7x7 editors pick their favorites from the latest shops, goods, and happenings in the Bay Area and beyond.
Opening Report
New stores are cropping up in our rich retail landscape: Eco-fashion brand Amour Vertbrings its flirty zero-waste designs to Hayes Valley; SF-based Nice Collective has carved a shop out of its Dogpatch production studio in which to sell its luxe-utilitarian threads; sharp suiting from Italian label Brunello Cucinellican now be found in a Union Square boutique; and Carmel jeweler Pat Areias is now selling her handcrafted sterling silver pieces and exotic, customizable belts on tony Maiden Lane. [ San Francisco ]
Remastered Classic
Now that new Tiffany & Co.design director Francesca Amfitheatrof is running the show, the 177-year-old jewelry institution is revamping its classic style with the recently launched Tiffany T collection. Juxtaposing curves and angles, positive and negative space, the chunky, perfect-fit cuffs and minimalist bracelets each feature a modern insignia for the next generation—a blocky, typographical T. [ Union Square ]
Tailor Park
Luxury fashion brands in Union Square are launching bespoke services for their male clientele, boosting the city’s population of sharply dressed men. This fall, Valentino’s made-to-measure program will include a no-fail clothing combination for SF: couture cashmere coats and bespoke denim. Pradais also cutting and sewing to order. [ Union Square ]
Pattern Behavior
It’s official: SF is mad for Missoni. This season, the Italian fashion house is emblazoning its busy, bold prints on everything from Roche Bobois furnishings to Converse hi-tops (available exclusively at Nordstrom). In May, the clan Missoni attended the Academy of Art’s graduation fashion show, where Angela (creative director) and Margherita (brand ambassador) were awarded honorary doctorates. [ Online ]
Shape Up
The Tera fitness mat by Potrero-based Lunar Design is like a Wii for sophisticates: Made from eco-friendly wool by acclaimed textile company Kvadrat, the “carpet” has an intelligent surface, which recognizes movement, and an LED lighting system that shows the proper exercise form. Think of it as obedience school for your misaligned Downward Dog. [ Potrero ]
Hoop Dreams
Potrero muralist Aaron De La Cruz, whose dense geometric patterns can be seen on the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs and inside the Diesel headquarters in Breganze, Italy, has recently fashioned a line of laser-cut acrylic earrings, small-scale versions of his wall-sized works. [ Potrero ]
Temple of Tunes
The massive renovation of the midcentury architectural marvel known as the California Masonic Memorial Temple (aka the Nob Hill Masonic Center) includes enhancements such as a state-of-the-art sound system and cocooned “Zeppelin” chandeliers—finery befitting such classic bands as Daryl Hall & John Oates and the Pixies, both scheduled to take the stage this fall. [ Nob Hill ]
Posh Cycle
On our city streets, where banged-up fixies rule, rolling around on this
Le Flâneur Sportif d’Hermès, new for fall 2014, would be not only incredibly comfortable and efficient (ultralight carbon fiber frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and ergonomic leather-wrapped handlebars), but also legendary. [ Union Square ]
Paint Job
In collaboration with Julep, the Palo Alto–based industrial design firm IDEOcreated the Plié Wand, a long, elegant nail polish brush that flexes and twists for easy use in your nondominant hand. No more excuses for coloring outside the lines. [ Online ]
Basque Life
Interior design doyenne Suzanne Tuckerhas recently completed Maison Biarritz, the latest phase of Auberge du Soleil’s epic three-year renovation. Inspired by the South of France, the rooms feature walls of casement windows for optimum natural light, fluffy beds with custom Moorish headboards and, sexiest of all, a limestone shower built for two. [ Rutherford ]
This article was published in 7x7's September 2014 issue. Click here to subscribe.
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