Defne Crowe—a New Kind of PR Maven for San Francisco's Maker Set
Defne Crowe (Photography by Guru Khalsa)

Defne Crowe—a New Kind of PR Maven for San Francisco's Maker Set

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She's too modest to say so, but we're not: Defne (pronounced like Daphne) Crowe is one cool chick. The Vespa-riding 30-something with a nose for what's next and a closet full of Freda Salvadors is the ideal ambassador for San Francisco's hippest businesses.

Defne Crowe's home vibe mirrors her cool-girl sartorial style—easy, artistic, and open to possibilities. (Photography by Guru Khalsa)


As founder of the nearly five-year-old Mission-based boutique communications agency Made PR, Crowe, in her words, focuses on "Bay Area businesses that make things." What she doesn't say is that she seems to attract (or perhaps even select) clients with a certain look and cachet: Made's lean yet mighty roster of core clients reads like a who's who of Bay Area It brands: Timbuk2, Blue Bottle Coffee, Goorin Bros. and Three Twins Ice Cream.


Regulars in the SF editorial world have known Defne since the early days; she's one of those likable real girls with a ready smile (and always an enviable pair of shades) who we like to cheer for as we watch her star rise. This past year has been a particularly stellar one for her: She got married (congrats!); bought a "fixer-upper" in Guerneville and invited us all to stay; expanded her team at Made to include five full-timers; scored the Campari account (cheers!); and realized a professional dream—to work with the Detroit-based brand Shinola, upon its entrée into the Bay Area.


"I grew up in Michigan, so being able to work with Shinola on its two Bay Area openings (in SF's Jackson Square and Palo Alto) was truly an amazing experience, and an honor," she says.


But having lived in SF for 12 years, it's clear that Crowe's heart is here, and that she herself is the target of her clients' affection. "The common thread among [Made PR's] brands is a certain lifestyle," she explains. "We're talking to discerning people who value quality and craftsmanship—people who drink Blue Bottle, enjoy a Negroni, and wear Shinola watches and A.P.C. jeans." (ICYMI, Made PR handled the recent opening party for A.P.C.'s new Jackson Square store.)



When it comes to her personal style, Crowe's a "classics with a fun twist" kind of girl. "My go-to outfit consists of high-waisted jeans and a black bodysuit. I change things up with interesting accessories, and pair with heels, Vans, or my Everlane slip-ons." Another key part of her look? Piling her long, lovely waves into a signature messy topknot, known around her office as the "Def-a-do." The fashion and vintage lover also values comfort, and effortless-chic seems to come to her, well, effortlessly.



Shameless Product Placement

"Blue Bottle's single-origin drip; Timbuk2's Femme satchel backpack; Three Twins' Lemon Cookie ice cream; Goorin Bros.' black fedora."


Dream Client

"Heath Ceramics"


Out-of-Towners Tour

"I've got this one down: We walk over to Blue Bottle inside Heath Ceramics, then head to the top of Bernal, and then back to the Mission for lunch at Wise Sons deli."


SF Shopping Spree

"Acrimony, No. 3, Freda Salvador, The Podolls, Afterlife, and Painted Bird."


Home Essential

"This beautiful bear painting by local artist Michael McConnell. I saw it inside the Stable Café and treated myself after I won a big client. It's a picture of a bear tied to a stick, and, whenever I look at it, it reminds me not to be tied down to one thing."


Eats + Drinks

"My absolute favorite restaurant is Rich Table, and I'm obsessed with Izakaya Rintaro. Trick Dog for cocktails, and 20 Spot for wine."


Great Escape

"Our Guerneville home—where I get to do nothing."


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