Shopping: Department Seventeen's New Hayes Valley Digs
Originally a men’s-only store, Department Seventeen migrated from their tiny space in Nob Hill to Hayes Valley last month. Now with a small but growing selection of women’s wares, the new location is filled with a discerning collection of modern apparel and accessories for both genders.
Department Seventeen (D17) is the brainchild of Adrian Putra, Nelson Jang and Daniel Lee, who decided to set up their own shop when they couldn’t find clothing and styles from certain brands at other local establishments. They opened their Nob Hill location roughly a year ago and have found a larger sun-filled space on Gough, next door to Gangs of San Francisco.
In addition to sourcing hard-to-find brands, D17 is a member of SFMade, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and supporting manufacturing in San Francisco. To that end, Department Seventeen-branded woven shirts are produced in SOMA.
Shirts from the last (men’s only) collection include the Western Utility Shirt (originally $130, now on sale for $60), a smart slim-fit Japanese chambray number combining elements from utility and western wear, with utility pockets contrasting front yoke and cat’s eye buttons. For something slightly dressier, the 3/4 Placket Oxford in white (originally $75, now $40) features a contrasting light grey, button down collar and is made of imported Japanese Oxford cotton fabric.
D17’s fall line is in production and should hopefully be available next month. The new line includes the brand’s first run of women’s shirts, which take cues from men’s shirting with slim tomboyish fit.
Exclusive to D17 is their Lineman Boot by Al’s Attire. Inspired by shoes worn by workers who climb utility poles, this boot is crafted of dark brown Italian leather with wax-threaded pull strap, steel shank and lightweight Vibram Christy sole. The limited edition Lineman Boots are handmade by Al Ribaya, owner of Al’s Attire — a North Beach institution that specializes in tailored and custom suits, coats, hats, shoes and more.
A small sampling of brands found at D17 includes Crescent Down Works (popular for their Seattle-made goose down vests for men and women), Outlier clothing (crisp slacks-and-chinos-styled pants and button-downs designed for cycling), Norse Projects (Danish styles combining classic work wear with modern street wear) and Post Overalls (US-made vintage-inspired work clothing).
Those on the hunt for comfy casual will find a small selection of knit sweats from British brand John Smedley. Recently added brands include Kitsuné (mélange tees and selvedge jeans with contrasting red and blue outseams) and Reigning Champ (specializing in their signature 25oz. heavyweight Canadian fleece). New for the ladies is Hansel from Basel, a line of playfully designed tights, socks and totes.
D17 is also adding Japanese cult brand Porter; Tokyo-made briefcases, backpacks and wallets are expected to arrive soon.
For finishing touches, Uniform Wares watches from London are some of D17’s best sellers, showcasing clean, classic design and ranging in price from $175 to $600. Other accessories include Richer Poorer socks, Michelle Lane’s distinctive rope jewelry and D17’s own chambray scarves and hand loomed pocket squares.
Foodies can also find issues of Lucky Peach here. Published by McSweeney’s and counting Momofuku’s David Chang among its creators, Lucky Peach is a quarterly journal focused on food and writing.
