A Designers’ Guide to San Francisco with Levi’s Nick Rendic and Nicolle Arbour

A Designers’ Guide to San Francisco with Levi’s Nick Rendic and Nicolle Arbour



One
of the coolest, most laid-back pairs on the planet, Levi’s
Global Design Directors Nick Rendic and Nicolle Arbour know their
stuff when it comes to hip new spots in the iconic denim company’s
home base of San
Francisco
. We chatted to them about everything from the best
oyster bar in town to their favourite places to snag vintage
threads, and also got their take on what’s going on with the global
fashion scene from Seoul
to Moscow.

Favourite places to shop in San Francisco?

NR: My favourite shop is the Perish Trust.
They always have really interesting books and knick knacks. It’s
also nearby to some great cafés and coffee shops.

NA: Since I travel quite often, when I’m home
in SF I am looking for ways to treat myself. My favorite place to
do this is at International Orange and indulging in natural skincare
products from brands like In Fiore. When I’m in need for some
vintage Levi’s® or jewelry, I stop by Reliquary in
Hayes Valley.

What are your must-do activities in SF when you have free
time?

NR: For me a must do is to check out Ocean
Beach and the Sunset District. The ocean there has a raw energy
that is truly unique. There are cool shops and great food on Judah
as well as Noriega streets.

NA: Getting outside and chasing the sunshine.
SF microclimates are real and it took me some time to learn the
nuances of this city’s weather. The first thing I do when I get
back from traveling is take a walk along the bay and Chrissy Field
beach with my dog.

What are your top outdoorsy recommendations for SF?

NR: The Marin Headlands are a must see. They
are literally just on the other side of the golden gate bridge and
offer amazing hiking trails with incredible views of the city.

NA: When I first moved to SF I lived in the
Outer Sunset on Ocean Beach. This is still my favorite place to
really connect with nature within the city. The ocean here has such
a strength and the beauty undeniable. It is by far my favorite
place to watch the day end with a sunset over the Pacific
Ocean.

Favourite places to eat in SF?

NR: I must admit I eat out a lot and love many
places. San Francisco is a great food city. If I have to pick I
would say my favourite place to eat has to be pizzeria Delfina off of
Fillmore street. I’m literally there every week.

NA: One of my favorite things about this city
is its food and the diversity of options, so trying them is a must.
My favourite for a sleepy Saturday morning is Trouble
Coffee
and their cinnamon toast. Favourite neighbourhood
Italian is A16. But my absolute favourite meal is at State Bird
Provisions
… that is if I can get myself to wait in line.

Best places for a drink?

NR: Specs in the north beach is my favorite
dive and Leo’s Oyster
Bar
for when I want to splurge.

NA: Heading over the Golden Gate for some spa
healing and a drink on the porch at Cavallo Point.
Best views of the city and some fresh eucalyptus air.

What is SF’s best-kept secret?

NR: Its proximity to so many fun things to do.
Wine Country, beaches, mountains, you name it. So much to do.

NA: The treasures that you can find within
nature in the middle of the city. You can stumble upon art
installations by Goldsworthy such as the spire sculpture and wood
line in the Presidio or even bison by the beach in Golden Gate
Park.

On global fashion:

What are the top three places on each of your travel bucket
lists, especially in terms of design inspiration?

NR: Oslo, Moscow and
Tel-Aviv
are really capturing my attention right now.

NA:
Finland
, Mongolia,
and Marrakech
are intriguing to me – for the architecture, the people and the
craftsmanship.

Favourite place in the world to return to for inspiration?

NR: Tokyo,
Japan

NA: Paris and Tokyo always
have my heart. Each has an incredible attention to detail and
devotion to beauty, but with unique perspectives.

What are some up-and-coming fashion cities in your
opinion?

NR: Seoul is doing some really great things as
well as Moscow. There seems to be an irreverent energy that’s
happening.

NA: Seoul is taking risks and being playful
with fashion in a way that’s refreshing and exciting.

Have you noticed any brands, designers or places doing really
interesting things with denim lately?

NR: I really like the adventurous approach
Vetements is incorporating in denim.

NA: Demna at Vetements and Virgil Abloh at
Off-White are redefining denim and having the opportunity to work
with them through Levi’s® has influenced me greatly. Korean brands
such as Ader
Error
are also pushing us all forward.

Discover More
City Guide: San Francisco