UNABASHED BAY AREA STYLENovEmBER 2012
GRAND(RE)OPENING
2012!
S A N F R A N C I S C O & P A L O A L T O R e N O v A T I O N S C O m P L e T e !
The entire Wilkes Bashford team and Mitchell family join together in inviting our friends from San Francisco, Palo Alto and around the world to discover two magnificently redesigned stores!
With the help of Gensler Worldwide, we’ve turned our San Francisco flagship into a metaphorical townhouse and completely transformed our Palo Alto store. Both are designed to deliver uniquely welcoming shopping experiences, including iconic new designer boutiques, expanded floor space and lots of design surprises.
Come discover all that’s new and let the celebration begin!
WHAT’S ALL THE TALK?
WILKES SAN FRANCISCOA PALO ALTO GRAND (RE)OPENINGS!
∂ OUR 7-STORY SAN FRANCISCO TOWNHOUSE AND PALO ALTO STORE ARE NOW FULLY REDESIGNED AND RENOVATED!
“ It has been a sensational 3 years since Wilkes Bashford joined our family of stores. We love our new friends in the Bay Area and are so excited about creating iconic stores to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
T H R E E G E N E R AT I O N S O F T H E M I T C H E L L FA M I LY W I T H W I L K E S B A S H F O R D
THE MITCHELL FAMILY
Agnona
Akris
Alexander McQueen NEWBelstaff NEWBettye Muller
Brunello Cucinelli
Carven
Chloe
Christian Louboutin
Dolce & Gabbana
Etro
Giuseppe Zanotti
Helmut Lang
Henry Beguelin
J Brand
Jimmy Choo
J Mendel
Judith Leiber NEWKiton
Loro Piana
L’agence
Manolo Blahnik
Michael Kors
Nancy Gonzalez NEWNina Ricci NEW
Oscar De La Renta
Pamella Roland
Pas de Rouge
Pierre Hardy NEWRag & Bone NEWReed Krakoff
Rene Caovilla
Roberto Cavalli
Sergio Rossi
Stella McCartney NEWThe Row Resort
Tod’s NEWValentino
Yigal Azroüel ...and more!
forhErde
sign
ers
NEW DESIGNERS. OLD FAVORITES.neW BOUTiQUes. eXPAnded JeWeLrY.50% MORE RETAIL SPACE!
WHAT’S ALL THE TALK?
Pamella Roland
Pas de Rouge
Pierre Hardy NEWRag & Bone NEWReed Krakoff
Rene Caovilla
Roberto Cavalli
Sergio Rossi
Stella McCartney NEWThe Row Resort
Tod’s NEWValentino
Yigal Azroüel ...and more!
AG
Boglioli
Bontoni
Brioni
Brunello Cucinelli
Charvet NEWErmenegildo Zegna
Etro
Finamore
H Stern
Irene Neuwirth NEWKathleen Dughi Jeweler
Kimberly McDonald
Kwiat
Lagos
Loren Jewels
Martin Bernstein NEW
Nam Cho NEW
JEWELrY DESIGNErS
Gaziano / Girling
Gravati
Hamilton Custom Shirts
Incotex
Isaia
John Lobb
Kiton
Lanvin NEWLoro Piana
forhIMde
sign
ers
Luciano Barbera
Partenopea
Prps NEWPenhaligons
Pirelli
Rag & Bone NEWSantoni NEWTod’s NEW3 X 1 NEW ...and more!
Paolo Costagli
Paul Morelli
Oscar Heyman NEWRenee Lewis
Sylva & Cie NEWSyna Jewels NEWPomellato NEW
Temple St. Clair
Yossi ...and more!
Ashley Pittman
Assael NEWCoomi NEWElizabeth & James NEWFrank Ancona
WHAT SOME OF THE WORLD’STOP DESIGNERSARE SAYING ABOUT
THE NEW WILKES...
WHAT’S ALL THE TALK?
