Stache & Hyde out of Chicago, Illinois took some time out of their busy schedules to meet us for dinner and show us their clever book case for Apple’s iPad, called the StacheBook™. Mo and Sofia, the creative duo behind Stache & Hyde are Chicago natives and take pride in the fact their StacheBook™ is made in their hometown. Ironically enough the StacheBook™ was conceived in Chicago’s Printers Row neighborhood. Historically Printers Row, also known as Printing House Row District was made up of buildings used by printing and publishing businesses. Today, the buildings have been turned into residential lofts and student housing for nearby colleges. We love hearing about rich history that is associated with new beginnings. The StacheBook™ gives you the sense of holding and reading a book while incorporating your new technology. It’s not there to replace books, but to give iPad users a stylish and clever way to tote their iPads around.

Q&A with Stache & Hyde
Q: What gave you the idea to create the StacheBook™?
A: Sofia actually came up with the idea.  We wanted to get stylish cases for our iPads that did not look like cases. Since Mo commutes on the El train and often uses his iPad in public, he did not want to be easily spotted. One day, while discussing the matter, Sofia jokingly suggested that we “hide it in a book”.  The rest is history.

Q: I love the sleek designs of the StacheBook™. Where does the inspiration come to keep coming up with unique patterns and designs?
A: We both love styling and share an interest in fashion. Our inspiration comes from the most unexpected places and often starts with a texture or a color. We have had the opportunity to work with name brand wall covering companies and other fabric manufacturers that love our product, so we are lucky to have various materials at our fingertips.  We are always open to more options though 🙂

Q: Do any stockists carry the StacheBook™?
A: StacheBooks are and will be available at the following boutiques:
Space 519 at 900 N. Michigan Ave.
Haberdash at 607 N. State Street
Sir & Madame at 938 N. Damen
The Silver Room, 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave
TheFancy.com
TheCools.com

Q: As Apple continues to change designs and sizes of their iPads will Stache & Hyde continue to adjust their books to fit? i.e. iPad Mini?
A: Yes.  The Apple iPad is still the #1 selling tablet.  StacheBook’s™ for the iPad mini are due for release this spring and we will likely also expand to other tablets later this year.

Q: What can we expect to see from Stache & Hyde in 2013?
A: Stache & Hyde will be debuting its Spring/Summer 2013 StacheBook™ collection next month. We are also working on special capsule collections with high end designers and artists.  To stay abreast of what is to come, be smart and join the StacheBook™ club at http://bit.ly/stachebookclub