Ulf Andersson

I was taking my usual constitutional in the ‘hood, when I noticed a nice little storefront tucked away behind a GNC on Melrose. The lighting was inviting, and the name «Ulf Andersson» promised, perhaps, Swedish Austerity or minimalism. Au contraire! Glimpse-​able from the front windows were racks of Edwardian velvet jackets. dresses, and blouses. This isn’t my usual style, but the sight of a sign proclaiming «Sales!» and the promise of hand-​made loveliness made me determined to go back the next day when the store was open.
The «next day» was actually a shopping spree day with friend HJ, who just got a new job and wanted a new wardrobe. Among my friends I’m the official go-​to gal for fashion advice. I’m endlessly patient as I wait for people to make long, painful decisions about a belt, so I tend to get snagged for stylist duties. We went to Ulf Andersson because I thought that some of the swingy little velvet numbers would look great on her, but instead I ended up walking out with a gorgeous handmade black velvet top that shows off just enough décolletage to get a second glance, and with fluttery but not saccharine sleeves. Ladies, Ulf is a charming Swedish man who will tell you what’s what. He’ll compliment you if the clothes look good, and stay politely silent if they look less than stellar. His shop is tiny (it’s really his studio; he mostly sells to other stores) but if you’re at all into velvet I guarantee you’ll walk out with something lovely. And he’s having a sale now, so run don’t walk… I got my blouse at less than wholesale, which for quasi-​couture (he only makes a few of each item) is pretty damn good.