I’ve worked with the Mitchells for over a decade and their integrity and passion towards their clients sets an example for our entire industry. Their commitment to restore the historic Wilkes Bashford Townhouse is a testament to their vision for the future of the company. It is sure to become an instant San Francisco landmark.
brunELLo CuCInELLIdesigneR
gILdo zEgnA CeO, eRmenegildO Zegna gROup
We are delighted to bring our longstanding partnership and special relationship with the Mitchell family to the West Coast with the debut of our next generation Ermenegildo Zegna shop concept at Wilkes Bashford. The Mitchells’ restoration of Wilkes Bashford is a significant achievement for our industry and we are proud to play a leading part in this new chapter of the store’s illustrious history.
Stylish, timeless and oh so chic. Wilkes is a must stop on every fashion connoisseur’s world tour.
MICHAEL KorS designeR
gILdo zEgnA CeO, eRmenegildO Zegna gROup
SÔnIA & WILLY bognEr designeRs
We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Wilkes, who was the first to bring our Bogner Woman and Sônia Bogner collections to California – and we are happy that our clothes will look even more beautiful in the redesigned stores.
As we celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Akris, our third generation, family owned fashion house, we look forward to celebrating many new milestones with Wilkes Bashford.
ALbErT & PETEr KrIEMLEr CReaTiVe diReCTOR & glOBal pResidenT, akRis
MASSIMo bIzzoCCHI CHaiRman OF kiTOn CORp.
I look forward to visiting the new stores as I so enjoyed welcoming Tyler and Antonello to Napoli!
I am pleased that the Reed Krakoff collection is associated with the Mitchells’ family business in all of its locations and am especially delighted to introduce the collection at Wilkes — a San Francisco institution.
rEEd KrAKoFF designeR
MAnoLo bLAHnIK designeR
A special shoe to congratulate my friends at Wilkes Bashford. The Townhouse is a reason for all of San Francisco celebrate!
The women of The Bay Area spoke and we listened. Both Wilkes Bashford stores now include 50% more great fashions dedicated to women. Stunning women’s designer boutiques and expanded jewelry salons have been added... plus new VIP dressing rooms and cozy lounge areas!
In our San Francisco Townhouse, we’ve added 30% more floor space in our women’s departments on two additional floors.... and all women’s floors are now contiguous, to make shopping more enjoyable. We’ve also opened up all the windows to bring in lots of great natural light.
Come discover the Bay Area’s most exciting new and improved women’s shopping experience!
WHAT’S ALL THE TALK?
WILKES BEST KEPT SECRET
50% MORE WOMEN’SMORE SPACE. MORE INVENTORY.
∂ WOmEN ’S IS THE FASTEST GROWING PART OF OUR bUSINESS AND WE ’VE mADE A COmmITmENT TO ENHANCE ALL WOmEN ’S DEPARTmENTS AS PART OF OUR RENOVATIONS.
ETRO
There’s no place like home. We view our stores as homes... and have designed them to make all that enter feel right at home.”
This season, in honor of our newly home-themed Townhouse, we’ve set some of fall’s most exquisite fashions against the backdrops of some very spectacular homes!
“
NANC
Y GO
NZAL
EZ
OSCA
R DE
LA R
ENTA
BRUN
ELLO
CUC
INEL
LI
BRUN
ELLO
CUC
INEL
LI
Luciano BarBera
TOD’s
INCOTEX
ERM
ENEG
ILDO
ZEG
NA
ISAI
A
SANTONI
ISAI
A
VALENTINO bettye muller
VALENTINO bettye muller
AGAVE
PRAT
ESI
AGAVE
OSCA
R DE
LA R
ENTA
BOGN
ER
ROBERTO CAVALLI
JIMMY CHOO
JIMMY CHOO
MANOLO BLAHNIK
MANOLO BLAHNIK PAM
ELLA
ROL
AND
YIGA
L AZR
OÜEL
GRAVATi
Whether you’re looking for an heirloom-quality necklace of rare colored diamonds or fun bangles for your next vacation, you’ll find it in our exciting new jewelry departments!
