Capsule SF has grown considerably from a few years ago when DIY vendor booths only populated the east side of Octavia Greens. Now vendors line both on the east and west sides of Octavia and shut down automobile traffic on Ivy Street to allow pedestrians to shop. The quality of the vendors remains consistent with a strong Bay Area contingent. With a planned visit from a friend, we patiently browsed booth by booth to scope out the eye-appealing and creative merchandise.
Later in the day, another friend visited with a box of fresh varietal mochi from Benkyodo. We decided to walk through Capsule SF and finally settle into Cafe la Vie to enjoy tea and mochi sweets. Since the cold wind picked up, I provided highlights to my friend and mentioned a few of my favorite vendors from my earlier visit. I could not wait for that hot tea and apple cider!
Daka Accessories
My favorite exhibitionist texture and color is patent red. This Taipan clutch exhibited pure bad ass attitude with a gold link chain strap and slithering snake to boot! In addition to being a visual spectacle, my olfactory receptors were addicted to the pure leather suede that lined the interior. By the time I came back for my second dose of Capsule, this purse was long gone.
We all know that females dress up for other females. Well which ever lucky dame struts around with this purse will leave many ladies sizing her up but failing miserably. I will keep my eye out for that fashionista!
Photo Credit: Taipan Clutch in Red Patent from Daka Accessories
Daka Accessories by Kerstin Fleischer415.244.9359
info@dakabag.com
More featured designers after the jump.
judy aurora
Earlier in the year, I met Judy Yip at the Bay Area Independent Designer Sale, a Fashion Week piggy back event at Secession Art and Design in Bernal Heights. She displayed several of her handmade delicate precious stones and metal jewelry. I recognized her gold chain necklace with multiple collated and long U-chain loops hanging form the single necklace. And I was debating whether to get the circle linked bracelet that alternated between 3 and 2 metal linked circles in a row. Unfortunately, I was too shy to request photographs of her pieces, and her website is under construction. If you can take my descriptive word for it, you may adore her simple and captivating jewelry as much as I do.
650.787.5712
judyaurora@gmail.com
Molly M Designs
Hailing from Berkeley, Molly constantly entertained the packed crowd around her table. Her shoppers unrelentingly gave up their prime viewing and purchasing space. Everyone but me had a chance to purchase a set of laser etched wood or plastic earrings. I overheard that her merchandise is carried by Doe, a nearby boutique owned by local favorite resident Kati. I will be shopping in Lower Haight fairly soon!
Photo credits: Wood Circle Earrings and Arcrylic Bubble Earings from Molly M Designs.
Molly M Designs by Molly Elizabeth McGrath415.515.4065
molly@mollymdesigns.com
Rebe
Hands down the most popular clothing item at Capsule! By the end of the day the cold wind had picked up, and I counted more than 5 people strolling through Capsule with this warm and comfortable Maryanne coat on. This hooded coat with side slit pockets comes in beautiful deep burgundy, an all-matching mahogany, fun tangerine, and cool artichoke. Also, Rebe makes every clothing item out of recyclable materials, a plus in my green book. Everyone who tried on this coat had a flattering feminine figure because the Weiss designers strategically placed symmetrical darts. This is one item that I regret not purchasing at Capsule.
Photo credit: Maryanne Coat from Rebe
Rebe by Debra Weiss818.348.1930
myrebe@gmail.com
Tonaj
Under the bright sun, these wire wrapped ball earrings sparkle like an Austrian crystal. These earrings come in gold, copper, and silver wires with different lengths. I purchased a similar version which were a pair of 2″ long silver dangling earrings. Tonaj jewelry are made from the hands of a Turkish family with a taste for modern Middle Eastern designs.
Photo Credit: Gold Wire Earrings from Tonaj
Tonaj by Emine Keskin415-566 6945
admin@tonaj.com
The best part about Capsule SF is that many designers gave substantial discounts to current season items! See you next year at the Spring 2008 Capsule event in HaYES Valley, San Francisco, CA!
Photo credits: First and last photos are licensed under Fashion Design Maven. If you use these photos within the terms of the license or make special arrangements to use the photo, please list the photo credit as “Fashion Design Maven” and link the credit to fashiondesignmaven.wordpress.com.
