Whether they’re frequenting Bay Area events or gracing our social media feeds, these style stars and their inspiring looks reign supreme.
WHO
Alem Belay (@alemsworld) is a first-generation Ethiopian artist who lives in Oakland. The stylist and creative director’s canvas is ever-changing and includes the practice of clothes painting.
BECAUSE
She’s intentional about the details of every look and believes that’s where greatness lies. Belay also zeroes in on reusing materials and pieces, giving them new, beautiful lives.
SEEN WEARING
The Stylist, Her (dress, leather belt, lapel pin and earrings) and vintage boots Belay customized
WHO
French interior designer and creative director Guillaume Coutheillas (@gcoutheillas), founder of frenchCALIFORNIA, works with renowned properties worldwide and will debut a design collaboration with the Salon Art + Design fair this fall.
BECAUSE
Guillaume’s wardrobe reflects a blend of California cool and Parisian sophistication. It features minimalistic yet versatile pieces in muted tones and unique layering.
SEEN WEARING
Mr. P T-shirt, Kim Duham jewelry, Acne Studios sneakers
WHO
As a digital content creator and UNICEF USA regional board member, Sobia Shaikh (@sobiaashaikh) is used to having an impact. She has nearly 650K IG followers and reveals incredible couture and travel worldwide.
BECAUSE
When Shaikh arrives at events around the city, heads turn. She boasts the best closet in the Bay Area and curates an elegant, timeless, always-on-point style.
SEEN WEARING
Dior dress and CAST flip ring
WHO
As one of the most prominent interior designers in the country, Tineke Triggs (@tineketriggs) continues to create spaces that showcase a personal style that embodies the California spirit.
BECAUSE
The designer’s fresh and bold aesthetic extends to her closet. Every time we see Triggs around town, we’re impressed by looks that appear effortless yet assembled with a keen eye for color, texture and detail.
SEEN WEARING
LA Double J dress and Arno shoes
WHO
This woman needs no social media because she’s everywhere all at once. Navid Armstrong is the socialite and connector every cultural nonprofit in the city covets. Recently, she’s been the co-chair of the ODC gala and an advocate for the SF Symphony.
BECAUSE
Whether it’s Gucci, Dior or any other European brand atop the fashion’s Mount Rushmore, guests at SF soirees and galas will get a firsthand look at a Maison’s latest by spotting Armstrong.
SEEN WEARING
Dries Van Noten skirt and top and Roberto Cavalli shoes
WHO
Adrian Burrell (@adrianburrell) is one of the Bay Area’s most prominent artists. His work has been shown at China’s Pingyao Internationa Photography Festival, Philly’s BlackStar Film Festival, San Jose’s ICA and SF’s MOAD. SFMOMA showcased Burrell’s series It’s After the End of the World, Don’t You Know That Yet?
BECAUSE
Burrell’s wardrobe matches his artistic style perfectly: refined, thoughtful and unabashedly Bay Area.
SEEN WEARING
Futurisme jacket, Uniqlo turtle neck, C.P. Company cargoes and Dr. Martens boots
WHO
With pure fun, engagement and gorgeous design, Rachel Skelly (@rachel.k.skelly), the co-founder of Bay Area-based CAST Jewelry, has changed the way consumers purchase all that glitters.
BECAUSE
No matter the setting, Skelly always looks comfortable and at home in a boho-chic wardrobe.
SEEN WEARING
ALC dress, Prada shoes and CAST jewelry (of course)
WHO
One of the Bay Area’s most influential style mavens, Sherri McMullen’s (@sherri.mcmulllen) eponymous Oakland boutique is frequented by those who crave the latest from the world’s best designers.
BECAUSE
With the recent opening of her new boutique in SF, McMullen again proves she’s the go-to arbiter of chic.
SEEN WEARING
Christopher John Rogers dress—and hanging out with the designer himself!
WHO
We are beginning to wonder if Betty Yu (@bett_yu) ever sleeps. By day, the reporter and broadcaster for KTVU Fox 2 shares critical stories about the Bay Area. At night, she explores the region in style.
BECAUSE
She’s one of the most glam reporters on the planet. Her transition from on-air attire to hosting a fundraiser for a local nonprofit while wearing Bronx & Banco, David Koma or Area is laudable.
SEEN WEARING
Christopher Esber dress and Christian Louboutin shoes
WHO
Artist Kate Tova (@kate_tova) work always uplifts and charms us, and her signature style brightened SF with pop-up murals during COVID’s darkest days. Her commissions can be seen throughout the region and U.S., and she even creates bespoke clothing.
BECAUSE
Tova’s art represents the light and joy of nature writ large, and her fashion sensibility reflects this beautifully.
SEEN WEARING
One of her own creations— not surprisingly, bright, elegant and statement-making with a Dolce & Gabbana purse.
Photography by: ALEXUZ DIAZ; COURTESY OF GUILLAUME COUTHEILLAS; TRACY EASTON; KIMBERLY WANG; TRACY EASTON; TRACY EASTON; DREW ALTIZER; TRACY EASTON; DREW ALTIZER