In both stores, we’ve added cases of exquisite fine and designer jewelry, carefully selected from the world’s top jewelry houses. At Wilkes, you can even work with favorite designers like Temple St. Clair and Kimberly McDonald to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
And one of the best things about shopping for jewelry with Wilkes... Our jewelry experts work closely with our associates to find the right pieces to complete your look. Come take a look and have some fun!
BRAND NEW & EXPANDED!JEWELRY SALONS
WHAT’S ALL THE TALK?
KImBERLY mcDoNALDKWIAT LAgoS LoREN JEWELSmARTIN BERNSTEIN NAm cHoPAoLo coSTAgLI PAUL moRELLI
oScAR HEYmANRENEE LEWIS SYLvA & cIESYNA JEWELSPomELLATo TEmPLE ST. cLAIRYoSSI...& moRE!
ASHLEY PITTmANASSAELcoomIELIzABETH & JAmESFRANK ANcoNA H STERNIRENE NEUWIRTHKATHLEEN DUgHI JEWELER
BRAND NEW & EXPANDED!JEWELRY SALONS
Paul Morelli
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR
OSCAR HEYMAN
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR
KIMBERLEY M
CDONALD
ASSAEL
2009
1984
1966 WILKES BASHFoRD oPENS
HIS FIRST SToRE IN UNIoN SqUARE
WILKES movES AcRoSS THE STREET To HIS FAmED 7-SToRY ToWNHoUSE
WILKES BASHFoRD BEcomES PART oF THE mITcHELLS FAmILY oF SToRES
2012
THE MAKING OF A
SAN FRANcISco LEgEND
2012
1978
2001
WomEN’S DEPARTmENT oPENS
WILKES oPENS PALo ALTo SToRE To SERvE SILIcoN vALLEY cLIENTELE
Since opening his doors in Union Square in 1966, Wilkes Bashford has been one of the world’s most influential men in fashion. Mr. Bashford set the stage for men’s fashion in Northern California with his famous eye and inimitable talent
for buying good-looking clothes and modifying them in his signature way to make them great… and for providing customer service that is second to none.
Born in the Bronx and raised in upstate New York, Wilkes first discovered fashion as a student at The University of Cincinnati. during a work-study program at the world headquarters of Federated Department Stores. After graduating, he moved to San Francisco to work for
White House Department Store as a buyer. In 1965, he moved to New York to become Fashion Director for Men at Federated. However, after a year he missed being in a store with customers, and he missed San Francisco. So, with some European buying connections and a dream, he moved west to get started.
In 1966, he opened the first Wilkes Bashford store across from the current San Francisco townhouse. With a cont.
THE MAKING OF A
SAN FRANcISco LEgEND
ToWNHoUSE & PALo ALTo UNDERgo LANDmARK RENovATIoNS BY gENSLER
vision to serve a high-end customer he deemed “the bold conservative,” Wilkes Bashford’s first designer was Brioni. “Their quality was widely known, but I went to them and asked for a simplification of the designs. I can’t believe I had the nerve to do that, but they removed the decorative stitching. Over time their whole look evolved to
the elegant image of today’s collection.”The first American men’s designer
to emerge was Ralph Lauren. In 1966, Wilkes took him on, bravely introducing his famed neckties for $12.50, when the competitors were under $4 at the time.
In 1984, Wilkes moved to his famous seven-story townhouse. He added a women’s department in 1978 and in
2001 opened in Palo Alto, to cater to the Silicon Valley crowd.
Wilkes has always believed in the “total look,” helping many men and women who might know how to run major organizations, but need help in defining their own style. He stays away from clothing that is too trendy. “If a customer buys something unique, well-
fyi
fyi
Wilkes Was the first retailer to bring many top designers from italy, including giorgio armani, to the unites states.
Wilkes Was one of the first to carry ralph lauren, boldly introducing his neckties for $12.50 When the competitors Were under $4... the tWo have been friends ever since.
one of the most influential men in fashion, Wilkes bashford has been a fixture on esquire’s “international men of fashion” since 1972.
fyi
the penthouse
the stables
the garden
the library
the living room
the artist’sstudio
the grand foyer
76
32
1
54
Men’s Custom, Kiton, Brioni, Bar & Lounge
Men’s Sportswear, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana
Women’s Shoes & Accessories, Pratesi
Men’s Suiting & Furnishings,Ermenegildo Zegna
Women’s Couture
Women’s Sportswear, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana
Men’s Shoes, “Best of Men’s,” Jewelry
Into the future. All 7 stories of our landmark San Francsisco Townhouse have been re-imagined to feel like you are being welcomed into a gracious home.
made and expensive, he wants to wear it for a while.”
