Jetsam Debut

Jetsam was inspired by the time-honored style of iconic male figures. I've taken historic masculine textiles and reinterpreted them for the future. It's old-school haberdashery for the guy who doesn't wear a suit.

The initial Jetsam line-up includes 4 editions of the classic 3-pocket billfold.

• The Prepster edition features dapper patterns and traditional hues from reclaimed classic neckties
• The Uncle Larry edition features bold patterns and bright colors from reclaimed retro 70s-era neckties
  
• The Natty Professor edition features classic tweed herringbone from reclaimed vintage men's jackets
  
• The Spiffy Lumberjack edition features colorful plaids from reclaimed vintage shirts

I'm all about sustainability, so I've made Jetsam as eco-friendly as possible. Jetsam is a 16th-century term for unwanted material that was thrown overboard to lighten a ship's load. Each Jetsam wallet is a product of unwanted or discarded materials, such as end-run fabrics, cast-off clothing and vintage textiles. 

Company History

In August of 2011, Jetsam™, a new line of eco-friendly wallets made from vintage menswear, made its debut. The roots of Jetsam lie in a handmade line founded in 2007.  It started off as a micro-enterprise, with all products manufactured in-house by designer and founder Laura Skelton. Inspired by the retro style of 70s men’s fashion, the Necktie Wallet® debuted that first year.  2009 marked the introduction of several new reconstructed wallet designs. After nearly four years of growth, the new Jetsam line continues to embody a commitment to sustainable and socially responsible practices, sourcing vintage and end-run materials and recycled packaging in addition to keeping production close to home, so you can feel good about what you keep in your pocket.

 

About the Designer

Coming from a background in sustainable architecture, Columbia University graduate Laura Skelton is the founder and designer behind the new Jetsam™ line. Since her early teenage years, Laura has concocted refashioned accessories and clothing from vintage materials, roaming the aisles of thrift stores and costume departments for inspiration. When she’s away from Jetsam, Laura loves creating elaborate costumes and clothing from interesting junk. A dress she constructed entirely from the Sunday New York Times was recently featured in several international newspapers, and a handbag she crafted from an old childrens’ sleeping bag was published in the book Refashioned Bags. Laura currently lives in San Diego, where she enjoys competitive potlucks and brewing craft beer.

 

Recent Praise

  “Even a Hamilton will look rich in one of these dapper billfolds, made from upcycled vintage men’s ties.”  

    “Outdated menswear transformed into a useful, and stylish, accoutrement”    

  “If your gift ingenuity is lacking and you’re leaning towards the trusty old necktie, resist the urge. There is a much hipper and practical prezzie that dad will want to show off to all of his friends: a recycled wallet made from repurposed suits and neckties."

  “They take old hip garments: tweed jackets, cotton plaids, and wool knits–and turn them into a wallet that matches the styles of guys today.”

“Stop giving a man who doesn’t wear a suit to work another tie this year and instead give him... a wallet. Actually, give him both. The Prix-Prix bifold is made from recycled suits and ties, so he can stay green while doling out the green (to you, hopefully).”