Fancy That: Gold & Citrus Jewelry
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Sara fancies luxurious and inventive jewelry by Gold & Citrus. Just as the name suggests, their pieces are a little sweet and a little tart with designs that combine traditional elements—gold chains, gemstones, and beads—with more daring and unusual ones—feathers, studs, and antique wooden sequins. The collection offers something for every taste from simple and elegant, to sleek and sexy, to richly textured and exotic.
Gold & Citrus is a collaboration of local artists Sara Rossbach and Richard Combs. They work together on the jewelry designs, then Sara meticulously created each piece by hand with beads, sewing machine, and metalwork, while Rich makes sure the whole experience of their jewelry is equally beautiful with his packaging and website design.
Everything in their three unique jewelry lines—We’re Golden, Body & Soul, and Everyday, Everyway—represents the brand’s philosophy that luxury does not have to be so serious. Many pieces are asymmetrical, and some, such as the scarf-like Clementine necklace shown above, are designed to be worn several ways, giving the owner a chance to have fun and be comfortable wearing an eye-catching and made-to-order piece of jewelry.
The Gold & Citrus online shop is having a holiday sale! Use coupon code GOLDEN20 at checkout to SAVE 20% on the entire site, today through Monday, Nov. 30th.
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Fancy That: The Brixton Pound
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Michael fancies the movement towards local currencies. The streets of London may be regulated by the pound sterling, but one neighborhood is fueling its success with a different type of capital— the Brixton Pound.
Think of it as a bold, new experiment to boost the economy by investing your money where it counts— in local commerce. Global trade may be becoming more and more the norm, but independent business owners and fiscally-conscious locavores are finding that grassroots efforts like the Brixton Pound (B£) are key to building a resilient economy. Acting as a catalyst for civic pride and building community awareness, local currencies encourage a mutual support system that, through keeping money in their neighborhood, continues to sustain itself. And with vibrantly-designed denominations like these, who wouldn’t be encouraged to spend?
The B£ follows the successful introduction of the Totnes Pound in Devon, Lewes Pound in Sussex and Stroud Pound in Gloucestershire. Could district-controlled monetary systems be the wave of the future? Is encouraging a more cash-based society the answer to the credit crisis? It’s no government bailout, but it’s definitely a plan you can take to the bank.
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Fancy That: Ateliers Ruby Helmets
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Michael fancies the lux line of jet helmets from Les Ateliers Ruby. Their sleek carbon fiber shell and crimson nappa lambskin lining bring together the best in material science and retro styling. The result— the ultimate status symbol for, as Ruby puts it, “everyday heroes and heroines.”
The Pavillon is Ruby’s flagship, open-faced model and is currently offered in three distinct colorways— Shibuya (peppermint), Concorde (black) and St. Honore (white). The Belvedere model builds on the classic form with the added feature benefit of a full-face visor, showing a clear homage to American and Japanese science fiction.
It’s no surprise that founder Jerome Coste drew his inspiration from the legendary speed racer himself Steve McQueen. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Ateliers Ruby helmets are available in the Bay Area at either Vespa of Walnut Creek (2780 Camino Diablo) or Rockridge Two Wheels in Oakland (5291 College Avenue).
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Culturshock: a seismic event celebrating the best of Bay Area art & design
On November 5th, Culturcosm will host its first event benefiting its carefully-curated roster of local talent. Held at the acclaimed Space Gallery, the event will feature a bevy of independent artists and vendors showcased over a 2-level 1600 square foot venue, with full bar service.
Participating Artists include:
ReMade USA Handbags
Litter Jewelry
Kurt Manley Photography
Quando Belts by Genaro Vergoglini
Tomgirl Jewelry by Taryn McCabe
Cuong Ta Ceramics
Artwork by Hilary Williams
Artwork by John Wood
Vanessa Gade Jewelry
Spray Can Artworks by FuryOne
My Dutch Bike
Nate1 of New Skool
Shop our recommended best in Bay Area art and fashion, boogie down with DJ ExtraLars and marvel at surprise live entertainment planned throughout the evening.
Join us from 6 o’clock on and support the movers and shakers of the Bay Area!
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Bye, Bye Bay Bridge. Hello Bay Line?
As most Bay Area residents are well aware, one of our most viable means for commuting into and out of the city, the Oakland Bay Bridge, has been undergoing an extensive metamorphosis. In an attempt to bring the bridge up to current seismic safety standards, following the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake, the California Department of Transportation has been working around the clock on a new East Span from Oakland’s shores to Yerba Buena Island.
But what will happen to the current, National Register of Historic Places identified, East Span structure? Plans call for its demolishment and relocation of specified sections of the legendary bridge to museums, in order to satisfy historic preservation requirements. A curious approach, as my understanding of historic preservation typically doesn’t involve demolition.
Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello of Oakland-based Rael San Fratello Architects suggest a different solution. Save the old bridge and transform it into an elevated urban park and mixed-use development called the Bay Line, purposefully reminiscent of the newly-opened High Line park in mid-Manhattan. Also considered a pipe dream at the time it was conceived, The High Line converted a long-abandoned elevated railway into a stylish pedestrian park space. It has since been embraced by the public and preservationists alike as a bold, new step in urban planning utilizing pre-existing city infrastructure for a more eco-conscious future.
As reported by SF Streets Blog, Rael proposes an upper deck outfitted with a 1.9 mile bike and pedestrian path, 15 acres of garden space, tennis courts, and even a climbing wall. The lower deck would generate enough capital to offset its maintenance through mixed residential and commercial retail units, in addition to cultural amenities such as museums and amphitheater.
Cross section, showing upper and lower deck usage. Image by Rael Fratello Architects.
Proposed garden/orchard. Image by Rael Fratello Architects.
A bold proposal, yes. But is it likely? The Metropolitan Transportation Commission doesn’t seem to agree and laughs off its feasibility. It seems certainly worth consideration though. And, if the above renderings aren’t appetizing enough, the hundreds of millions of dollars saved should whet the State’s whistle.
Where do you stand on The Bay Line?
—Michael
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Fancy That: Theroux by Moscot
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Michael fancies the limited edition Theroux eyeglass frame by Moscot. Named for the “Mulholland Drive” star Justin Theroux, these frames are an exacting replica of the 1960s French originals that his character wore in the film.
A fixture in the optical industry since 1915, Moscot carries a handsome collection of frames for men and women. Can’t get to one of their myriad international retail locations? Their online shop takes the guesswork out of frame selection. With style suggestions for every face shape and a virtual “try on” simulator, Moscot’s number one priority is keeping all eyes on you.
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Fancy That: Kasa Rechargeable LCD TV
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Michael fancies a new high in LCD tech. The Kasa Rechargeable LCD TV is the futuristic result of a collaboration between industrial demi-god Kit Men and Korean electronics company LG Innotek.
How do you compete with an industry where manufacturers are constantly one-upping each other with enhanced benefits and increased energy efficiency? Try battery-operation and an ethereal acrylic frame. I’m sold, but don’t go rushing to your local Best Buy. This crystalline beauty isn’t projected to hit stores until 2020.
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Fancy That: Lekker Necklines
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Sara fancies vintage scarf ascots from Lekker. Sported as a fresh alternative to a necklace, they’re sure to turn heads and sass-up any outfit, from jeans and a t-shirt to a cocktail dress, even adding some warmth on a cool night.
Lekker founder and Bay Area designer, Catherine Weis has been collecting vintage scarves at shops and flea markets for years, drawn by their vibrant patterns. With a life-long interest in fashion design, and a professional career in graphic design, Catherine began applying her artistic eye and creative know-how to her scarf collection. The result is a totally unique and modern twist on the classic woman’s ascot.
“I’ve always been interested in the play between shapes, textures and color, between the old and the new. I’m inspired and reassured to know that classic design never goes out of style.”
Each hand-selected scarf is put through a professional pleating process and hand-sewn to a lace collar fitted with an adjustable gold-plated chain and lobster claw clasp. Choose from the “Chrysler” or “A Line” design, available in a variety of lengths, or go extra-glam in black lace. There are so many delicious designs, you’ll want more than one!
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Not Whether, but When?
When, when, when? Part existential quandary, part materialistic mantra, the word “when” bears an authentically American bent. It’s perhaps all too fitting that, in a world where nothing is ever enough and missions are accomplished none too soon, SF-based industrial designer (and Gimme Shoes denizen) Genaro Vergoglini crafts Quando, his new line of upcycled belts.
Inspired by the Italian word for “when,” (Vergoglini himself is Italian-American), Quando offers an array of bold, seasonless, unisex options alla moda — that is to say, locally made belts with a decidedly Europen edge that anyone can wear right now, not to mention for many seasons to come.
OK, so we get the when and the why, but how does he do it? Vergoglini scours thrift and used clothing stores to find suede and leather belts that are in great or like-new condition. He then hand-draws his own original graphics onto the belts using fabric inks and paints — resulting in one-of-a-kind designs that have also been recycled and redesigned without adding to the landfill or using precious new resources.
Looks like the only question now is, why not?
Quando’s e-commerce website is currently under construction. For more information, please contact Genaro Vergoglini directly at genaroplease@yahoo.com.
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Best in Class DUV (Dutch Utility Vehicle)
As is the case with most things in life, trends tend to be cyclical. How else do you explain the return of acid wash jeans? Though most of us are no longer desperately seeking Susan, we are continually in search of ways to alleviate our dependence on fossil fuels. So, in our relentless search for more innovative [read green] approaches to daily travel, it only follows that we look forward, again, to one of the most time-honored of mobility options— the bicycle.
