For some, crafting an identity as a designer into a business may be a straight road, where for others, it can be evolutionary. Such could be said of local designer Ali Golden, who recently teamed up with local designer Sarah Tejada to open a soon-to-open creative retail space at 534 Octavia Street in Hayes Valley.
SF Indie Fashion first spied Ali Golden and her wrap vest hoodies in 2009. Since then she has put together her first full collection of all self-sewn apparel, which she describes as lighthearted with a little bit of humor and made for a girl who is imaginative and creative in the way she looks. A limited selection of her latest work can be found now at Shotwell. Expect to see her etsy store up soon.
As for their forthcoming Hayes Valley outpost, Golden and Tejada are planning a multipurpose space that will appeal to fans of shopping local.
“The space is super unique: a converted garage on the corner of Ivy and Octavia,” explains Golden. “We’ll be designing and sewing there, teaching classes, holding sweet events and selling our designs when weather permits and the garage is open, or by appointment.”
Golden takes pride in doing her production all on her own and seems intent on creating an experience where that feeling can continue. It’s no surprise, then, that she’d pair up with Tejada, a self-taught seamstress who primarily focuses on leather purses and jewelry making.
“What I’m not interested in is adhering to the fashion industry’s time line or specific way of doing things,” Golden says. “The important thing is, I want what I’m doing to be about artisanship.”
As for the space’s name, it’s yet to be decided, and both designers are still bandying about ideas for all that the shop will include. They may, for example, begin offering custom wedding dresses.
Until the door — or garage in this case — opens, look to Golden’s web site for updates or to make an appointment to view her latest.
For a taste of Sarah Tejada, check out her blog. Below, shots from the first Ali Golden collection:
Photography courtesy Ali Golden
