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

More fashion events…

(None yet)

Spring Fling: 4 Spring Staples

It’s officially mid-March, and we’re finally daring to dream of spring. That means easy-going dresses, simple accessories, bright bags and go-everywhere shoes with lighter sensibilities than our winter-staple boots.

Here are local sources for each.

From top: Maggie dress, She-Bible; one-off Mason yellow clutch, ReMade USA; David Clarkson Point Reyes Hoops, available at Gravel and Gold; buckle strap heels by f-troupe, available at Candystore Collective.

Find San Francisco Bay Area independent boutiques…

(None yet)

RSVP Me: Nudie Jeans Pop-Up Shop

Back in the day, it was impolite to go anywhere without properly sending an RSVP in advance. Times have changed, but there are still enticing reasons to mind your manners. Take, for example, the Nudie Jeans Pop-Up Shop taking place tonight at Azalea Boutique in Hayes Valley. An RSVP not only guarantees you smooth entry at the door for the after-hours event, but it also puts your oh-sospecial name in a drawing for one of two pairs of Nudie Jeans that will be given away during the launch party.

Other reasons to go? It’s the first pop-up shop on the West Coast from the denim brand. And there’s free booze (vodka and PBRs). We’d recommend chasing the former with the latter. You’ll have a real good night. Promise.

More upcoming fashion and shopping events…

(None yet)

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.

(None yet)

Wanted: Covet Hayes Valley Opens

You know when you really want something? Like really, really want it? A new Hayes Valley destination hopes to inspire just those kinds of covetous feelings in San Francisco shoppers with its selection of locally-made jewelry, handbags and gift items.

The second outpost of Covet opened quietly in the neighborhood last month, and we hear a grand opening celebration is on the horizon.

“We are really excited about the new store.  It has more wall space, so we can carry more purses and other accessories than the Arguello store,” says Adrienne Wiley of Frolick Jewelry, who co-owns both stores with Ofina Jewelry designer Liza Anongchanya.

With the added space comes the addition of new lines, including bags by De La Luna, Lulla Belle and Shara Porter, as well as candles by Urban Rituelle and stationery by Papaya.

See it for yourself at 415 Hayes St., San Francisco, CA.

(None yet)