As we spring forward into March, greeted by green buds bursting out on all those delicate tree limbs that have been so cold and barren, I thought it might be a nice opportunity to celebrate an evergreen – specifically, Conifer. Located on Webster between Union and Green, Conifer represents a nice little retail success story here in the Marina-Cow Hollow neighborhood.
Opened in March 2010 by Amy Mautz and her husband Rob Kimball, Conifer represents a true labor of love. Dedicated to highlighting the small, independent clothing and accessory designers that Amy fell in love with while living on the East Coast, Conifer features local talent and a few international designers as well. Their collection is handpicked and curated, featuring designers who are masters of craftsmanship, detail and quality. They also seek out those designers who are making their products in the U.S., as well as those who strive to use organic fabrics. Current selections include pieces from Rachel Comey, Steven Alan, Current/Elliott, Organic by John Patrick, Dace, Built by Wendy, Lauren Moffatt, Lauren Merkin, Jadetribe, MM6, Martha Davis, Swedish Hasbeens, Loomstate, Hansel from Basel, Christina Lehr, Lover, and Karen Walker. The clothing at Conifer has been called “creative and sophisticated” with “eye-catching prints and pops of color.” The shop even features some of Mautz’s own designs. The small store may be minimalist, but Amy has carefully selected items from a full range of women’s apparel, shoes and bags.

In addition to women’s fashions, Conifer also carries a small selection of men’s clothing like Relwen, Woolrich and Rogan; sunglasses from an iconic New York company, Moscot; plus gifts and jewelry. You’ll find Austin Press note cards, Blithe and Bonny soaps and candles, and Aesa necklaces among many others. A visit to their store may also lead you to a new artist or two, as Amy and Rob host rotating art shows in their space, truly living up to Conifer’s tagline, “clothing et art.” And you can see their love of art and craft in the store itself, which has dark reclaimed wood floors and salvaged redwood shelves from Petaluma’s Heritage Salvage. The minimalist vibe is reflected in industrial piping that is artfully repurposed as clothing and display racks, while the odd antique or vintage light keeps it Cow Hollow quaint.

On Saturday, March 19 from 5 to 8 p.m., Amy and Rob will be celebrating their one year anniversary at Conifer with prosecco – befitting the Marina’s Italian roots – snacks and music by DJ Gadget. New art will also be on display from Brooklyn artist Jacqueline Schmidt, whose abstract and surrealist work has been shown in Europe, New York and the Midwest. So stop by and raise a glass to this enterprising young couple. Then be sure to stop in at any of the hundreds of other small, locally grown boutiques we are so fortunate to have in our shopping districts.

Conifer ~ Clothing et Art: 2848 Webster (at Union), 415-922-1982, www.conifershop.com. Hours: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jim Maxwell is a past president of the Marina Merchants Association and the S.F. Council of District Merchant Associations and owns Architects II in the Marina. E-mail: [email protected]