?

Sam: There’s a handful of projects we’ll be releasing sporadically outside of our normal product line… an exploration of sorts into some of the markets Mark and I mentioned earlier. We also have some new items we’ve been developing with 3sixteen later on this year. I have to give props to both Andrew and Johan, they’re two of the most solid guys we’ve been fortunate enough to work with. I also have to say thanks to the rest of our small family, Mike for contributing in so many ways I can’t even list. Meghan, Jevan, and Casey for their continued inspiration, hard work and support.

Mark: Just wanted to say thanks for all the people that have supported us since the inception of Tanner… Mike for all the extra time you put in. Also for the opportunity to share our small story with Hypebeast readers. Sam and I will be releasing many new products in the coming year as well as venturing into new territory for us as a brand. I’ll leave it at that, don’t want to spoil the surprise!