Hoarding in the name of style and design conveniently translates to collecting, which makes Cavalier a beautiful (and justifiable) manifestation of pathology.
The home goods atelier by interior designer Jay Jeffers and his partner Michael Purdy houses the duo’s bounty from chronic shopping trips the world over. “We shop all the time, but quality and singularity are always top of the list,” says Purdy. Each piece is chosen with the justification that it’s something they adore, from woven leather pillows to feathered resin skulls from Paris. Urges are guided by the Cavalier Code—the manifesto, seven stylish tenets long, behind their colorful, modern, and clever aesthetic. “We thought about just calling it ‘Kick Ass Shit,’ but instead we came up with the code,” says Purdy.
Preferences for palette and texture over trend (plus a touch of whimsy) mean the shop brims with unique pieces that inject generous, not-so-serious style. Despite the stockpile, the lofty space feels more like a globe-trotter’s fabulous apartment, with a tall glass-paned facade, fully kitted out living room entry, and every surface discerningly supplied with new and vintage items worth coveting (nearly 80 percent are one-of-a-kind). “We have no interest in selling things that you’d see in 10 other stores,” says Purdy. Luxuries include Brooklyn’s Bellocq tea, SixScents perfume, and luscious Alpi cashmere throws (by a former Valentino designer). In addition to store exclusives (bold sculptures and necklaces by local design team Alex & Lee) and collaborations (an accessories line with Austin’s Howl Studio), Jeffers’ new line of furniture, lighting, and soft goods offers a piece of the designer’s sophisticated whims.
His nationally lauded firm, Jeffers Design Group, resides in-house beyond a set of curtains, along with a substantial design library that helps to make the transition from inspiration to reality seamless. The result is a holistic approach to beautifying your space. Now that’s retail therapy.
1035 Post Street, San Francisco, CA. 415-440-7300
This article was published in 7x7's September issue. Click here to subscribe.
