CATid.net

The world needs more brands like CATiD . . .  I love this designer! Kerrin Smith, is providing consumers with an option to buy something that is truly made with care, compassion, and the realization that we are all in this together.  In a world of mass production, plastic, and worship of the "bottom line", how refreshing it is to find a company that openly shares all pertinent information about their products.  Soulful, hand-written tags, include info on materials, production, and the actual people that contributed to each cool creation.  
Way to BE THE CHANGE. 

Entrepreneur /Designer:  Kerrin Smith
Online Shop: www.CATiD.net 

Star Sign: Aries

Instagram: @CATiDKerrin

What does CATiD stand for? 

“CATiD” (pronounced “cat-eyed”) as it is a multilayered pun. “CAT” stands for Cool And Thoughtful, as CATiD firmly believes that it’s Cool to be Thoughtful, and if you’re Thoughtful, you’re Cool. The “Cool” in Cool And Thoughtful has a very particular definition: inspired by the book Cool Rules, by David Pountain and Dick Robins, the CATiD Cool is defined by generosity and grace. The “iD,” is simultaneously a reference to “identity” but also a double entendre of sorts as anything cat eyed (from sunnies to eyeliner) is just divine. 

Where do you call home? 

New York City by way of Boston! Geek alert: if my life were a novel, “home” would definitely be one of the tropes. Home is where my relationships are, and right now, my relationships are in both my childhood home of Boston and in New York City (where I currently live). Home is a fluid idea for me, as NYC and Boston are both home in different and complementary ways.

What inspires you to create? 
Conversations, New York architecture, patterns on antique carpets, strangers’ subtle details, TED talks, pins, film photographs with and of friends, and the possibility of doing something that will make a difference for people. Almost a year ago, I happened to find the most perfect vintage Harley tee while vintage shopping in the East Village. This gem of a t-shirt that reminded me of my Dad's old Harley shirts, tees I had taken for granted all these years. I hit this vintage jackpot right as I was also exploring how to next grow CATiD as a brand, and this tee became the starting point for CATiD's design initiative. 

What led you to creating repurposed vintage tees?

Almost a year ago, I happened to find the most perfect vintage Harley tee while vintage shopping in the East Village. This gem of a t-shirt that reminded me of my Dad's old Harley shirts, tees I had taken for granted all these years. I hit this vintage jackpot right as I was also exploring how to next grow CATiD as a brand, and this tee became the starting point for CATiD's design initiative.

What are some of your cherished childhood memories that contributed to the inspiration of your brand? 

I love that all-too-unacknowledged magic of a garment, the power of clothing to instantly connect you to a memory or person. Whether it’s a dress that is the tangible version of an unforgettable day or one of my dad’s old Harley tees that is a palpable embodiment of childhood memories, I find the relationship between memories and garments to be as powerful as it is enchanting. When I was younger, I would stack m my wrists with bracelets, each one emblematic of a memory or experience; taking one of those bracelets would always have more to do with the experience than with the bracelet itself. What is it about clothes and jewelry that can keep our memories alive in such a special way? My own exploration of the relationship between clothing and memories has directly influenced my brand: The CATiD tees connect their wearer to the past (as each vintage piece on the tee had a life before it made it on to this tee), to the people who made the tee (as each shirt comes with hangtags that tell you a bit about the tee’s creators), and the place the inspired this particular tee (as each tee is mapped onto an aesthetic map of New York City).

Paris seems to hold a special place in your heart;  have you discovered any hidden gems that we should know about?

Paris is the only city I love as much as my beloved New York. Several favorites: La Grande Mosquée de Paris is absolutely gorgeous, and their tearoom is a dream. Shakespeare & Co is a touristy (and English-speaking) favorite, but if you go late at night, a bit before close, it’s empty and pulsing with a certain energy. Les fripperies (thrift stores) are endless; Hippy Market is definitely a favorite, but almost all of them have a drool-worthy collection of leather shorts. For vintage, Pretty Box in the Marais, for consignment, definitely Reciproque up in the 16ème. My favorite restaurant is a darling vegetarian haunt near Notre Dame: le Grenier de Norte Dame. 90% of my Paris favorites though came from Rhianna Jones, a friend of mine who is also the author of Parisienne French. Never left l’appartement without it. (Or my Proenza, but anyway.)

What was your latest ‘adventure'?

A late Saturday night at the MOMA PS1 with my dear friend Kristina! The Mike Kelley exhibit there has gotten much ado in the past few months, and I have to say, it was definitely not about nothing. This exhibit was mindboggling, bizarre, and beautiful in that special modern art way. We decided to play “The Modern Art Game,” the game where you go through an exhibit without reading the descriptions, but rather making up your own interpretation; if the suspense is crippling, then fine, you can read the description afterwards. Kristina and I had too much fun playing with out own impressions of the art, all while recognizing that this incredibly high concept, regardless of how indecipherable, came from somebody’s mind. Human beings are amazing. 

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Tell the truth, and be kind. 

Current CATiD.net LookBook:

CATiD lookbook

Shop the Tees here →  CATiD ↲ 

Peace, Love & Good Chocolate
PARIS  ♡

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