user: News article: Luxury clothier Wilkes Bashford dies after battle with cancer

Photo: George Widman / AP

Designer Ralph Lauren gets a kiss from Career Achievement Award presenter Wilkes Bashford during Cutty Sark Fashion Awards ceremonies in Philadelphia, June 21, 1983. Lauren received the award for "continuing leadership and outstanding contributions to men’s fashions." Bashford was last year's recipient of a Cutty Sark award for creative retailing. The winners are selected by a panel of U.S. fashion writers. (AP Photo/George Widman)

Designer Ralph Lauren gets a kiss from Career Achievement Award presenter Wilkes Bashford during Cutty Sark Fashion Awards ceremonies in Philadelphia, June 21, 1983. Lauren received the award for "continuing

A Jimmy Choo shoe sits in a birdcage, in a creative display the Wilkes Bashford store, in San Francisco, California on Sunday, January 17, 2016. The luxury clothing store owner Wilkes Bashford died Jan. 16, 2016 after a brief bout with cancer.

A Jimmy Choo shoe sits in a birdcage, in a creative display the Wilkes Bashford store, in San Francisco, California on Sunday, January 17, 2016. The luxury clothing store owner Wilkes Bashford died Jan. 16,

Crowds of people walk briskly past the Wilkes Bashford store, at 375 Sutter Street, in San Francisco, California on Sunday, January 17, 2016. The luxury clothing store owner Wilkes Bashford died Jan. 16, 2016 after a bout with cancer.

Crowds of people walk briskly past the Wilkes Bashford store, at 375 Sutter Street, in San Francisco, California on Sunday, January 17, 2016. The luxury clothing store owner Wilkes Bashford died Jan. 16, 2016

A couple walks down Sutter Street under the awning of the Wilkes Bashford store, in San Francisco, California on Sunday, January 17, 2016. The luxury clothing store owner died Jan. 16, 2016.

A couple walks down Sutter Street under the awning of the Wilkes Bashford store, in San Francisco, California on Sunday, January 17, 2016. The luxury clothing store owner died Jan. 16, 2016.

Wilkes Bashford and his dog, Duchess, are seen at Wilkes Bashford on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. Christian and Dan, both, in Pratesi pajamas, $390. Photographer: Russell Yip Styling: Tony Bravo Model: Dan / Look Model Agency Model: Christian / Look Model Agency Hair/Makeup: Erika Taniguchi / BeautyByErika.com Photo Assistants: Stan Pechner, Danielle Mitchell Special thanks to Lorrin Mullins, Tiare Osborn, and the Wilkes Bashford staff

Wilkes Bashford and his dog, Duchess, are seen at Wilkes Bashford on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. Christian and Dan, both, in Pratesi pajamas, $390. Photographer: Russell Yip Styling:

Dan (left): Bruno Cucinelli navy tuxedo, $4,495; Kiton tuxedo shirt, $1,075; John Lobb shoe, $1,855; Bruno Cucinelli bow tie, $275; Kwiat cuff links in 18k white gold with 1.22k diamonds, $7,000. Christian (right): Ermenegildo Zegna tuxedo, $3,095; Brioni tuxedo shirt, $695; Gravati shoe, $625; Brioni bow tie, $225.

Dan (left): Bruno Cucinelli navy tuxedo, $4,495; Kiton tuxedo shirt, $1,075; John Lobb shoe, $1,855; Bruno Cucinelli bow tie, $275; Kwiat cuff links in 18k white gold with 1.22k diamonds, $7,000. Christian

Wilkes Bashford is seen at age 4 in 1937 in Hudson, NY in a framed photo at Wilkes Bashford on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif.

Wilkes Bashford is seen at age 4 in 1937 in Hudson, NY in a framed photo at Wilkes Bashford on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif.

