We've got a super duet lined up for you Saturday, Feb. 29th. Eve Belfer-Ahern from CulteDesign will be here with a very tight collection of vintage clothing and accessories selected just for Pod. And, you know her from our Manimal Moccasins, and embroidery pop-up's--Kristen Lombardi of High Hand Mending Co. Bring your mends! Kristen will be taking jobs and needling away on-site all-day.

EVE:
How long have you been doing CulteDesign? 
Since I got let go from Mohr & McPherson in Dec.2017. I started the very next day at SoWa! It was too easy a transition as I've been a lifelong collector and fashion fan. Now I'm at the SoWa Vintage Market every Sunday 10a-4:30p year-round and on First Fridays ( the gallery focused tradition in the South End). 
You're the front-woman for Fur Purse. Can you tell us about that?
Yes! I'm vocal, keys, and sax. It's my first band but the drummer and guitarist are lifelong players. We all met up during the early days of Girls Rock Campaign and then at Boston Ladies Rock Camp where I conquered my fear of creating music. I guess we often get compared to post-punk-art-rock bands. We do what we want. I'll also be singing with a new band BICKER.
Boston Native?
Yes! Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline through high-school, then 20 years in Jamaica Plain. 
Any era of vintage that you're really vibing with lately?
Oh geeze, I have too much to say. I've been buying and working in vintage since high school. Right now, I'm finding great 80's and 90's and military that have a very modern feel. I love proportions, silhouettes, and fabrics. A detail that makes something special, cuts that evoke a passion for design and ease of wear. And, I will always love anything with a rock 'n roll or avant-garde vibe.
What can we look forward to at Pod on Sunday?
It will be a tightly curated selection of military. Military is amazing because of the quality of the fabric, construction, and it's always in style and unisex! Also a Spring collection of fun prints and florals in easy silhouettes and fabrics. I tried to channel all the reasons I love Pod when I was pulling from my collection. Hopefully it will come across.

KRISTEN:
You're the creative force at Manimal Moccasins, how did HHM Co. develop from this?
The idea of High Hand Mending Co. really feels like it predates Manimal. I was always a sewer, designer, lover of vintage--first, second, and third. Leather working feels like a happy detour.
New Englander?
I'm from a small town in Rhode Island--brought up in my mama's sewing room arguing with her about how to sew seams. She is seamstress with here own business and my first ( and current) teacher. As a teenager, she also lovingly drove me to vintage clothing warehouses in Providence and to Hubba Hubba for studs and spikes to bedazzle the backpack I carried at my all-girls Catholic High School.
Where has your needle and thread landed you?
My first job out of college was at a vintage clothing shop on Newbury St. and Harvard Square where I repaired some clothing to be sold and I re-worked other items into new ideas and pieces. I've worked on product development and tailoring for Bode, Converse, Levi's Lot 1, Levi's Vintage Clothing, Puma, and individual clients. Presently, I'm also teaching courses at Mass College of Art & Design ( my alma mater) in Creative Fashion and Accessory Design. 
Any particular vintage era you are gah-gah for?
Love to my bones vintage in general-all eras. I particularly love to see how production methods and styles change over time from 'hand-made' to more mechanized processes. During my time at Levi's, I really got to explore and dig into my love for vintage clothing in a more technical way. I love to observe production practices by deconstructing vintage garments and I have always believed that investing in things you love is meaningful and important.
What types of mending work can folks bring to you on the 29th?
All mends are welcome. Collar turning, sleeve tears, moth holes, denim rips and worn-outs. Bring out your mends!

Friends! Neighbors! It's going to be a chocolate and wine kind of evening at Pod on Thursday February 13th, 5-7p. We're excited to bring back Kim Park of The Wine and Cheese Cask for a Winter red tasting. So lovely and supremely knowledgable, Kim will be bringing over a few of her favorites this season and she'll be sure to let you know why. There will be a 10% discount extended on any bottles pre-ordered at this event. THEN, if she's not already on your radar, we'd love to introduce you to Alexandra Whisnant of gâté comme des filles. For the last seven years, Alexandra has been making her divine, hand-made chocolate bonbons in Paris, San Francisco, and now right next door in Somerville. People, I don't know if you fully realize just how lucky you are. Come and meet Alexandra. She'll be offering a tasting and, boxes of these freshly-made tiny wonders on hand for sale. Valentines, Galentines, Palentines, Shmalentines--call it what you will.  We'll call it a good time and hope you can swing by. 

It's true. We came for the packaging, but stayed for the candy. 
Malmö-based Kolsvart is making a big mark in the licorice world. The product is super-delicious with both classic and unique flavor combinations, a give-back ethos, and enviable packaging design. We stock the brand in our shop. You are devouring it. And, we wanted to learn more. Jonathan Roos, CEO of Kolsvart, provided some details. 
Is your work for the love of licorice or the love of fish?
Tough question! Our foundation is really the love for simple beauty and not making things more complicated than they have to be. Candy is such a fun product to work with, but we try to also mix in some serious elements. Supporting the restoration of water environments is one of those elements. It feels good doing these extra things but it is really our customers who are making it possible so we hope they feel part of this too.
Yes! I noticed that the white-packaged fish (Turbot, Cod, Pike) mentions this. Can you tell us a little more about these?
That's right. We donate part of the proceeds from these products to a local Swedish organization that uses the funds to restore fish habitats, promote healthy fish stocks, and raise awareness about water environments. We've custom-made all of these molds after real Swedish fish—Turbot, Cod, Pike. Surprisingly, often people think that the candy contains real fish, but that is not the case!
Dogs or Cats?
I'm a dog person, but finding new appreciation for cats after seeing all of these funny cat compilations on YouTube and Instagram.
How did you decide to make licorice? What does Kolsvart mean?
It was a coincidence. It all started as a cafe in Malmö that sadly failed. Our licorice was the one product that worked, so the love of pure and real flavors took new shape in the form of Kolsvart. The name itself means pitch black or charred black. We joke that it was also the general outlook after the cafe went belly up :)
We're suckers for great packaging. Can you tell us a little about the design?
I can't take any credit for the packaging but I love it as well! The design is the work of my dad and the thought behind the waxy paper was to choose a material that conveys the same real and genuine feel as what's inside. It's also a nod to how produce used to be packaged in the old days. We used the typeface Arial simply because it was first on the list in Word and it worked.
Favorite flavor or fish shape?
Right now I'm really into sour stuff so the Sour Roding or the Turbot.
When in Malmö, where MUST one eat?
For fine dining, Lyran is a great choice. For everyday eats, Spoonery is one of our favorites. But, Malmö is also great for quick international street food. They say "if you've seen Malmö, you've seen the world." Maybe that's silly, but there's at least some truth to it when it comes to food!