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The Haight and wearing vintage, perfectly symbolize the spirit of San Francisco — being bohemian, counterculture, and living in a perpetual longing for simpler, easier times.
Static Vintage, arguably the best vintage store in San Francisco, epitomizes everything great about vintage shopping in the City. Actress and fashionista Chloe Sevigny was recently spotted in there, too.
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Opened in July of 2003, by co-founders Motohiro (Moto) Yasue and Bryan Lehman, and managed by Kelsey Kolberg, Static carries an interesting mix of vintage printed blouses and dresses, furry coats, luxury bags from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior, and a healthy amount of dazzling jewelry.
“We try to curate a store with a very wearable sensibility,” explains Bryan. “Whether something is $20 or $2000, we look for an iconic as well as fashion-forward design and style. We mix and match vintage and contemporary clothing, as well as new merchandise, while holding to the store's aesthetic. We really enjoy streetwear as well as high fashion and vintage denim and workwear.”
What sets Static Vintage apart in my eyes, is their extensive selection of Giants, Niners, and Warriors gear. Having bought and sold vintage San Francisco sportswear myself, I never really saw a physical locale that dedicated itself to consistently stocking those gold satin 49er jackets and throwback T-shirts as well as Static does.
“We carry regional vintage sport gear because there is a demand for it, lots of sport lovers want that vintage look and a quality garment compared to the sport gear being manufactured now,” says Kelsey. “Plus many of the youth of today are just experiencing vintage for the first time and want that throwback look.” Keeping the S.F. love going, Kelsey admits, “as far as favorite pieces go [in the store], it is constantly changing as merchandise arrives, but the older Levi's denim is something we really cherish.”
In the current San Francisco climate, where independent stores are struggling to stay open, the folks at Static don't seem too worried. “Haight Street is alive and the flow of traffic is ever- changing just like the fashion and vintage industries,” Kolberg proclaims. “It is a matter of knowing what people desire and noting how their tastes change and accommodating that while staying true to the fashion that resonates with us." Lehman agrees. “San Francisco is ever-changing and we have to evolve with it.”
Static Vintage,
1764 Haight, 415-422-0046.
