Top Hats: 1333 Minna Artists’ Collection by Goorin Brothers

We’ve always maintained that there’s a fine art to wearing a hat, so you can imagine we were intrigued by the idea of hats wearing fine art. Officially dropping this weekend, the spring 2010 1333 Minna collection from San Francisco-based Goorin Brothers pairs fine artists’ work with the hat company’s dapper head-toppers for a result that’s sure to attract style and art fans alike.

“It combines the classic authenticity of Goorin Brothers mixed with very edgy contemporary fine art,” Ben Goorin says of the latest collection, originally launched in 2005 and is known for combining urban-minded art with original fabrics, embroidery and custom printing methods.

In the works for nearly a year, the current collection bears the name of the company’s collaborative art studio in the Mission and features original work from artists such as Reyes, Steel, Yutaro Sakai, Kami, Sasu, Retna, Bert Krak, Lango, Michael Ryan and Orli Laqcuaio.

For Goorin, the project reflects the longtime San Francisco roots of his family’s company, founded in 1895.

“Our identity was born and raised in San Francisco,” he says, adding, “This is about doing something that’s authentic and extremely original.”

Want to get in on Goorin’s latest hat tricks? Head to the Haight Street shop on Saturday from 4-9 p.m. for the launch celebration. Along with music and free bevs, limited edition hand-printed posters by 1333 Minna artists and giveaways will be on offer with the purchase of a hat. Starting at 9 p.m., the party continues at 1333 Minna with a gallery installation of participating artists’ work.

Photography courtesy of Goorin Brothers

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Style Starr: Bianca Starr’s Stylist Boutique

When we popped into the opening party celebrating the very first stylist boutique at Mission vintage destination Bianca Starr on Friday evening, we were first delighted by the window display from San Francisco stylist Hannah Sitzer of Antlre creative. Complete with a star, animal-headed mannequin and soaring white mini-motorcycle, the installation could have easily been plucked from some hazy, exhilarating dream.

Once inside and flipping through the garments on offer from Sitzer’s personal collection of vintage pieces, we promptly fell in love with a leopard swing coat (faux, of course) that the stylist’s mother had passed on to her many years before. We’d have loved it without the story attached, but there’s just something endlessly special about knowing the history behind a garment and remembering it wear after wear.

There were many other choice pieces, from frilly white vintage shirts to a metallic zip-up jacket. We wouldn’t be surprised if they’re gone long before the April 1 switch to the next stylist-curated batch of offerings, which will be handpicked by Jasmine Hamed.

Also on offer are rock-goes-lovely earrings in leather, feathers and metal by Venus Superstar and plenty of fun vintage finds gracing the racks and shelves.

Bianca Starr, 3552 20th St., San Francisco, 415-341-1020.

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Fancy a Ferry? Marin Store Sample Sale

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Pop Stars: Noise Pop ‘N Shop

Shopping with local independent designers is music to our ears. No doubt we’ll be humming tunes aplenty as we peruse the jewelry, apparel and other unique finds on offer this weekend during Noise Pop’s Pop ‘n Shop event.

Expect over 40 local creatives to be on the scene Saturday at this free-to-attend event, including Colleen Mauer Designs, Intwined, Turk + Taylor and Rock Candy Design.

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Diamond Daze: Jewelry by Quoc Lieu

Not all diamonds sparkle, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Case in point: the three-dimensional diamonds by jewelry designer Quoc Lieu, whose latest jewelry collection will be on display starting today through March 17 as part of a pop-up shop at the Academy of Art 79 Retail Store.

Pieces like the 3D diamonds shown above can be worn as rings, single pendants or combined to create bold, geometric necklaces and bracelets.

Along with diamonds in silver and metals, the Academy of Art alum’s work also includes abstract silver animal shapes, matchsticks and push pins. Pieces retail for $80-$320.

Want to chat with Lieu in person? We hear she’ll be making an appearance today from 2 to 5 p.m. at the shop, 79 New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA.

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