Wilkes has always been very involved in the community, frequently serving on boards, attending and hosting events for countless charities. He has known the Mitchell family for about 25 years, through industry events and European buying trips. His merger with the Mitchells has enabled him to grow and evolve his vision for a new generation and for this he is genuinely grateful. “There couldn’t be a better or more natural match for us. In my opinion, it is a match made in heaven! How lucky it is in today’s world when that happens!”
Wilkes Bashford appeared on the men’s fashion scene in Northern California over 40 years ago and has been been an integral and iconic part of San Francisco’s tapestry ever since.
Whether hosting an event for the Veteran’s War Memorial or another cause close to his heart... holding court at Le Central luncthime with best friend Willie Brown (and Dutchie, of course!)... or finding you that unexpected, but perfect tie to complete your look... there is so much to love about Wilkes!
ALL THINgS WILKES
∂ ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES, A FEW OF WILKES’ mANY bELOVED FRIENDS AND CUSTOmERS PAY HOmAGE TO A TRUE SAN FRANCISCO ORIGINAL...
WHAT’S ALL THE TALK?
FOR T LOVE OF
“ A San Francisco legend is reborn! A testament to my best friend for 40 years!”
ALL THINgS WILKESFOR T LOVE OF
FOR THE LOVE OF WILKES
WILLIE broWnFORmeR maYOR OF san FRanCisCO
pictured with wilkes bashford
“ The responsibility to fight poverty in our community belongs to all of us. We are proud to partner with Wilkes Bashford as we work to build a better Bay Area.”
dAnIEL LurIE FOundeR, Tipping pOinT pictured with TYLEr MITCHELL
BRIONI
“ After working at Mitchells in Connecticut, I am thrilled to partner with Wilkes to help benefit the San Francisco Ballet.”
CHrISTInE LEong ConnorS managing diReCTOR, J.p.mORgansan FRanCisCO BalleT auxiliaRY memBeR
FOR THE LOVE OF WILKES
BRIONI
“ Wilkes is a San Francisco treasure! He puts sparkle and spice into everything he does – his unique fashion sense, loyal friendship and dedicated community service. He is ‘Mr. San Francisco,’ and most of all, my treasured friend! Sheree is a rare and beautiful jewel! Her ‘up’ spirit and up-to-date fashion knowledge have enhanced my life – and my wardrobe!”
CHArLoTTE SHuLTzCHieF pROTOCOl OFFiCeR OF CaliFORnia
pictured with SHérEE CHAMbErS assOCiaTe, san FRanCisCO
FOR THE LOVE OF WILKES
“ Thanks to Wilkes Bashford and Bill Downes, we have discovered that dressing well is a lifelong pursuit!”
JASon goLdMAn & MATTHEW goLdMAnFOundeRs OF g2 insuRanCe san FRanCisCO, Ca
pictured with bILL doWnES assOCiaTe, san FRanCisCO
SARTORIA PARTENOPEA
“ I’ve been a customer of Wilkes Bashford for 30 years. I originally came for the clothes but stayed for the exceptional and unique level of customer service. Robert epitomizes the relationships I’ve cultivated with all the Wilkes staff!”
MArK CurTISCusTOmeR sinCe He was16 YeaRs Old
pictured with robErT SIMMonS assOCiaTe, palO alTO
JEnnIFEr SIEbEL nEWSoM dOCumenTaRian &seCOnd ladY OF CaliFORnia
FOR THE LOVE OF WILKES
“ There is nothing more quintessentially San Franciscan than Wilkes Bashford!”
“ Now the stores are as unique and extraordinary as the clothing we sell. We look forward to serving our customers in even grander style!”
