Laurie Jacobi Designs: Capturing the Nordic Spirit

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"Traveling with [Laurie Jacobi] to the market was like traveling with a rock star," says Jan Michaletz, Chair of the Board of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, who joined Laurie on a trip to the event, which was established by the Saami, the indigenous people of Scandinavia, more than 400 years ago. "Everyone knew Laurie's and [Mary Jane Miller]'s work. When people see their creations, they are in awe - they capture the spirit of Scandinavia without being costume-y. It's a unique representation of modern Sweden. People love it."

"There's an authenticity to what we create that touches people," notes Laurie. "It's so much more than just fashion. There's a mystical, spiritual element that speaks to a certain kind of person. Not the kind of person who says, 'Oh, that's cute, but do you have it in purple?' It's the kind of person like one of our clients - when her Pine Needle coat was delivered, she had to put it on immediately and sit outside and be in nature for a while. Our clothing speaks to spirit."

Mary Jane, who worked as a production artist in design firms with Laurie, felt that connection, too. When she saw Laurie's blankets, which are woven from wool at the Faribault and Pendleton Woolen Mills, she saw opportunity, and began sewing. Mary Jane playfully calls Laurie the 'yin' to her 'yang.' Laurie offers the imagination, Mary Jane the details. While people can choose from several basic designs, each garment is custom tailored for the perfect fit and usually takes several weeks to complete. Mary Jane reluctantly admits she is obsessive about perfection. That's one of the reasons she is delighted to work with Laurie.

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Laurie Jacobi Designs: Capturing the Nordic Spirit

To appreciate a Laurie Jacobi design is to appreciate that which endures.

Laurie Jacobi designs the textiles that her business partner, Mary Jane Miller, transforms into sublime coats, jackets, skirts, hats, and more that wear beautifully season after season.

Their work is deeply rooted in their Scandinavian heritage. Laurie's mother was born in Sweden and immigrated to Chi...

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