Wilkes Bashford and his dog, Duchess, are seen in the elevator near the Herb Caen Wall at Wilkes Bashford on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. Christian (left): Brioni suit, $6495; Kiton shirt, $895; Kiton knit tie, $450; tie bar, $125, Isaia pocket square, $125. Dan (right): Isaia suit $3995; Kiton shirt, $1195; Kiton tie, $450; Bruno Cucinelli pocket square $185. Photographer: Russell Yip Styling: Tony Bravo Model: Dan / Look Model Agency Model: Christian / Look Model Agency Hair/Makeup: Erika Taniguchi / BeautyByErika.com Photo Assistants: Stan Pechner, Danielle Mitchell Special thanks to Lorrin Mullins, Tiare Osborn, and the Wilkes Bashford staff

Wilkes Bashford and his dog, Duchess, are seen in the elevator near the Herb Caen Wall at Wilkes Bashford on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. Christian (left): Brioni suit, $6495; Kiton shirt,

Wilkes Bashford and former San Francisco mayor, Willie Brown, play boss dice at their table at Le Central on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. Christian (middle left): Bruno Cucinelli sweater, $2385. Dan (middle right): Bruno Cucinelli turtleneck $2115. Photographer: Russell Yip Styling: Tony Bravo Model: Dan / Look Model Agency Model: Christian / Look Model Agency Hair/Makeup: Erika Taniguchi / BeautyByErika.com Photo Assistants: Stan Pechner, Danielle Mitchell Special thanks to Lorrin Mullins, Tiare Osborn, and the Wilkes Bashford staff, Paul Tanphanich and the Le Central staff, and the Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr.

Wilkes Bashford and former San Francisco mayor, Willie Brown, play boss dice at their table at Le Central on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. Christian (middle left): Bruno Cucinelli sweater,

Matthew Kelly, ever nattily dressed, and Wilkes Bashford, at the 75th birthday party for Wilkes Bashford at O.J. and Gary Shansby's Sonoma home on May 17th, 2008 Photo Courtesy of O.J. Shansby

Matthew Kelly, ever nattily dressed, and Wilkes Bashford, at the 75th birthday party for Wilkes Bashford at O.J. and Gary Shansby's Sonoma home on May 17th, 2008 Photo Courtesy of O.J. Shansby

O.J. Shansby and Wilkes Bashford during the San Francisco Ballet 2015 Opening Night Gala in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, January 22, 2015. O.J. Shansby wore a Marchesa brocade gown and Wilkes Bashford wore a Brioni tuxedo.

O.J. Shansby and Wilkes Bashford during the San Francisco Ballet 2015 Opening Night Gala in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, January 22, 2015. O.J. Shansby wore a Marchesa brocade gown and Wilkes Bashford

Wilkes Bashford, Shelby Strudwick and OJ Shansby (left to right) survey the scene during the cocktail hour at the San Francisco Ballet 2015 Opening Night Gala at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, January 22, 2015.

Wilkes Bashford, Shelby Strudwick and OJ Shansby (left to right) survey the scene during the cocktail hour at the San Francisco Ballet 2015 Opening Night Gala at City Hall in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday,

Mary Poland and Wilkes Bashford. Carmen Marc Valvo's spring 2015 line hit the runway at the Bay Area Arthritis Auxiliary's fashion show fundraiser Oct. 1, 2014 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

Mary Poland and Wilkes Bashford. Carmen Marc Valvo's spring 2015 line hit the runway at the Bay Area Arthritis Auxiliary's fashion show fundraiser Oct. 1, 2014 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

MoAD Executive Director Linda Harrison (left) with Wilkes Bashford and Deborah Santana.

MoAD Executive Director Linda Harrison (left) with Wilkes Bashford and Deborah Santana.

Social columnist Jeanne Lawrence, clothier Wilkes Bashford, and haute couture collector and author Christine Suppes.

Social columnist Jeanne Lawrence, clothier Wilkes Bashford, and haute couture collector and author Christine Suppes.

