What can I possibly say about Todd Barket that hasn’t already been covered? The amount of editorial (and deservedly so) on the mighty Unionmade and Mill Mercantile is a reflection of impeccable taste. In a sea of the cliff-noted-everything-for-everybody-kitchensink that is currenty the landscape, their product mix is a fine example of curated restraint.
Much can be said about the stores development, the owners’ storied past, their deep retail pedigree, the engaged & attentive staff… but I feel only a few really know-know about Todd Barket, himself… what little he reveals… I, myself, having only known him a better part of 2 years can say he really DOES care. About everything. He’s the kinda guy that will go to a market week with 30 appointments deep, knowing he can only allow himself to write 15 of the lines. He respects the process. He appreciates the machine. He cares about the people involved in the industry each step of the way. He allows each player to do their job, on both sides of the table… THAT, my friends, is the only understanding that really matters.
-Brian, i+w Wholesale Director
1. I love all of the SNS Herning sweaters. We have them available online at Unionmade.
2. I don’t have much in jewelry. The only piece I wear is the Hermès Cape Cod double wrap watch with a natural band. I have had the watch for many years and it has a perfect patina and it’s dependable.
3. My favorite book is an art book. It’s a photo book that was done in 1967 and documents New York artists in their studios. It has everyone from Andy Warhol to Jasper Johns. The great part is seeing their studios and their personal style. I’ve used the book many times for inspiration and styling. It’s expensive, but a great keepsake.
4. Donald Byrd’s Places And Spaces (1975). I love jazz and it’s all we play for the most part at Unionmade. I find it to be cerebral and conceptual. I love when jazz went a bit modern and electronic. Places And Spaces still sounds good every time I hear it and the album cover is one of my favorites.
5. I pretty much wear only rigid jeans. I like the Willie Rigid because of its democratic utilitarian. It’s low profile and classic in fit. They only get better as they start wearing in.
6. It’s so hard to choose a favorite restaurant here. San Francisco is the end-all be-all for food and eating. Right now my current favorite is Bar Tartine. Chef Nicolaus Balla has been mixing things up and has perfected a menu that is based in Hungarian with a Japanese twist. The restaurant has been redesigned and is perfection. I always get excited for a meal from Bar Tartine.
7. My favorite place to be is in Western Sonoma County. We have a house in Monte Rio, which is near the Coast. It’s a simple California Ranch that was built by a neighbor in the 1960s. The best part is that it doesn’t require a plane ride, and it’s in the middle of the Red Woods. We don’t use it as often as we like because we are always working, but we try and use it to get reenergized as often as we can.
8. I’m a modernist at heart. I love furniture and design. My favorite piece would still have to be the Bertoia Diamond Chair. I think it looks timeless and works in any interior. I love when Alexander Girard teamed up with Bertoia and did upholstery and brought in color and pattern. This period of design excites me because it was accessible and everyone had access to good design.
9. The Birds – This movie is always on my list. The styling is chic and timeless. I love seeing downtown San Francisco in this movie. It still looks unchanged. I also love seeing Western Sonoma County. You can still visit the school and the market. It’s like a step back in time.
10. There is still nothing better than getting a new pair of Converse low tops. Sneakers come and go, but my favorite is still Converse. They’re under $50 dollars, anyone can wear them at anytime. They still look modern. They are a great equalizer.
