Today we’d like to introduce you to Clara Jacobs.
Hi Clara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Romania, and ever since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to anything handmade. There was just something magical about watching people create things with their hands. When I was 12, I asked my mom to teach me how to knit, and that’s pretty much where it all started. The moment I held those needles, I was hooked.
Knitting has followed me ever since. For me, it’s not just a hobby—it’s ART. The yarn and the needles are my canvas and brushes, and knitting lets me escape into these colorful, imaginative worlds where anything is possible.
About 20 years ago, I moved to the States, carrying my love of knitting with me like a piece of home. Life got busy, as life usually does. But when I became a mom to my two boys, I found myself reaching for my knitting needles again. It felt like reconnecting with an old friend.
That’s when FUNKY GAVROCHE was born.
At first, it was just playful, whimsical knitwear for kids—fun pieces that felt different from anything you’d find in stores. But slowly, the brand grew up with me. Now, Funky Gavroche includes adult knitwear too: bold, modern, a little edgy, definitely unique. Pieces that tell a story and don’t follow any rules.
Every single piece is designed and handcrafted by me. I use natural fibers, bright colors, and mix different knitting and crochet techniques to create something that feels like wearable art. Nothing mass-produced, nothing cookie-cutter. Just imagination, color, texture, and a whole lot of heart.
Looking back, it’s funny how a simple moment with my mom—me, at 12 years old, learning how to knit—turned into this entire journey. But that’s the beauty of it. One stitch really can lead to another.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning an indie brand comes with plenty of beautiful moments, but also a fair share of challenges. It’s not always easy to find your audience or figure out the best ways to get your products out into the world. You’re constantly trying to stand out in a market overflowing with fast fashion and cheap, mass-produced pieces. There’s also the juggle of doing everything yourself—designing, creating, photographing, marketing, packaging, shipping, and keeping up with social media. And of course, staying true to your artistic vision while still trying to grow can feel like a balancing act. But every little win makes the journey worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist who creates wearable art through knitwear—bold, colorful pieces made from natural fibers and stitched with intention. Every design begins in my mind like a burst of color; I sketch it in my notebook, then bring it to life through patterns, yarn, and the slow, meaningful making process. I’m creatively inspired by artists like Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso, and by the playful, rule-breaking spirit of Dada and Surrealism.
Although I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Languages, my heart has always belonged to art and handmade craftsmanship. I am deeply proud of my Romanian heritage, and its influence flows through everything I create—the love for detail, the symbolism, the vibrant colors, and the tradition of making things with soul. Each piece I craft carries that story.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m drawn to books that explore different art movements and the lives of the artists who inspire me most. I also love diving into the worlds of visionary fashion designers like Elsa Schiaparelli, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, and Vivienne Westwood—creatives who pushed boundaries and turned fashion into art. Beyond books, I find endless inspiration in art museums and striking architectural spaces, especially the fantastical creations of Gaudí in Spain. Every page I read and every place I visit fuels my imagination and sparks new ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.funkygavroche.com
- Instagram: @funkygavroche
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funkygavroche
Image Credits
Pictures by Evan Jacobs
