Behind the Shop: Circle & Square’s Bunny Fayne

Inside Presidio Heights boutique Circle & Square

The personalities behind the shops we love are often just as intriguing as what’s on the shelves. Case in point: Bunny Fayne of Circle & Square, a Presidio Heights boutique brimming with posh accessories, jewelry and gifts made by artisans and independent designers from around the globe.

An art and design aficionado with an eye for the unique and well-crafted, Fayne stocks her store and its accompanying online boutique with giftables she’s sourced from a roster of local and international artists that range from the handbags of Hollywood favorite Adriana Castro to perfume from local company Ineke.

We caught up with Fayne recently to chat about hiding lovers in the closet, the sexiness of handbags and her recent world adventures.

You’re a serious traveler. Where have your adventures taken you in the past year?

Cape Town, Botswana on safari, and London.  I’m about to leave for Argentina, Brazil and Chile in a few days, possibly zip-lining.

We have to buy a gift for a friend who seriously has everything. Can you suggest three items from your store that would manage to wow her?

Conservative or edgy? Is price an object? A copper shoe by Elizabeth Emison, Susana Speidel’s laughing Buddha ring and Sang-A’s white glitter seasnake clutch bag.

What is one of your favorite spots to take out-of-town visitors?

Cavallo Point, where you can sit on the porch and view the most beautiful city in the world.

If you were an accessory, what would you be and why?

A handbag. Because it is an inanimate object coming from an organic source formerly possessing a soul. And I think they’re sexy.

We’ve seen your store, and we’ve seen your impeccably-decorated home in San Francisco, both of which have shown us that you have an eye for style. What makes an item or object worthy of a spot in your home or a place on your store’s shelves?

Thank you. It has to have a characteristic of something synonymous with contrast. Juxtaposed in an unexpected way. Texture, shape and color attract me.

Tell us about the most meaningful accessory in your life these days.

A simple golden wedding band that I’ve worn for 30 years. Priceless.

What are three things every San Francisco woman should have in her closet right now?

A pair of tall black patent boots, a perfect Cashmere shawl, a pink crocodile clutch. And a lover?

Bunny Fayne of Circle & Square

Photography courtesy of Circle & Square

This is part of a new series on SF Indie Fashion. Know of a great local store you’d like to see profiled? Contact us and let us know.