San Francisco Independent Fashion
Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: jewelry to warm up your winter wardrobe comes in the form of Van Kim Le’s knitted chain necklaces. Find a unique statement piece like the gunmetal Keyhole Necklace, $90, online at Love+Keep.
Pinterest addicts, watch out. Under-the-radar Mission jewelry atelier Love & Luxe has a new web site stocked with oh-so-pinnable pics featuring its collection of jewelry by independent designers, metalsmiths and fine artists – all curated by resident artist and owner Betsy Barron.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Don’t worry, you won’t have to head to a big box jewelry just yet. The Love & Luxe store is also a working studio with a trained staff and plenty of artist connects to help you design custom wedding and commitment bands, necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets.
Sure, look online, but there are many reasons to visit the Mission store’s stunning collection in person: pieces are thoughtfully arranged in glass-topped displays to emphasize the importance of each piece’s unique qualities so, says Barron, “customers can enjoy the experience of discovery.”
So what will they discover?
“When looking for new collections, design and craftsmanship are taken equally into consideration so that we can offer jewelry that will become part of a life long collection, making careful use of the earth’s natural resources,” says Barron of the store’s selection process.
Precious object seekers, browse away online or at Love & Luxe, 1169 Valencia Street, SF.
More San Francisco boutiques…
Photography courtesy of Love & Luxe
Scene, Not Herd's Oh Snap Necklace
Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: the shutterfly-friendly hand-stamped charm and antique brass chain of the Oh Snap Camera Necklace, $27, from San Francisco designer Holly Doden’s Scene, Not Herd line. She’ll even personalize a charm just for you.
The charm's flip side calls out a familiar phrase.
Photography courtesy of Scene, Not Herd
The Prairie Schooner cocktail ring from Drella Jones
Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: The brass Covered Wagon Cocktail Ring, $11, perfect for the cowgirl or Oregon Trail fanatic in all of us. Inexpensive and fun, this Western-inspired piece is just one of many kitschy-cool items available from the etsy shop of San Francisco-based Drella Jones.
More San Francisco style…
After peeping her pieces during a recent visit to Ver Unica boutique in Hayes Valley, we were immediately intrigued and had to know more about this new local designer and her marvelous metals. Behravan is a born and bred San Franciscan raised in the heart of Russian Hill, and, like any seasoned city gal, she knows these city streets like the back of her hand.
After high school Behravan escaped to Upstate New York for a change of climate and scenery where she attended Bard College. But four years later, she soon found the City by the Bay calling her name.
What inspired you to start your own jewelry line?
I began making pieces that I wanted to wear because I wasn’t finding jewelry that felt natural and right for me out in the world. So I created pieces that I would want to wear everyday, not to go with an outfit but to make me feel a certain way. I quickly realized I wanted to share the jewelry I was creating.
What types of designs are you drawn to when creating your pieces?
I look to architecture, vintage pieces from my personal collection, and nature for inspiration. Shadows and empty space often play a big role in my design process.
What materials are your favorite to work with?
I love working with all types of metal. I love to see it do unexpected things and transform into something new. I’ve never worked with anything quite like it before; it’s amazing to create jewelry from something so strong with your hands.
When you’re not designing jewelry, what else do you do?
I hangout with my dog, Dirt. I also love going to thrift stores and antique shops to seek out hidden treasures.
What are your favorite shops or destinations in SF? Where are your go-to places to find independent, local apparel and jewelry designers?
My perfect day in San Francisco would start at Sight Glass Coffee, because it is such a beautiful place, where – if I could have a work bench in their loft – I could honestly work for hours upon hours a day. Then I’d take the N Judah to General Store, which has a beautifully curated collection of things. I’d finish the day with a walk with Dirt down to Union Made to check out their beautiful textiles. It is rare to see a shop with such perfectly selected pieces, particularly in men’s.
What is the one accessory you cannot live without?
My sunglasses. They’re circular frame 1960’s Christian Dior. I think that whoever owned them before me changed one of the lenses because they’re two different colors. One lens is a little more rosy and the other is a little more yellowy. When I wear them, anything that’s red looks totally psychedelic!
What is next for Metal Smith?
Metalsmith.com! And I am very excited about stones right now. I have some pieces in mind that will involve new colored and textured stones that will complement the metal work I’ve been designing.
To check out Metal Smith’s first collection stop by Ver Unica boutique for the Metal Smith Trunk Show this Friday, October 14th from 6-9pm.
Photography courtesy of Metal Smith
