The North Sails Collection pop-up shop is soon to conclude a successful run at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco.
Everyone knows North Sails makes beautiful, state-of-the-art sails, but did you know they make stylish sportswear too?
The North Sails Collection is as attractive, functional, and innovative as you would expect from the venerable sailmaker, though perhaps even more stylish. Designed in Italy, the every garment is a sophisticated, elevated version of sailing gear and leisure wear.
North launched the luxe line several years ago in Europe but it arrived in the U.S. just last year. In addition to their North Sails Collection flagship stores in Annapolis, Newport, and New York City, this summer they partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue on a series of pop-up shops to show off the Men’s Collection. Recently in San Francisco, North and Saks hosted a regatta viewing party for Saks VIP clients and stylists to celebrate a successful run.
Ready for a day on the Bay! Left to right: Riccardo Benavides in North Sails Slim-Fit Stiped Cotton Tee finished with Hermes scarf and Goyard bag, Ron Barajas in North Sails Icons Slim-Fit Polo, Farah Makras Self-Portrait Sweater, Gucci jeans, Hermes Birkin, Claire Costic nautical in Chanel.
Riccardo Beneavides in North Sails sweater and Panerai watch, Alison Carlson in Oscar de la Renta, Kai Tan in Amor-Lux marinière sweater. Photo: Sail Couture.
Angela Hamby in her urban costume, which she nicknamed “sailing goth,” for the day—McQueen skirt, Jimmy Choo combat boots, and Moncler jacket—with Alan Braverman, also in Moncler. Photo: Sail Couture.
It was a picture-perfect day with plenty of wind as we set off to cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and watch the J/105s in action during the J/Fleet Series Stop at the St. Francis Yacht Club.
It’s always a treat to see the elegant USA 76 sail by. Photo: Sail Couture.
J/105 Blackhawk leading the pack. Photo: Sail Couture.
J/105s race along the San Francisco city front. Photo: Sail Couture.
The San Francisco city front makes a beautiful backdrop for yacht racing. Photo: Sail Couture.
On board, we sipped wine and noshed on canapes while the J/105s did battle on the racecourse. As always, the 20-boat J/105 fleet put on quite a show. After the excitement, my attention turned to the sport of fashion.
Farah Makras enjoying the beautiful day. Loving the lace detail on her Self-Portrait sweater. Photo: Sail Couture.
Frarah Makras and Ron Barajas. How great is Ron’s orange North Sails Logo Polo and Raymond jacket in signature North blue? Photo: Sail Couture.
Riccardo Benavides and Ron Barajas hamming it up for the camera—and demonstrating the Raymond Jacket’s insulated hood. Photo: Sail Couture.
The North Sail’s Raymond Contrast Jacket was a real stand out. I especially liked how Riccardo Benavides styled his with the Slim-Fit Striped Knit Tee while Ron Barajas wore his Raymond with the orange Icons Slim-Fit Logo Polo. The bright orange and dynamic blue jacket looked so beautiful together against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge on a bluebird day.
“I love my North Sails Jacket,” Riccardo said later. “It’s light but warm. It got cold and windy out there, and the jacket was perfect for the conditions. I love the color too!”
As a true fan of the marinière French sailor shirt, I was immediately drawn to Farah Makras in her striped sweater by Self-Portrait. She paired it with a beautiful Hermès scarf, Gucci jeans, Dior shoes, and Fendi glasses.
Preppy nautical with an edge… Renata Anderson in Alain Figaret jacket over J. Crew blazer, custom stripe shirt, Calvin Klein jeans with Alexander McQueen scarf. Photo: Sail Couture.
Raj Singh in Armani shirt, Burberry sweater, and Ferragamo jacket, with his beautiful wife Renata Anderson. Photo: Sail Couture.
Detail of Renata’s stunning McQueen scarf. I love how it gracefully floated in the wind. Photo: Sail Couture.
