Night Flash

There’s no better intersection to feel the pulse of San Francisco’s style than Valencia and 18th Street on a Friday night. On a recent balmy evening, I posted up with my camera to catch the action. As people cruised by on their way to bars, house parties, and dinners, I saw a whole gamut of looks – from sleek attire by renowned designers to peculiar thrift store pieces and even handmade creations.

The common thread I found is that everyone loves a piece with a story behind it: the $2 purse from a secondhand store in Australia, or the suit tailored for an uncle in the ’70s in South Africa that just happens to fit perfectly. And, of course, no one wanted to be associated with a particular trend; San Franciscans love their one-of-a-kind ensembles.

Below are the distinctive individuals I crossed paths with, and my favorite pieces they donned.

Jordan Deherrera
Hair steps! He shaved them himself.

Mari Mu
Multicolored leggings, from a vintage store in Arcadia.

Pete De Pentheny
Jacket, custom-tailored for his uncle in South Africa.

Jenny Ton
Studded high heels, from Sam Edelman.

Sarah Annie Graham
Headscarf, a 1978 Pucci.

Matthias de Vogel & Boris Denoval
Bracelets act as wedding bands. They were picked up from all over the world (Hong Kong, Paris, Indonesia, etc.).

Carmen Campos
Fur-lined leather jacket, from her home country of Brazil.

Juhee Park
Sparkling gold jacket, Korean brand Epitaph.

Tristan Harris
Vintage Italian Soprani accordion from the 1960s, Cotati Accordion Festival, August 2011.

Erin Griffin
Long-sleeved vintage white top, San Bruno Goodwill.

Julia Rhee
Korean tattoo on her shoulder honoring her grandmother (just got it for her birthday).

Roberto Lucero
Polka-dot bow tie, Goodwill.

Brenna Harrington
Fierce lion shirt, hand-painted by an employee at a vintage boutique on Valencia.

William Brennan
Red scarf, from NYC and wears it to every music festival and concert he goes to.

I’ll be out again taking photographs on Saturday, June 23rd from 9 - 11 p.m. This time, at 18th & Castro! Stop by and show me your threads for a chance to be featured in The Bold Italic's Night Flash.