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Al’s Attire, North Beach

Display at Al\'s Attire, North Beach in San Francisco

Display at Al’s Attire, North Beach in San Francisco.

Shoe rack at Al\'s Attire, North Beach in San Francisco

Shoe rack at Al’s Attire, North Beach in San Francisco.

Al looks on as he discusses shoe sizes with Betty

Al looks on as he discusses shoe sizes with Betty.

Al makes an outline of Betty

Outline of Betty’s foot.

Al measures Betty\'s foot
Measuring Betty's foot.

Betty tries on a pair of shoes

Turns out shoes that Betty liked fit her like a glove.

Betty shows off her new shoes.

Betty shows off her new shoes.

Work area at Al\'s Attire

Work area at Al’s Attire.

Designer & stylist Ting poses in front of camera.

Designer & stylist Ting poses in front of camera.

Custom clothing labels

Custom clothing labels on display.

Betty loves fashion. Anything vintage is her passion so when we ventured into Al’s Attire in North Beach she was in heaven. When you walk into the store, you are instantly transported to a different time period. The designers are exquisitely dressed and Al is a very personable person and warmly welcomes you.

Al’s Attire has both “ready to wear” clothing from their racks or they can create custom tailored clothing for their customers. Their clothing is not “vintage”, their designers take from the classic looks of the 40’s – 60’s in more modern tailoring. Reasonably priced for the quality that they produce it’s a find if you are in search of beautiful clothing that you know will be a staple in your closet. Betty walked away with a beautiful pair of shoes and me with an awesome hat. We’ll be back that’s for sure.

As a side note I took a handful of Kodachrome photos there but my camera malfunctioned and most of them were mis-focused. It would have been perfect. I may post some of them.

Thank you Al and Ting for letting me take photographs at the shop.

5 comments to “Al’s Attire, North Beach”

  1. Wonderful documentary, John. Custom-made shoes and clothing are pretty amazing.

    Nancy
  2. Great work John, documenting the experience with photos and story.

    Brad
  3. John, fabulous essay! Great images, well constructed piece. Really love the story.

    David W. Sumner
  4. I loved the third one

    Hasan Almasi
  5. Excellent documentary work, John.

    alan dejecacion

Comments are appreciated