MyDutchBike.com aims to introduce the Bay Area to a more utilitarian line of bikes rarely seen on this side of the Atlantic. I recently sat down with shop proprietors Soraya Nasirian and Oscar Mulder, who’ve successfully turned their passion for finding a harder-working pedal-pusher into a budding import business that continues to give them goose bumps every morning.
The FR8 Transport accommodates the heaviest of loads and the smoothest of rides.
There’s been a resurgence of interest in bikes recently. Why do you see the Bay Area as being a prime location for people who are interested in bike culture?
Soraya: This is a great place for biking. There’s a movement here; you can feel it. There’s a lot happening here in regards to urban awareness and the environment. Groups like The Marin Coalition and SPUR facilitate that movement. A lot of San Franciscans have also traveled a lot and they recognize the bikes from Europe. And they remember the experience that they had renting them.
Oscar: The people who are really drawn to San Francisco are all these types of people— the art, music and lifestyle all play a part.
Soraya: The roads aren’t really there yet but there are new bikes lanes popping up all the time. The San Francisco Bike Coalition just recently got approval on 45 additional lanes. It’s really opening the door for more people in the mainstream to start riding.
What do you feel is driving people away from their cars and onto your bikes?
Oscar: The infrastructure of the city is changing. Some of our customers haven’t ridden a bike in 10, 20 years and wanna go back but are afraid of the carbon fiber. They want something a little more solid and stable.
Soraya: As gas prices have gone up, you’ve also seen the buses and ferries getting more crowded. The pocketbook may be attracting people to ride their bikes more. But there’s a new kind of cyclist on the road these days— the ones who are rediscovering bikes and enjoying them in style.
Omafiets (lit. Grandma bike, left & top right) and Opafiets (lit. Grandpa bike, bottom right)
From the first glance, it’s clear that MyDutchBike brings an air of style to how you can commute. Bikers want to be able to transition seamlessly from the road to the office. What is it about your bikes that give people the ability to ride in their regular work clothes?
Soraya: The big plus is that it has fenders, gearing protection, and flaps [behind the wheels]. That way your clothes aren’t going to get dirty or caught in anything. You don’t have to worry about what you’re wearing. You can wear a skirt or even bell-bottoms. You’re also sitting upright, which is a lot more comfortable.
Oscar: In Europe, they’ve been going to work and getting around town for hundreds of years with this exact same bike. The geometry is obviously very good and hasn’t changed. The gear has been updated to the very latest from Nexus. It’s very advanced. You can go 5 miles and not even break a sweat.
How do you feel that Dutch manufacturing differs from what we typically see in American models?
Oscar: I’d say primarily because of their history and the quality of materials. Amsterdam is the bike capital of the world. They have so much experience in building bikes; they are just superior to any other utility bike on the market.
The bikes themselves are very low-maintenance. The tires on these models are a little fatter too, to cope with the [train] tracks in the city. They are a little heavier than usual because they’re built from acreage steel that will last a lifetime.
Soraya: They’ve got the design down. Generations of families have come up with a formula that works.
The Bakfiets is designed for hauling even the most precious of cargo.
And the test ride is absolutely key. It’s much like buying a car— you don’t want to buy it before you know how it handles.
Soraya: Exactly. A lot of people have never seen these types of bikes before, so I want them to try them out. Otherwise, if they just come in to look, they’ve missed the point. They’re not sport bikes; they’re commuter bikes. Once you ride them, you understand why they’re different.
What do you see for the future of MyDutchBike.com? Are you looking to develop new areas of business?
Oscar: We’re looking to branch off a little with new types of bikes and new color ways. We will be introducing a new model soon, a stripped-down version based on the bike used by the Secret Service. And it’ll retail for about $400 less than the Oma model.
Soraya: My dream would be to put select pieces of biking gear into the mix. Possibly helmets, some clothing and accessories. It’s important that we stay true to our philosophy of comfort and quality and concentrate on our core product, the bikes. But it’s always nice to push a little style with it.
MyDutchBike.com sells both online and at their temporary showroom, 575 Market Street. Stop in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday from 11am-3pm or make an appointment for a test ride. 415-420-9649.
—Michael
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About
Culturcosm is your online authority on the climate of trend throughout the Bay Area. Your roving reporters are taking to the streets and chasing down the real story. Be it stormy or serene, torrid or just plain tragic, we will break it down before you hit it up. Stay tuned. There's a new trend breaking every minute.
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General Inquiriesinfo@culturcosm.com
Michael, founder / editor-in-chiefmichael@culturcosm.com
Kay, founder / contributing editorkay@culturcosm.com
Sara, trendcaster / managing editorsara@culturcosm.com
Heather, social commentatorheather@culturcosm.com
Taylor, music trendcastertaylor@culturcosm.com
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