Vino-Inspired Apparel
Little Barrel Clothing Offers Something Special for Wine Enthusiasts
Imagine looking at a scarf and seeing the vibrant colors of a vineyard in the spring. Picture yourself wearing a tie that captures the pale greens, luscious reds, and blushing pinks of your favorite glass of wine. Taylor Latham and Andrew Major have brought these images to life in a line of neckties, headbands, scarf belts, and tote bags created and inspired by their love of wine and vineyards.
Standing in the middle of Foley Winery where they were soon to be married, Latham and Major were trying to think of a gift to give to their wedding party that would forever remind them of the day. Unable to find a token short of an “Italian menu,” the couple decided they would create their own scarves and vests for the wedding party to wear. As the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked down the aisle, the guests buzzed with excitement, in awe of the unique garments.
After the honeymoon, overwhelmed with emails and questions about the wedding party’s clothing, the couple quickly came to realize that they were onto an idea. The couple used the small “sample line” of scarves and ties from the wedding to start Little Barrel Clothing Line, which was born in November 2007.
Latham, the vice president of production at Double Feature Films, and Major, a screenwriter, used their creativity to design apparel that was not yet on the market. The Little Barrel Clothing line would be unique, they decided, because it would represent the tasteful and subtle side of the wine world that is often represented in cheesy, cartoon-like designs. “Our goal is to create something subtle and fun that speaks to the wine world,” Major said. “Every item in the line is influenced by their favorite indulgence.” He added, “From farther away the design looks like grid pattern. When you get up close, you notice the pattern is tiny wine bottles.”
Latham and Major live by their slogan, “Take the Vineyard Wherever You Go” and keep current with the latest wine trends. The two frequently travel in style enjoying the potion that has long been the center of social gatherings. As Major joked, “We are not trying to target wine snobs.” Instead, the pair has created a market for all wine lovers. The couple is intent on sharing their love for vineyards where the vintner is actually pouring the wine in unique, enchanting settings.
In addition to the Little Barrel Clothing collection, Latham and Major have created a blog as a forum for wine connoisseurs. The blog includes an account of Latham and Major’s “Who, What, Where” guide to the vineyard lifestyle. Major said, “The best winery experience will not necessarily be the best wine”; rather, it is the whole atmosphere that makes the vineyard memorable. On the blog, the couple advise on specific wines to try and recommend vineyards they have enjoyed the most.
Although they haven’t quit their day jobs, Little Barrel Clothing is Latham and Major’s love and passion. Little Barrel Clothing is available exclusively online. In the future, the couple hopes to see their line sold in wineries, especially in California, and potentially around the world.
To check out Little Barrel Clothing, visit littlebarrel.com.
