Can a store be coveted and admired? Can it be an idol of design and good taste to be worshipped?
If so, Russian Hill's Swallowtail is definitely our latest idol.
We have loved this shop from the day we walked in, and have often contemplated moving into Swallowtail and living there permanently. It's quirky, eclectic and full of beautiful objects that we love to dawdle over when visiting. It's a bit like an art museum of the odd, classical and collectible. Where else would you find a life-size geisha living alongside antique anatomy charts, vintage chandeliers, contemporary Noguchi lamps and Lucite chairs?
And no matter what your taste, we think everyone could find something special here to take home and make their own -- their very own pièce de résistance.
Swallowtail is jam-packed with an overwhelming amount of great finds; you almost have to watch your every step, lest you run into Omar, the resident ram. Every shop needs a large, friendly ram, don't you think?
Prices here are not for the faint of heart, but entwined among the pricier antiques and collectibles, you'll find lots of affordable accessories, vintage photographs and unique odds and ends, including estate jewelry and even gorgeous seashells. We picked up some lovely starfish and plan on putting them on display in an antique porcelain bowl in our bathroom. We've also found fantastic old lawn furniture and vintage signs tucked back in the backyard garden. Don't forget to pop back there.
And keep your eyes on the rafters as well. If you look up, you'll see hidden treasures like chandeliers and collectible taxidermy. Perhaps not for everyone, but nevertheless an interesting twist on much of the modern design at Swallowtail. We love the eclectic inspiration that envelops us as we browse around this store.
In addition to all the other wonderful, one-of-a-kind collectibles, Swallowtail's owner, Sheri Sheridan and her partner Nathan Brown of Disfigure Design are recreating old Louis XV-style chairs with a modern twist. Sheri and Nathan cover the chairs in fresh, modern fabrics, including an unconventional camouflage print and bright graphic designs like this one, which pretty much screams "statement!"
We're pretty sure adding any one of the unique pieces from Swallowtail will no doubt help you define and make your own personal statement.
-victoria
(Edited from a post originally published 11.03.06)
This is my favorite store in the entire world. I don't even mind that it is out of my price range. I get such a good feeling when I walk in (ahhh the skylights) and it's totally inspiring.
This store is WAY overpriced and almost everything in it can be found on ebay with enough looking....clearly that's where they do most of their shopping. Used to think it was cool, but now think it's just expensive....good for ideas though.
I was bummed to see the Rockridge Swallowtail outpost empty, with a "For Lease" sign in the window the last time I swung by. The SF store had a better selection, but it was fun to get a little dose of that great Swallowtail vibe on this side of the Bay ...
I love Swallowtail! Their mix of dark borderline gothic objects with more whimsical antiques and modern details create a world straight out of a fairytale book. Despite the wide range of objects the store always manages to have a very distinct aesthetic. While it is a little overpriced I'd much rather spend a more money supporting a local shop then buying over priced designer goods.
I love, love, LOVE this store. The aesthetic is amazing, and the goods aren't the same-ol'-stuff everyone else has. If only the prices weren't as heart-stopping as the look.
I absolutely love this shop! Whenever I am in San Francisco, this is my first stop! The decor is astounding...and very inspiring. I bring my clients in for a look around, and each and every time they are in awe. There is nothing else like it anywhere.
The prices are relative to the unique objets d'art that you will not find anywhere else. And I also love the fact that each time I stroll in, the store looks completely different with new inventory and displays.
This is, by far, my favorite shop!!!
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I've always said I wanted to just move right in to this shop too! I love it, probably with a bit more fervor that I ought. Daphne's right that you can find quite a bit on the stuff in here on Ebay (and I do) but it's the ideas I come her for. Swoon.
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I saw several of those chairs at SF's Farmer Brown. I Flickered it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gigegy/1929276564/
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Shame that I drove by the other day and saw that they were closed and sawed a "this space is leased" sign on the window.
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