Skip the Shopping Mall - Support Local Emerging Designers at THREAD’s Two-Day Holiday Event
Nation’s leading independent fashion, art, music and design lifestyle event offers unique holiday shopping

THREAD, the multi-city shopping event promoting emerging designers and artists, will feature a holiday shopping event in San Francisco just in time for gift-giving. The event, which has typically been only one day, will expand to a full weekend, November 21 and 22, at Fort Mason Center. The event will present 100-plus independent designers and artisans selling their wares.

“There are so many brilliant artists, designers and musicians in San Francisco and throughout California and we’re thrilled to share them with buyers on a larger scale this time,” explains Lara Matthews, founder of THREAD. “This event allows the community to do their holiday shopping more cost effectively and also to purchase unique gifts inspired with creativity for people they care about.”

In 2009, THREAD focused on adding new elements, reducing entry fees, adding more interactivity and value to fit their mantra of “Good Value, Good Style, Good Karma.” THREAD rolled out the new model earlier this year in San Diego and more than 3,000 people came out to shop from designers, listen to live bands and DJs, have their hair and makeup styled, enjoy cocktails and clear our their closets by donating or swapping clothes. Additionally, this year’s tour will feature many environmentally-conscious elements, something that is near and dear to the hearts of the team. As a nod to Mother Earth, THREAD will feature a clothes swapping lounge, clothing donations, eco designers, bike valet, on-site recycling and more.

The November event in San Francisco will include such interactive elements as: a Tweet wall by Going.com, live screen printing by Sezio, a photo booth, style lounge, live art, art and fashion shows from Art Now SF, drink specials, “Spin the Creativity Wheel” by Holiday Matinee, pop-up book store, SF weekly VIP Lounge and more. And, not to worry, Thread will still incorporate the emerging fashion and jewelry retailers that have won them a place in the hearts of San Franciscans over the years.

Fort Mason is located at Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard in the Marina neighborhood of San Francisco. The event will take place in the Festival Pavillion building. Parking is available at the venue. Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 if you RSVP online before the show. Entrance includes shopping tote and free cocktail for first 250 guests each day, as well as access to everything mentioned above. Hours of the show are Saturday and Sunday, Nov 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THREAD 2009 is sponsored by: SF Weekly, Going.com, Volkswagen and Trummer Pils. The new THREAD website and blog is alive and in action. Be sure to check back for frequent updates or to RSVP for the show at www.threadshow.com.