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Bag Lady: Shotwell at 320 Grant
Please welcome Ryan Robles. He'll be writing Bag Lady, which will be cover local boutiques, shops, stores, and other retail oddities that deserve a megawatt spotlight shined on them. He'll also interview small business owners, operated by folks just like you. More or less, anyway.
Take it away, Ryan
Here at SFist we love a good find, and we adore nice things. Naturally. We also love to drape ourselves in fun jewelry, and wear clothes not everyone will be rocking while out on the scene.
Two years ago, we happened on this rare downtown standout called Shotwell. Our first visit made us (literally) squee with joy, because not only did they have fantastic vintage pieces, but also carried a bevy of local designers, like Rebecca Beeson and Gytha Mander. Bag Lady hearts local designers, very much so.
Formerly on Geary Street, Shotwell recently expanded their collection, in tandem, with a move to their current digs at 320 Grant. An exceptional idea, because the new location leaves very little to be desired. With living plant walls leading up the entrance stairs, to Holly and Michael Weaver’s brilliant design sense, which uses gorgeous antique pieces to create an aesthetic anyone with a nominal sense of style and design would be truly content to live in. Our personal fave: a slightly unfinished fluorescent light installation that adds another dimension of brightness to the already sun-drenched window-walled second floor (Bag Lady is, alas, a whore for fluoro lights).
On to the clothes. The collections Shotwell carries are edgy, but at the same time, unusually classic and special. Sure, some pieces absolutely require someone with a defined sense of personal style to carry off; but with a totally reasonable price point it, wouldn’t kill you to experiment, right? Right. Fall is, after all, around the corner.
One of the other things we also loved about Shotwell was their mixture of contemporary and redesigned vintage pieces, like their vest-dickies (so fun and smart), as well as their collection of “party shoes.” Bag Lady also swoons for shoes that don’t break the bank, but look like they did...at night.
What's more, Shotwell also believes in, what Bag Lady likes to call, the au currant Bow Tie Revolution. Definitely a fight worth fighting for, and Bag Lady loves them even more for sticking with the cause. VIVA TIES..and lots of them.
We asked the owners of Shotwell tel tell us a bit about themselves. Here's what they had to say about their store, setting up shop in downtown San Francisco, and advice for other trying to do the same.
SFist: What is Shotwell?
Shotwell: Shotwell is a young contemporary store mixing new and redesigned vintage products.
SF: What do you sell?
SW: Men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories.
SF: How long has Shotwell been in business?
SW: 2 years
SF: Tell us a bit about yourselves.
SW: We are Holly and Michael Weaver, moved to San Francisco about five years ago. Holly came from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a job in robotics. Michael moved here from Southern California (Orange County) to go to school for fine art. Michael was doing freelance graphic design before starting working with Holly.
Why did you choose the downtown neighborhood?
SW: Because this is the main shopping area of the city. Locals and tourists alike come out to shop the whole area.
SF: How has the neighborhood worked for (or against) you?
SW: The neighborhood has allowed more people to access our store than if we were in a different, less trafficked area.
SF: What is the best thing about running a business like yours in San Francisco?
SW: The best thing about running a business in this city is that people are so supportive of independent endeavors. We feel cared for by our surrounding community.
SF: Who designed your store, and tell us about the showroom’s aesthetic?
SW: We designed the store together. We created a space we would want to live in.
SF: What is your view on style in San Francisco?
SW: Exciting. So many things are happening here right now on a underground fashion level.
SF: What is your store’s philosophy? you ultimate goal?
Our philosophy is to bring joy and stylish living to the world. We'd love to produce a Shotwell line of products.
SF: Aside from your own, what are your top 3 favorite stores in SF?
SW: Flora Grubb, Al's Attire, Momoca (Berkley)
SF: Any advice for a rookie looking to open a business in SF?
SW: Don't give up. You'll face lots of challenges in the first few months and years, but keep your vision fresh and surround yourself with lots of encouragement.
Shotwell
320 Grant Avenue (at Bush)
San Francisco
415-399-9898
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