Backstory
From Taylor Pemberton: Founder and Designer. Though its conceptual roots reach back to 1953, 1959 and 1968, Cavalier was born in 2010 as the product of opportunity and a long-standing desire to revive the values of these touchstone years. The project's early form proposed the return of class and character, and our first product sketches took shape as a rugged yet sophisticated rendition of heroes past and present. In February 2011, the Cavalier brand was launched to overwhelming enthusiasm, and we set about bringing the full product line to market, available now and permanently as the Cavalier Inaugural Collection: a set of hand-crafted original products and carefully considered vintage goods.
The Company
The Cavalier concept was born from a passion for smart design, considered craft, and acts of true character. Our original "hit the road and live" premise has struck a chord; we're approached daily by like-minded makers intent on helping us build on the foundation we laid the day before. It is our goal—as designers, artisans, creators, and businesspeople—to push the limits of design and create products that become better with time and use. In 2010, we began by representing the classic cinematic hero through carefully conceived products and beautiful imagery. Today, we bring those products to life, taking on the very real tension between practicality and quality. We've set out to grow from day one as a close-knit family of makers, movers, and shakers. Exceptional products, truthful design, and relentless focus are our obsessions. Our vision for Cavalier today comprises two key elements: Cavalier Essentials, and The Online Flea.
Cavalier Essentials
In Cavalier Essentials we've introduced our first line of original, hand-crafted men's products. This introductory collection features leather goods that are hand-stitched and made to order in New York City by our skilled and meticulous leather craftsperson. We've complemented these showcase pieces with a set of hand-engraved metal lifestyle products, and an apothecary line we truly believe in. The Cavalier Essentials are as striking as they are functional, and they're manufactured by hand with great care to ensure quality, durability and style. These are products to help you live your life well, and with care they'll be pieces worth passing down through generations. Willis and Geiger said it best in their motto, "Don't make it cheaper, make it better."
The Online Flea
The Online Flea brings together two great passions: discovery and adventure. Some of our favorite memories include childhood expeditions spent in the neighboring woods. The excitement of the hunt, and of seeking, finding, and discovering the history of things. This appreciation for exploration transcended into a modern form of hunting and gathering—scouring antique shops, unmarked thrift stores, and vintage trading companies. Finding products with history and character, and incorporating them into the present. In the Online Flea we set out on a mission to curate the very best collection of vintage goods, and to bring them to you product by product in our online marketplace.
Conclusion
Cavalier exists as a platform focused on lifestyle, and on quality goods with vintage American honesty and character. We believe it's important to create products on a limited basis, and to never compromise quality for volume. While we design, develop and manufacture goods, we also keep a keen eye on the not-so-distant future, and on new directions that support the values we strive toward. We exist to design and support a lifestyle. We will keep moving as a group towards the greater good, and have a hell of a time along the way. Please let us know if you have any questions, suggestions, or inquiries. Thank you for coming. We look forward to those undiscovered opportunities that lie ahead.