5 San Francisco Labels To Know
We have a big crush on San Francisco. More specifically, the incredibly talent that resides there. The city is filled with creatives – artists, musicians, dancers, chefs, designers – you name it. With so much to see and know, we thought it would be helpful to narrow down a few of the best in our realm of expertise: fashion, obviously. Below are seven designers that if you don’t know already, you should (right now). These amazing women are creating some of our favorite pieces of clothing and accessories of the moment. Seriously, our summer wardrobe is filled with their names on labels. Not only are their designs to die for, but they also work hard to keep production within their beautiful home state of California. Okay, we’re going to stop blabbing on so you can actually get to know them now.
Waltz
Waltz
This San Francisco-based womenswear line was founded by designer and pattern maker Danielle Colen in 2014. In response to the fast-changing, trend-driven fashion landscape and our over-complicated modern lives, her focus is all about paring down to essentials. Waltz creates classic, timeless staples that allow women to simplify and streamline their wardrobes. More reasons to love them? They're committed to sustainability through long-lasting, quality-made garments and ethical manufacturing in the US.
SUMMER FAVE: the bralette dress in lilac
Lotfi
Meet your new favorite everyday bags. Following the birth of her daughter, designer Sharareh Lotfi was drawn to the idea of creating a minimal un-fussy carryall that was practical without being boring. Using simple materials like canvas and cotton rope, her bags are designed for daily use with an eye to those details that elevate everyday staples into treasured objects. Designed in San Francisco and produced in California, Lotfi bags aren’t just for the modern mom but, really, anyone.
SUMMER FAVE: the Mira mesh bag
Kamperett
Kamperett, is the brainchild of designers Anna Chiu and Valerie Santillo. Their focus? Creating timeless styles that make woman feel comfortable and confident, all the while looking polished and stylish. The name comes from a hybrid of the designer’s maiden names (Pferdekamper and Garrett, respectively). Each collection is elegant yet relaxed with a girly sense of luxury. These are the kind of pieces that you can just as easily pull on for a backyard barbecue as you can a formal engagement party. Keeping production close to home is also important to the designers as each garment is ethically manufactured in California factories, using only the highest quality materials.
SUMMER FAVE: the Ferou silk linen dress in marigold.
First Rite
Polished dressing is made easy with this line of California-made classics. Easy and timeless are the keys to success for designer Nikki Garcia, who sources high quality textiles with a focus on natural fibers. Her pieces nod to both menswear and classic femininity (the best of both worlds), and are designed as an ongoing series of interchangeable sets both within the same collection and from season to season. So really, you are working with one large beautiful collection that can be worn throughout the year. Can we get a hell yeah for minimal, modern and made for 24/7 clothing?
SUMMER FAVE: the tie blouse in clay
Micaela Greg
This gorgeous knitwear label was founded by San Francisco-based sisters Karen (above) and Marie Potesta. The design duo transforms spool after spool of yarn into effortlessly cool knitwear by combining modern geometric patterns, intermingling textures and deceptively simple silhouettes. The majority of the collection is proudly made in California using the finest quality Italian yarns with the softest hand feel. A small number of pieces are made in Peru in Fair Trade factories using Alpaca yarns from the local vendors.
SUMMER FAVE: the Loop dress
Bonus: these designers (plus some of our favorite San Fran boutique owners) spill on the best places to eat, drink and people watch in their city. This way for the ultimate city guide >
Photography by Robby Durler
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