Anyone who’s ever yearned for yet more San Francisco fashion happenings, your prayers have been answered. Along with tomorrow night’s annual Discarded to Divine event, the days ahead promise a slew of other opportunities just waiting to sweet talk your sartorial side. Read on for chances to shop, take in the latest from local designer, view new collections from local labels, celebrate shop openings and score some deals while you’re at it.
Read on for the 10 local fashion events you won’t want to miss:
Refinery29 Shop Crawl: Indulge in deals of up to 30 percent off at neighborhood boutiques on Thursday evening during this citywide event celebrating the web site’s San Francisco launch. Other reasons to pop into participating boutiques: a chance to have your picture snapped by Refinery29 photographers and nibbles from local eateries.
Constituent Parts Fashion Show: Four Art Institute students and alums are banding together Thursday night for a fashion show of their latest work at 111 Minna. The 21+ event features work by designers Autie Carlisle (who wowed with her convertible dress during last year’s Art Institute fashion show), Cameron Stewart, Justin Jamison and Rachel Poulos.
Sips & Spring Bling: New Stella & Dot stylist Courtney Parham takes over the Inner Richmond’s Internos Wine Café on Friday evening with a trunk show offering 25 percent off purchases from the jewelry line.
Big Things Pop-Up / Workshop: The locally-based online shop from Rebecca Goldschmidt pairs handmade goods, home décor and accessories with the art of bookbinding this weekend during a pop-up shop and workshop on Saturday afternoon. Stop in to shop or learn techniques to make ‘zines and books from artists Chelsea R. Wong and Anna Bunting.
Style 2011 Wearable Art Show and Sale: Head south to Palo Alto for the 7th annual style event featuring clothing and accessories by over 38 artists and designers from California and further afield. The event is free for Palo Alto Art Center Foundation members and $10 for non-members. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the PAACF and its many programs.
Benny Gold Grand Opening: Along with the debut of its new spring styles, opening festivities celebrating the local streetwear label’s expanded location on 16th Street range from music, drinks and special deals on merch to a board release and signing event (1-2 p.m.) featuring an all-new set of boards created in collaboration with Real Skateboards.
PACT Beyond Coal Collection Launch: Berkeley’s Convert shop celebrates PACT’s latest eco-friendly underwear designs, created in collaboration with San Francisco designer Yves Behar. During the afternoon event, the shop will donate 10 percent of all sales from the collection to the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign. Added perks: customers who purchase two pairs of undies will receive a limited edition poster featuring a Behar design. Snag three pairs or more, and you’ll walk with a poster signed by Behar himself.
Goorin Bros.: The longtime local hatmaker is releasing its Spring 2011 1333 Minna Artist Collection, which features hats embellished with original works by artists such as Reyes, Amanda Lynn, Andy Stattmiller and Lango. Head to the Haight Street hat shop for music and drinks during the afternoon or catch the crew at Cassel Gallery starting at 8 p.m. for a special reception. Don a vintage Minna hat, and you’ll score 20 percent off the purchase of a new style from the current collection.
Explode La Mode Fashion Show: A stylish way to support the emotional needs of foster youth through San Francisco non-profit A Home Within hits the Mission Saturday night. Featuring designers such as Sarah Liller, Biviana Lazo and Kelly Pentecost, the show takes place at 10:45 p.m.. An after party follows.
Capsule Design Festival: The twice-yearly event returns to Hayes Valley on Sunday for a day-long display of independent art, fashion and design from 130 vendors touting everything from streetwear to steampunk fashion. Stroll tables lining Hayes and Octavia Streets to peruse apparel and accessories for men, women and children, dip into local boutiques or kick it in the park when you need a break from the shopping action.
***
Lorraine Sanders covers fashion for 7x7.com and is the founder of SF Indie Fashion. Reach her via email at lorraine (at) lorrainesanders (dot) com.