JEFF gArELICK, diReCTOR OF salesCHrISTInE robbInS, wOmen’s BuYeRHESS rouHAFzA , sTORe manageR, palO alTO
T H e g a R d e n O n 2 b o g n E r
“ I’m excited to fill the new Townhouse and Palo Alto stores with the vibrancy and music of SFJAZZ for your relaunch extravaganzas... A match made in STYLE!”
robErT MAILEr AndErSonBOaRd memBeR san FRanCisCO JaZZ CenTeR
FOR THE LOVE OF WILKES
“ Errika knows my wardrobe and how I live. She always gets me the most amazing hard-to- find pieces that really add ‘pop’ to my outfits.”
LIndA dAAnE CusTOmeR & FRiend
pictured withErrIKA PASCuALassOCiaTe, palO alTO
“ Along with calling lots of games, it’s been my new calling to create wines that bear the same standards of excellence and style that the Mitchell family brings to Wilkes Bashford. The Calling and Wilkes Bashford are committed to pursuing a passion and inspiring others!”
JIM nAnTzspORTs COmmenTaTOR& CO-OwneR (wiTH peTeR deuTsCH) OF THe Calling wine
“ I have been shopping at Wilkes Bashford for ten years now. It is a treat every time I work with Faran — she has the greatest passion for her work. When I come in to the store for Kiton trunk shows, it is like Christmas, seeing and feeling all the beautiful fabrics and designs!”
WEndY dYCKErHoFFCusTOmeR & FRiend
pictured with FArAn SHEIKassOCiaTe, palO alTO
FOR THE LOVE OF WILKES
THE WILKES BASHFoRD DIFFERENcE We’ve made lots of beautiful changes to our “surface,” but what truly differentiates Wilkes Bashford is what’s “inside” our stores... our extraordinary as-sociates. We believe they add great value by helping customers build thoughtful wardrobes, enhancing lives through fashion. Their commitment to providing a unique brand of service will never change.
LoNgEvITY, LoYALTY& FAmILIAR FAcESNot only are our associates un-usually sophisticated, educated and diverse, they are also fiercely loyal... a trait that is increasingly rare in retail. We are proud to work with dozens of associates who have been here ten or more years and several that have been here over thirty. Nothing is more welcoming than being greeted by familiar faces when you enter our stores!
PALO ALTO
SAN FRANCISCO
THE HEART & SOUL OF OUR STORES...
oUR ASSocIATES
375 Sutter StreetSan Francisco, CA 94108415.986.4380
450 Stanford Shopping CenterPalo Alto, CA 94304650.322.7080
PRSRT-STDUS Postage
P A I DWilkes Bashford
LORO
PIA
NA
11/3 Santoni SF11/7 – 8 Paul Morelli SF11/8 – 9 Pamella Roland SF11/9 – 10 Isaia SF11/9 – 10 Pamella Roland PA11/9 – 10 Paul Morelli PA11/13 – 15 Brunello Cucinelli M&W PA11/14 – 15 Yossi PA11/15 – 17 Graff PA11/16 – 17 Yossi SF11/16 – 17 Brunello Cucinelli M&W SF11/17 – 19 Kiton Men’s & Women’s PA11/30 Martin Bernstein* SF11/30 – 12/1 Gravati M&W SF12/1 Martin Bernstein* PA12/1 Pomellato PA12/5 Temple St. Clair SF12/6 Temple St. Clair PA12/6 – 7 Yossi* SF12/8 Loro Piana Pre-Fall SF12/8 – 9 Yossi* PA12/13 Paul Morelli PA12/14 Kathleen Dughi SF12/14 Syna Jewels SF12/15 Kathleen Dughi PA12/20 Coomi SF12/21 Coomi PA12/21 Sylva & Cie SF12/21 Frank Ancona* SF12/22 Sylva & Cie PA12/22 Frank Ancona* PA
Personal Appearance
Visit wilkesbashford.com for an updated and complete listing of all events and happenings.
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UPCOMINGTRUNK SHOWS
MITCHELLS • RICHARDS • MARSHS • WILKES BASHFORD