I went through a “mod” phase in my early teens. On weekend visits, my kind and patient grandmother would take me to the nearest thrift stores, helping to find ’60s shift dresses, gloves and pillbox hats (and likely having a good chuckle about my retro style). She was less thrilled about a few of my subsequent fashions—frankly, me too! Yet another reason to be glad there was no social media back then.
Style is personal. And for most folks, it evolves throughout our lives just as we do. Major events and life transitions generally boost that change. Hence, the confusion of what to wear post-pandemic when many of us now work from home. Although I suppose yoga pants and old T-shirts are its own kind of style. Who am I to judge?
Thankfully, Oakland designer Lesley Evers brings a sense of nostalgia and joy into her stylistic expressions. Geometric shapes, bright colors and a touch of whimsy enhance her flattering women’s wear pieces. In this issue, we learn more about her fall-focused innovations and retail store updates.
We also talked with a few local “stylistas” about what style means to them. From a 17 year old who designed an award-winning dress made from BART tickets, to a beloved costume-designing drama teacher at Head-Royce School, to a former Beverly Hills Banana Republic merchandiser turned jewelry designer in Kensington and to a popular vintage shop owner in Elmwood, their confidence and creativity inspire us.
In a sense, vintage fashion never goes out of style. That’s why we also highlighted a few more local vintage shop owners. They’ve seen it all! Their origin stories are relatable, and their shared quest to preserve the sustainability of used clothing is much admired and in demand. In fact, the U.S. secondhand apparel market is expected to reach $73 billion by 2028.
Of course, style is not just about fashion. Oakland guitarist Jubu Smith is a collaborative legend in the jazz world. But when it comes to promoting his solo debut album, the media-shy artist’s style is decidedly “let the music speak for itself.”
Illustrator Jane Kim’s lush art depicts a reverence for nature, and an inclination to dive deep into the stories behind the Bay Area’s diverse flora and fauna. For Kim, the joy of falling into figurative rabbit holes is a key component of her style.
For its delectable dedication to elevated vegan cuisine, we also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Millennium in Rockridge. And we sat down to eat in Italian style at Berkeley’s Donato & Co., courtesy of the hospitality and passion of chef Gianluca Guglielmi, this issue’s cover star.