Renata Anderson rocked preppy nautical chic in an Alain Figaret jacket over her custom-made stripe shirt and J. Crew blazer with white piping. She completed the look with an Alexander McQueen scarf and Chanel Bag—what a winning combination! Her husband Raj Singh was dapper in an Armani shirt, Rag & Bone Jeans, Burberry sweater, Ferragamo jacket, and Tod’s shoes—he noted that the sweater jacket, and shoes were recent purchases from Saks.
“Raj and I are looking forward to popping in to view the North Sail Collection at Saks. I think we can find some good looking, well made, comfortable casual wear for home and travel,” said Renatta. Indeed, the materials North uses are naturally wrinkle-free and easy to pack—a perfect addition to your travel wardrobe.
Regatta as a backdrop to fun, left to right: Lizzy Ellis, Kristie Hefke, Lydia Seifert, and Ryan Castaneda. Photo: Sail Couture.
Kristie Hefke in a North Sails high-tech hoodie. Photo: Sail Couture.
Lizzy Ellis in Veronica Beard blazer, Ryan Castaneda in vintage Escada, Kristie Hefke in North Sails jacket and Frank Vest, Margeaux Fleuranges in North Sails cap. Photo: Sail Couture.
More stripes! Cassady Bethel-Thompson in a cool seersucker jacket. Photo: Sail Couture.
Festive colors! Clockwise from top left: Maria Arvola in Chanel glasses and North Sails cap, Jennifer Brandenburg in Emilio Pucci scarf over Banana Republic top and Prada skirt, and Debra Martin in North Sails Sailor Jacket. Photo: Sail Couture.
A few other favorite looks included Ryan Castaneda in his vintage Escada nautical jacket, Lizzy Ellis in Veronica Beard blazer, Derek Lam high waisted bell bottoms from Paige Denim, and Cassady Bethel-Thompson in seersucker jacket.
I stopped into the North pop-up shop at Saks to see the workmanship up close and admire the quality of the fabric. The design has a clean, modern aesthetic and the comfort you would expect. It’s waterproof, wind-resistant, and breathable. I especially liked the thoughtful details like dual pockets for iPhones and earbuds, interior and exterior, on the Raymond Jacket. The soft shell jacket is ideal as a mid layer or outer layer depending on the conditions with fully taped seams, two front pockets, and elasticated cuffs.
The North Sails Collection pop-up store in Saks Fifth Avenue San Francisco. Photo: Sail Couture.
The North Sails Raymond Jacket sports thoughtful details including dual iPhone and earbud pockets and fully taped seams. Photo: Sail Couture.
The North Sails Slim-Fit Striped Knit Tee has a luxurious feel. Photo: Sail Couture.
Stripes always beckon, and I loved them even more up close on the classic Slim-Fit Cotton Tee. Cut from superfine, 14-guage kit cotton, it’s extremely soft and feels simply luxurious against the skin. Riccardo said the fine cotton feels like a cashmere wool blend and I agree.
The iconic Logo Polo is available in a range of colorful hues, yellow, orange, and red, to brighten up some of the more traditional offerings. At Saks, you’ll also find a number of tee shirts, hoodies, swim trunks, and caps. The only thing that was missing was the Women’s Collection. The collection offerings on the North Sails website are wonderful—I’m hoping they’ll launch a women’s pop-up soon!
South Beach Yacht Club Commodore Steve Severaid with his beautiful wife Nazy and adorable pup Ana stopped by the North Sails pop-up. Photo: Sail Couture.
Just as I was about to leave, South Beach Yacht Club Commodore Steve Severaid and his beautiful wife Nazy walked by with their adorable little dog Ana. Out for a little shopping, they were drawn to the North Sails display. Once again it was the Raymond jacket that made an impression and went home with the Commodore.
“It’s a great lightweight jacket and will be a nice addition to my gear. It will be great for the boat.” Steve said.
The North Sails Collection pop-up shop is in the Men’s Department of Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco through June 4. Make sure to stop by and see this beautiful new collection in person while it’s still here. It’s wonderful for adventuring—in the city or on the Bay.
Note to East Coast readers: The Saks pop-up series will travel to New York City next. Look for it at Brookfield Place from July 1-30, 2017!