On May 4 and May 5, we had a celebration for our 10 year anniversary, at the W San Francisco. Over 400 people took part in the event, which included a screening of O’Mast, our vendor showcase, and a party.
We kicked it off Friday evening with cocktails and a sneak preview of the next installment of Put This On, a video series by Jesse Thorn about dressing like a grownup, followed by the featured screening of O’Mast, an acclaimed film about Neapolitan tailors and traditions from Gianluca Migliarotti, who traveled from Milan to be with us. From there, we proceeded to dinner at Credo, in the private dining area, where translucent walls surrounded us with statements of belief from leaders around the world and throughout time. I had the scallops, and I know that they were delicious. The night concluded with port and espresso at The Wingtip, a private club owned by the proprietors of On The Fly, a San Francisco haberdashery which also participated in our vendor showcase the following day.
On Saturday, I was up at 8 a.m. to start setup for the vendor showcase, which started at noon, sharp. I was nervous about the turnout, but we had a steady stream of shoppers from the moment we opened the doors. Fifteen vendors traveled from as far away as Hawaii and New York City. The range of vendors reflected the diverse readership of Styleforum. Goorin Brothers, hatmakers, a San Francisco institution whose goods are sold nationwide, brought a large sample of their heritage hats. Greg Walton of Louis Walton, a one man show, demonstrated how his hand makes the ties he sells. Yuketen, shoemakers and leathermakers, brought their famous outdoor shoes, as well as bags (always sold out, everywhere,) and accessories, from Hermosa Beach. On the Fly and A Suitable Wardrobe, Bay Area haberdashers who adhere to impeccable standards, brought fine ties, apparel, and gentlemen’s accoutrements; and A Suitable Wardrobe brought a shoeshiner to boot. Jimmy Au’s for men 5’8″ and Under, from Beverly Hills, brought many suits, shirts, and jackets to serve men from just below the national average to very much under the average. Sette ties, from Washington, D.C. showed off substantial sevenfold ties. Epaulet, from New York City, brought a full range of their own sportscoats, shirts, trousers, and accessories, made in the USA or in Italy, as well as Carmina shoes, for whom they are the sole stockist in North America. The Brooklyn Circus also brought its brand of urban dandyism from New York City. The Hanger Project, a business born of Styleforum, from Texas, came with shoe care products and accessories in addition to their signature hangers; local San Francisco retailers Taylor Stitch brought shirts, jeans, and belts; and Revolver, which proprietor Robert Patterson describes as “a little hippy,” featured a DIY scarf dying booth as well as goods from anyone from Yuketen to Reigning Champ to their own line of casual clothing. Jack Knife Outfitters took measurements for custom jeans; and Joe Hemrajani of Mytailor.com took measurements for custom suits and shirts. Leathersoul brought an extensive number of Aldens all the way from Honolulu, as well as examples of bespoke shoes from St. Crispin and George Cleverly, rarities anywhere.
As dusk settled, we settled into eating some snacks and having an immoderate number of drinks with a few hundred of our best friends.
