When we think of style, fashion often comes first to mind. And as of this writing in mid-October, it’s hard not to think of the recently departed Diane Keaton—actress, icon and master of the turtleneck—whose singular blend of wit, warmth and eccentric charm made her a timeless symbol of personal authenticity. Keaton’s “style” wasn’t just about what she wore; it was how she inhabited the world, unapologetically herself.
That idea—style as self-expression, substance and spirit—threads through this month’s issue.
We start with Irish designer Margaret O’Leary, who launched her brand in San Francisco in 1990 and now operates 13 stores nationwide, including her beloved Fourth Street boutique in Berkeley. Her collections of knitwear and natural-fiber essentials embody a refined simplicity rooted in conscious consumption and community.
Also on Fourth Street, Standard & Strange reimagines menswear through craftsmanship and authenticity. Founder Jeremy Smith draws inspiration from American workwear and Japanese design traditions, creating garments meant to last a lifetime.
For those looking to refine their travel style, we’ve gathered advice from a travel blogger and local retailers on curating a wardrobe that’s stylish, versatile and comfortable—proving that practicality and polish can coexist beautifully on the road.
Back home in Oakland, we meet Laleh and Alessandro Latini, the couple behind SOBU, a design-forward furniture and décor shop in Rockridge. Their aesthetic—what they call “warm modern”—blends Scandinavian simplicity with California ease and a deep commitment to local craftsmanship.
And because connecting with nature never goes out of style, we check in with Heather Taylor, who, after closing her Outside School/Teach Outside program, continues to inspire families with creative, nature-based learning experiences.
We also add a touch of glamour with the reopening of Crustacean, Helene An’s reimagined San Francisco restaurant on Pine Street, serving elevated Vietnamese fare in an elegant setting. Plus, we dive into the growing world of plant-based milks, exploring their expanding culinary possibilities.
Finally, we honor two local figures: Oakland singer-songwriter Brad Brooks, who shares his powerful story of resilience and collaboration with Wayne Kramer of MC5, and the late Ann Fagan Ginger, a lifelong advocate for civil and human rights.
