Jennie Taylor

Jennie Taylor holds a BFA in fashion from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her career as a fashion designer spans more than a decade, during which she worked as right hand designer for Nicole Miller and later as designer for Richard Tyler, helping him with some of his last shows. Jennie is also a self-taught painter.

Her philosophy on fashion, art and business can be summed up by a quote from the movie, “Say Anything,” when Lloyd Dobler meets Diane Court’s dad for the first time. The father’s accountant asks, “So, Lloyd, what are your plans for the future?”

Lloyd responds, “I don't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don't want to do that.”

As she became more accomplished in fashion she began to entertain ideas of launching her own line, noting the success stories as well as the difficulties that small designers face. Often the smaller the design house, the more ethical compromises are required in order to compete with bigger retailers. While Jennie loves clothing and the freedom to design, make and wear exactly what she wants, she finds selling products and producing volume, especially anything with fur, completely unappealing.

The DIY Renegade blog began as an insider’s “how to” guide to the world of art and design for the daring outsider. As a DIY Renegade, Jennie hopes to show people that flair and creativity are inexpensive if you are inspired. She believes that people are looking for handmade personal touches today more than ever. Her goal is to teach people how to execute D.I.Y projects that look as polished as any product that could be purchased in a store. She wants people to put down that credit card, pick up a sewing needle and make something original!