One of a kind boxes in brass and reclaimed Clairo walnut by Paul Benson for Cavalier (Photo: Drew Altizer)
Union Square may be San Francisco’s main shopping district, reaching all the way towards Montgomery on the East, Market Street on the South, and Bush Street on the North, but lots is also happening on the West side between Powell and Van Ness where many interesting shops have popped up in recent years. Among my favorites is Floréal L’Atelier on Taylor, run by the fabulous Dominique Pfahl who not only creates the most amazing floral creations, but also sells unusual naturalist home decor, unique jewelry, and one of a kind pieces by artists such as Dave Meeker whose work I collect. In addition to being a regular at the de Young Museum’s Bouquets to Art, über creative Dominique has also been an important part of our installations for DIFFA’s DINING BY DESIGN, which would not have had the same impact without her amazing contributions.
“Delight” knife bowl by Dave Meeker and “Eggelier” light fixture comprised of branches, ostrich and turkey eggs, feathers and lichen by Dominque Pfahl for Dining by Design 2007 (Photo: Kandi Carol)
Interior of Floréal L’Atelier (Photo: courtesy of By Hand and Heart)
Backsplash made from branches and moss by Dominque Pfahl for Dining by Design 2010 (Photo: Crystal Shafer Waye)
Up a block on Post is Cheeko B, the pet boutique owned by Kattya and Patrick Breitenbach that has everything for the sophisticated pooch or feline, from gourmet treats to designer toys, apparel and accessories.
Cheeko and Frankie at Cheeko B (Photo: Patrick Breitenbach)
On Sutter at Silverman Gallery, artist, curator and gallerist Jessica Silverman has with, what I would call, a keen eye and plenty of chutzpah, staged exhibits of emerging and mid-career artists from around the country and from as far as Germany and Israel. I love Yuval Pudik’s meticulous and surreal pencil drawings! The gallery has grown tremendously since the opening in 2006, and Jessica has participated in many prominent shows including the Paris Art Fair, FIAC, NADA in New York and Miami, SF20/21, and ART COLOGNE. Get on her mailing list to learn about upcoming shows.
“some of my equals” by Yuval Pudik (Photo: courtesy of Silverman Gallery)
“Overload” by Conrad Ruiz (Photo: courtesy of Silverman Gallery)
Right across the street Matt McNamara and Teague Moriarty of the Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters opened Sweet Woodruff, serving a small and casual rotating menu of house-made food in a rustic corner space, which was designed for a quick bite at the bar counter or gourmet carry-out. I must tell you that the lemon tart is very addictive!
Sweet Woodruff’s open kitchen (Photo: Katie Jones of Everything Reconsidered)
Brie and apple sandwich (Photo: Off the Menu)
Worth a quick hike one more block up the hill on Bush is Town Cutler, owned by chef Galen Garretson who has worked with some of the best in the business including Tyler Florence and Michael Tusk. He decided to open his shop after realizing that San Francisco is lacking good knife sellers. Town Cutler not only carries the best professional quality artisan knives, but also offers expert sharpening services and classes on the subject. Everyone should know how to sharpen their tools! Last year Galen was also invited to be part of the pop-up shops at SF20/21, curated by Stanlee Gatti, which showcased contemporary designers, artists, and artisans as the entrée to the show.
Galen Garretson teaching a class (Photo: courtesy of Mi Piace Kate)
A fellow participant of the pop-up shops was the multi-talented Matt Dick who is well known for his many talents in textile and clothing design, fashion branding and product development. Under his newly created label of Small Trading Company he has designed uniforms for Bardessono, Bar Agricole, and Blue Bottle, and has created shop concepts for LVC, International Orange and Harputs Market. Stop by at MatoCreative on Post for Matt’s unique designs in indigo denim, recycled Levi’s, white canvas with leather, and burlap.
Goods at MatoCreative (Photo: courtesy of MatoCreative)
Right next door is In Fiore, a perfumery and apothecary for your skin. Owner Julie Elliott has created a seductive line of face and body care with pure floral oils and essences. Choose from a beautifully presented collection of perfume “solides” in branded brass compacts, complexion treatments, body balms, and bath and body oils. The scents will captivate you the moment you enter.
Skin treatments at In Fiore (Photo: courtesy of Roxana Illuminated Perfume)
The neighborhood is also the home of two fashion designers, each very different from the other. Joseph Domingo is known for his elegant couture gowns that have graced socialites and celebrities alike. But Joseph has also designed unique garments for many charitable causes, and can conjure beauty from the most humble of materials, even condom wrappers. His atelier is open by appointment only.
Gown made from condom wrappers in the window of Joseph Domingo’s atelier (Photo: K. Demoro)
A little further down on Sutter is Christopher Collins’ headquarter. The Project Runway Season 8 contestant sells his designs at Neiman Marcus and stores around the country, but his boutique is the place to go for a one-of-a-kind ensemble by the talented designer.
A coat by Christopher Collins (Photo: courtesy of Christopher Collins)
On the way towards Van Ness the newest kid on the block has made its debut this week, Cavalier by A list interior designer Jay Jeffers. Jay has owned his design studio in my neighborhood for a few years now, but just recently he decided to add a retail store to the front of his award-winning space on Post Street. Business and life partner Michael Purdy serves as the Creative Director for Cavalier, which celebrates their shared passion for all that is singular and luxurious. The shop showcases a curated collection of masculinely hued vintage, new and bespoke furniture, lighting, accessories and art, and it is the exclusive source for Jay Jeffers’ own collection of California-made upholstery, furniture and lighting.
Vintage bar car with unique objects and design books at Cavalier (Photo: Drew Altizer)
Jay and Michael also worked with designers and artisans from around the world to create limited editions solely available at Cavalier. Among them are master metal smith Paul Benson, one of my personal favorites, and plaster sculptor Stephen Antonson who is well known for his work for Dessin Fournir.
One of a kind boxes in aluminum, brass and reclaimed Clairo walnut by Paul Benson for Cavalier (Photo: Drew Altizer)
In the spirit of of offering the best of the best the owners sought out preeminent producers of everything from home decor to jewelry and tea. Cavalier represents Merida’s new custom-woven wool Sweater Collection rugs, limited edition acrylics by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, vessels and objects by ceramicist Shizue Iamai, jewelry by Alex & Lee, and handcrafted blends from Bellocq Tea Atelier. Look out for more to be added every month as the Jay and Michael travel the globe to add fresh wares.
Vignette of furniture, art and objects at Cavalier (Photo: Drew Altizer)
So if you are shopping on Union Square go slightly off the beaten path to what insiders call “Union Square West” and visit these unique purveyors of what you did not know your heart would desire until you have seen it first hand. You will be a fan too!
Cheers,
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