Get to know Taylor Randal, Softpaw Vintage

CC Muses: In Greek mythology, the muses were Zeus’ daughters and the goddesses of the arts, sciences, and literature. Today, in fashion and beyond, a muse is a source of inspiration. Next up in our “Consign Couture Muses” series we are pleased to hear from Taylor Randal, the creative, resourceful artist, designer & maker behind Softpaw Vintage. 

Taylor makes pieces that feel at once classically vintage while still being current and modern. And with a list of materials that includes rescued fabrics that range from vintage quilts and curtains to feedsacks, table cloths and bedsheets, her business is an earth-friendly testament to the adage that one woman’s trash can become another woman’s absolute treasure. We’re so pleased to highlight Taylor on the blog this week.

What’s your name and what do you do in life? Tell us about yourself!

My name is Taylor Randal and I run Softpaw Vintage, an up-cycled clothing brand based out of Portland, Oregon. I rework vintage textiles into clothing. Quilt coats, towel shorts, table cloth dresses and more!

What inspired you to start Softpaw, and what is meaningful to you about it? 

I moved to Portland, Oregon right before Covid. Prior to the pandemic I was bartending, when everything shut down I couldn’t get a job. I had sold vintage on the side for years, and had collected a lot of old quilts and denim. With no form of income coming in, I had to get creative. A few years before I had made myself a quilt coat, and I thought why not make one to sell? I listed it on the reselling platform I used to sell vintage, and it sold within hours. The requests started to pour in, and I would take custom orders with quilts customers already owned. From collecting vintage for almost 10 years, I had a stack of denim that needed mending and I would use the scraps from the quilts I had for patches etc. It snowballed pretty quickly, and having to be resourceful – I started to use the vintage towels and tablecloths I had collected as well. 

What is something that you are proud to bring to the fashion industry?

Something I am proud to bring to the industry is my resourcefulness. I try and utilize every scrap from the material I work with.

Tell us about a milestone for Softpaw or something that you’re especially proud of.

Two weeks after I started selling my clothing I was mentioned in the New York Times!

And a challenge you’ve overcome?

A difficult challenge I have faced just from owning a small business and not knowing any better, I did the first two years of my taxes wrong and am in over 30k worth of tax debt. They don’t teach you this stuff in highschool!

What does thoughtful consumption mean to you? 

Thoughtful consumption to me means – not buying things we don’t need. Doing what we can with what we have and not being influenced by “trends” I think the word trend needs to disappear. I’ve been asking if my clothing is “on trend” right now, and I would like to think its full circle, circular fashion at its finest. The clothing I create I think is timeless and prevents more items from ending up in the landfills.

What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration?

What inspires me first and foremost is the material itself. I like to let the quilts speak for themselves! Also just going to a thrift store and buying a tablecloth and new pattern can shift my perspective on how to utilize different fabric.

What keeps you going on tough days?

What keeps me going on tough days is gratitude. Being so thankful and lucky I get to make art for a living.

Tell us your favorite secondhand shopping story…

Most of my material is sourced through other people at the goodwill bins, aka the LAST stop before the landfill. Back when i was sourcing my own material, I found a double wedding ring quilt at the bins and that is what I used to create my first quilt coat. I had no idea that would be my favorite type of quilt!

Do you think about how to incorporate environmental sustainability into your business or practice? What challenges have you encountered, or successes have you had?

I only focus on sustainability. Down to the packaging I use!

Tell us about your favorite outfit. What makes you feel your best, or the most “you”?

My favorite outfit would be a good pair of vintage levi’s, thrifted loafers, and a softpaw vintage crewneck and a quilt jacket on top!

Three things you’ve loved lately?

My three favorite books about over consumption/ sustainability /systems of oppression :

Bonus question- what are some small businesses you love?

I have so many! But Shop Lyko is my favorite.

    Find Taylor & Soft Paw Vintage on Instagram here.  

    What’s your name and what do you do in life? Tell us about yourself and your business!
    I’m Emily LaPlume, Founder & CEO of Saturday Swimwear — a sustainable women’s swimwear brand designed for real life and real bodies. I’m passionate about creating timeless, comfortable, and eco-conscious swimwear that’s made ethically right here in the U.S.

    What inspired you to get into your field of work?
    Saturday Swimwear was born from my own frustration trying to find a swimsuit that felt good, looked good, and was functional. My shift towards sustainability came after witnessing the first hand effects fast fashion and overconsumption were having on the environment and developing communities around the world. I set out to prove that you don’t have to compromise between style, comfort, or responsibility. What sets us apart is that we manufacture small batch collections in Los Angeles, use sustainable fabrics like ECONYL® regenerated nylon, and prioritize quality, fit, and function — creating suits that move with you, not against you.

    Tell us about a milestone in your work or something that you’re especially proud of!
    In 2022, I started what I call my “Artist Series,” where I collaborate with a female-identifying designer to create a one of a kind print for our suits inspired by their connection with nature. It has allowed me to connect with other creatives and tell the store behind the print, encouraging customers to build an even deeper connection with the products they’re purchasing. While it is taking a hiatus for 2025, we are working on some fun stuff for next year!

    What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration?
    Nature is my biggest source of inspiration — especially the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. From the muted tones of a misty coastline to the vibrant colors of alpine wildflowers, I pull a lot of ideas for color palettes, textures, and even product design from time spent outdoors.

    Do you know any resources for textile recycling?
    A great option available right here in Portland is Ridwell. There is also For Days’ “Take Back Bag” program and Terracycle. Some cities have their own textile-specific recycling drop-offs!

    Tell us your favorite secondhand shopping story?
    My husband and I recently moved to Portland and during our first day exploring our new neighborhood, we discovered Consign Couture and I was SHOCKED at how well curated and not overwhelming CC felt (I will be the first to admit that secondhand shopping can feel fairly overwhelming for me). I found a pair of pants and shoes that I loved, but ultimately decided to hold off on buying them. The next day, my husband had gone back and purchased both items and surprised me with them for my birthday.

    What challenges have you encountered while working to make Saturday Swim more environmentally sustainable? How have you addressed them?
    Sustainability is at the core of Saturday Swimwear — from sourcing recycled materials to producing in small batches to minimize waste. One challenge is that eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing cost significantly more, which can make it harder to compete with fast fashion brands. But I’ve found that our customers want to invest in products that they know will last, align with their values, and fit well.

    Tell us about your favorite outfit. What makes you feel your best, or the most “you”?
    My go-to is a pair of dark grey straight denim jeans from Whimsy + Row, a black ribbed, cropped tank from Pepper, a thrifted, vintage Palmetto’s Fleece jacket, and my Blundstones. Despite working in the fashion industry, I love simplicity and most of my clothes are grey, black, or forest green.

    What do you do in your free time?
    You can usually find me outside — hiking, snowboarding, walking my dogs, or camping. I have recently rediscovered my love for reading and can always get down with a good book and a hammock hang.

    Three things: The best thing you’ve read, the best thing you’ve watched or listened to, and the best thing you’ve eaten lately?
    Read: I’ve been on a serious fantasy kick and just finished Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas.
    Watched/Heard: We’re on The Last of Us train (RIP Pedro)
    Eaten: Having just moved to Portland, it is hard to choose one thing, but we have been loving the croissants from Baker & Spice in Hillsdale!

    (Bonus) A few small, local businesses you love:
    Consign Couture (obviously!)
    Origin Story
    Baker & Spice
    Make & Mary

    x Emily