June 15, 2016 - Some people think San Francisco's only exports are software and phone apps, but San Francisco has made a name for itself when it comes to artisanal goods. These unique products are worlds apart from generic, mass-produced merchandise. San Francisco is the place to discover the best locally made fashion, art, food, drink, and home goods. The city has a number of unique maker-focused events, where you can meet the talented artisans and entrepreneurs behind some of the city's most admired products, designs and brands.

Here are a few top bespoke picks:

Levi's (815 Market St.)

Many people make blue jeans, but Levi Strauss made the first blue jeans in San Francisco in 1873. Check out Levi's Made & Crafted, a line that builds on this legacy by using today's best materials and construction techniques, at Levi's & Strauss Co. flagship store.

Gordon Bros. (Various locations)

Love hats? Since 1949, Goorin Bros. has been San Francisco's neighborhood hat shop, with stores at 1612 Stockton Street, 1446 Haight St., and 111 Geary St.in Union Square.

The Gap (Various locations)

When Doris and Don Fisher opened their first Gap store in 1969, the reason was simple. Don couldn't find pair of jeans that fit. The Founders of San Francisco–based Gap Inc. not only built an international brand they also amassed one of the world's greatest private collections of contemporary art, now on view at SFMOMA.

SFMade

For an overview of who's making what in San Francisco today – from chocolate to wine, from furnitute to bicycles, and from instruments to light fixtures – visit www.SFMade.org.  The nonprofit organization supports local micro-manufacturers. It also provides product and maker listings, plus an event schedule for its workshops, factory tours and pop-up shops.

Timbuktu (Various locations)

Founded in a garage in 1989 by a bike messenger named Rob Honeycutt, Timbuk2 has continuously manufactured its customized messenger bags in the city's Mission District at 587 Shotwell Street. Shop the factory store or stop by their flagship at 506 Hayes St.

Mission Bicycle Company (766 Valencia St.)

Mission Bicycle Company was formed in 2008 with a simple premise: to build the most beautiful, practical and customizable bikes on the market. Each custom bike is designed by its rider and then built by hand.

Colleen Mauer Designs (1406 Valencia St.)

San Francisco-based handmade jewelry designer Colleen Mauer specializes in modern, handcrafted, artisan, wire-wrapped and mixed-metal jewelry. Experience her production process and be inspired at her atelier.

Lumio

San Francisco-based designer Max Gunawan's fascination with origami led to the creation of his multi-functional modern lamp Lumio. When shut, it masquerades as an elegant hardcover book bound in lasercut wood. When opened, it magically transforms into a sculptural light illuminated by a high-performing LED. Available at SFMOMA Museum Store and other locations citywide. 

San Francisco Museum Stores

As you'd expect, some of the most creative offerings by local makers can be found in the city's museum stores, including San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Contemporary Jewish Museum, The Museum of Craft and Design, the de Young and Legion of Honor Museums.

Creativity Explored (3245 16th St.)

Take in an exhibit, meet the artists, and join San Franciscans in the know who collect art from Creativity Explored, an inspiring gallery and studio where artists with developmental disabilities create and sell their work.

Ferry Building Marketplace (Embarcadero & Market St.)

Located in the historic San Francisco Ferry Building, shops large and small offer everything from artisanal cheeses and the freshest fish to gourmet cookware, tableware, and the finest wines and spirits.

Bring home the spirit of San Francisco by investing in artisans' unique goods or attending annual insider events like San Francisco Design Week, SF Open Studios and ArtSpan exhibitions and programs. You'll not only know the origin of your purchase, you often get to know the makers and their stories, too.

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, activities and more, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel, read the Visitors Planning Guide or call 415-391-2000.  San Francisco Travel also operates Visitor Information Centers at Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market Street at the corner of Powell and Market streets and on the lower level of Macy's Union Square.  For more information, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel. 

American Express® is the official Card partner of the San Francisco Travel Association.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 40 international cities on 34 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with 77 cities in the U.S. on 13 domestic airlines. SFO offers free upgraded Wi-Fi with no advertising. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com. Follow SFO on www.twitter.com/flysfo and www.facebook.com/flysfo. 

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