5 Bay Area Fashion Events You Can't Miss

What happens when you mix the eclectic style of the Bay Area and fashion? You get an amazing mix of culture, art, music and fashion that is just as unique as the Bay Area itself. These top five fashion events are a variety of fashion shows, museum exhibits, festivals, flea markets and galleries that will satisfy any fashion-lover.

Charles James’ Clover Leaf stunning gown

1. Legion of Honor, High Fashion Exhibit

Building, Museum, Park

On display March 14-July 19

Take a walk through the history of fashion in the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection’s exhibit High Style at the Legion of Honor. Take your nose out of those fashion history books and discover firsthand the glorious evolution of fashion and its iconic looks and designers, including Chanel, Givenchy, Dior and Charles James to name a few. You will be in awe at first glance of gowns, accessories and iconic looks from the 20th century. This is an exhibit a true fashion maven wouldn’t want to miss!

Sole Space

Combine an art gallery and shoe store and you get Sole Space, a unique shoe-shopping experience. This boutique, located in Uptown Oakland, carries brand favorites: Vans, Puma, J Shoes, Bucketfeet, Miz Mooz and more. Sometimes you can find yourself amongst a DJ, a live art installation, an artist meet and greet, barbering and more. You never know what you’ll find when stepping into Sole Space.

Sole Space, 1714 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA, +1 (415) 225-6673

Oakland First Friday

Much like Oakland itself, Oakland’s First Friday is filled with culture, fashion, music, art and food. This huge block party that happens on the first Friday of every month walks along Telegraph Avenue right off of the 19th Street Bart exit. A community-wide festival fills the streets with artists, live music, food stands, dancers, mobile art galleries and a varied shopping experience, with the neighboring stores often hosting parties of their own. You won’t be disappointed with this culture-filled festival.

Oakland First Friday, Telegraph Avenue and W. Grand Street Oakland, CA, +1 (800) 756-4071

Admiring art at the Union Street Festival

2. Union Street Festival

Market

Held June 6-7

It’s about that time in the Bay Area: festival time! With dozens of festivals each month to attend, you find your calendar filled before the season even starts. This year, the Union Street Festival will have a distinctive ‘fashion world’ section. This section will be solely dedicated to holding fashion shows (including a pet fashion show), showcasing local vendors and more. This Fashion World will surely only only add to an already incredible, pleasurable, historic festival experience.

3. Treasure Island Flea Market

Market

One of the biggest flea markets in the Bay Area, Treasure Island Flea offers workshops, a wide range of vendors, food trucks, music, antiques and vintage apparel. This market is a must for all Bay Area locals looking to appreciate vintage fashion finds, eat local grub and enjoy glorious weather on an island that feels more like a getaway. Treasure Island Flea is held the last weekend of every month, so if you love flea markets this one will blow your mind. They also have a sister show, Jack of All Trades in Oakland.

By Melissa Marie Davis

Melissa Marie Davis, moved three years ago from the bitter cold Central New York to the Bay Area and fell completely in love with culture and atmosphere. Checkout more of her work at iamelmarie.tumblr.com and melissamariedavis.com

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