What do wedding industry professionals and a high-end leather-goods and clothing design company in common? They both create beauty – be it beautiful events to remember for a lifetime, or be it beautiful items that brighten every day! So it was a natural match when Cuyana San Francisco hosted our WIPA networking event last night.

Cuyana’s motto is, “fewer, better things,” and that shows in pretty much everything: from their simple, perfectly proportioned purses and garments (all done in natural materials – leather, silk, cotton, wool – and in impeccable workmanship) to the midcentury-modern style of their showroom overlooking Union Square in the heart of San Francisco.

Store manager Caroline Madden and her team graciously invited us to a relaxed evening gathering for networking, catching up with long-time colleagues and meeting new ones.

Mr. Shin of Michi’s served his signature super-fresh sushi…

… accompanied by an elegant Chardonnay, courtesy of Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards.

Everyone just loved it! And if that hadn’t been enough, Amanda Fein of Handheld Catering brought out platters and platters of oh-so-yummy Panna Cotta shooters and lemon and chocolate tartlets…

Of course nobody could resist! And in between we all found ourselves browsing the beautiful merchandise on the tables, racks and shelves.

Hadn’t we planned to replace this old weekender duffel for a long time already? Here was the perfect successor! And wouldn’t this elegant, streamlined leather purse elevate any wardrobe for Fall? Especially in conjunction with this incredible, reversible  double-face wool coat in grey and tan? Many internal battles about “want” and “need” were fought last night, and some were lost… but all of us left as dedicated Cuyana fans!

Enjoy this little peek preview – snapshots to be replaced by beautiful professional photos by Emily Jean of Clane Gessel Photography. Stay tuned!

Thanks again to all, and it was such a lovely evening!