The Collector's Item
Pamela Joyner, board cochair of the SF Ballet, is often seen around town, gracing art openings and fundraisers in her signature style, "1950s-inspired glamour."
From her 27th-floor apartment in the Four Seasons, Pamela Joyner enjoys the finer things in life: a 180-degree view of the city, coffee-and-tea service at the press of a button and one-of-a-kind furniture and art pieces amassed from her world travels. But it’s the sheer glee with which the Chicago native speaks of her clothing collection—dozens of couture gowns, a closet full of Chanel suits and a fox wrap by designer Zang Toi (casually thrown across her living-room ottoman)—that points to her true love of fashion. Luckily, she’s not lacking for opportunities to wear her ensembles: As board cochair of the San Francisco Ballet and founder of the Avid Partners marketing-consulting firm, Joyner, who’s lived in San Francisco since the mid-’90s, is often seen about town, gracing art openings and fundraisers in her signature style, “1950s-inspired glamour.”
Which designers do you favor?
Valentino, Giambattista Valli and B Michael. They are classic yet fresh. B Michael does a lot of couture for me. His things are daring, with drama.
As a career woman with an active social life, how do you dress to go from day to night?
I love the sleeve thing. I’m wearing a B Michael blouse with these wonderful poet sleeves. I can put on a black blouse, black slacks and these Dolce leopard-print heels, which I have in every color, and it will take me to any environment.
What has been your most memorable ball gown?
The B Michael silk charmeuse gown I wore to the UNICEF Snowflake Ball in New York with white ostrich feathers and black-and-white beading. I love gowns that are works of art.
Is there such a thing as a power suit for women?
Yes. A classic Chanel suit makes a statement. Guys get that you’re there to do business.
What’s your secret fashion weapon?
Kathe Puffer, a salesperson at Loehmann’s! She’s been in retail for 25 years. She’s a former model with a flawless eye.
What film captures your sense of style?
The Women. It was a black-and-white film that erupted in the middle with a Technicolor fashion show.