Man-about-town Wilkes Bashford (left) is also a frequent patron, here at a party with Sally Debenham, Gail Glasser and Oscar de la Renta’ s Boaz Mazor.

Man-about-town Wilkes Bashford (left) is also a frequent patron, here at a party with Sally Debenham, Gail Glasser and Oscar de la Renta’ s Boaz Mazor.

Christine Suppes and Wilkes Bashford at Nicky Hilton's '365 Style' book party hosted by Alan Malouf at the penthouse of Isha and Asim Abdullah, owners of Emanuel Ungaro.

Christine Suppes and Wilkes Bashford at Nicky Hilton's '365 Style' book party hosted by Alan Malouf at the penthouse of Isha and Asim Abdullah, owners of Emanuel Ungaro.

Clothier Wilkes Bashford enjoyed sips and snacks at the book signing with his dog, Duchie, a black and tan dachshund, in his lap.

Clothier Wilkes Bashford enjoyed sips and snacks at the book signing with his dog, Duchie, a black and tan dachshund, in his lap.

The San Francisco Chronicle celebrated the relaunch of the Style section at Tout Sweet in Macy's on April 17, 2014. From left are Ricardo Benavides, Wilkes Bashford and Andrew Mitchell-Namdar.

The San Francisco Chronicle celebrated the relaunch of the Style section at Tout Sweet in Macy's on April 17, 2014. From left are Ricardo Benavides, Wilkes Bashford and Andrew Mitchell-Namdar.

Wilkes Bashford (left) with host Sally Debenham, Gail Glasser and Oscar de la Renta exec Boaz Mazor at her John's Grill dinner. May 2014. By Catherine Bigelow

Wilkes Bashford (left) with host Sally Debenham, Gail Glasser and Oscar de la Renta exec Boaz Mazor at her John's Grill dinner. May 2014. By Catherine Bigelow

Cissie Swig and Wilkes Bashford.

Cissie Swig and Wilkes Bashford.

Wilkes Bashford and Nina Kirilova at Sonya Molodetskaya's birthday celebration on April 1, 2014.

Wilkes Bashford and Nina Kirilova at Sonya Molodetskaya's birthday celebration on April 1, 2014.

S.F. Protocol Director Matthew Goudeau (left) and Wilkes Bashford at the Cal Shakes Gala.

S.F. Protocol Director Matthew Goudeau (left) and Wilkes Bashford at the Cal Shakes Gala.

￼Marc Corsi, Melissa Corsi and Wilkes Bashford at Smuin Ballet's "XXTRAVAGANZA" Gala on March 7, 2014.

￼Marc Corsi, Melissa Corsi and Wilkes Bashford at Smuin Ballet's "XXTRAVAGANZA" Gala on March 7, 2014.

Luxury clothier Wilkes Bashford dies after battle with cancer

Clothier Wilkes Bashford, who helped to change the world of high fashion in San Francisco when he opened his eponymous luxury store in 1966, died on Saturday after a brief battle with prostate cancer. He was 82.

Late Saturday, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown confirmed the death of his longtime friend and favorite store owner.

Mr. Bashford’s store, where the city’s society set shops for clothes for work, weekends and opening-night galas, was one of the few of its kind in the nation when it opened and remains so today. Originally a men’s store, Wilkes Bashford opened under the Sutter-Stockton garage and was the first in San Francisco to promote an aesthetic he called “bold conservative,” carrying Brioni, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Versace and other designer brands, a contrast to the counterculture, hippie clothing of the day. He added womenswear in 1978 and later moved nearby to 375 Sutter St.

Brown, a Chronicle columnist and a famously natty dresser, told The Chronicle in October: “This town was devoid of any attention to quality of fabric or style until Wilkes came along. The first time I walked into the store, I was frankly blown away.”

But more than solely dressing people up, Mr. Bashford wrapped himself in the social fabric of the city.

He staged glitzy fashion shows in the 1970s and ’80s, and also engaged in philanthropic work for Partners Ending Domestic Abuse and PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), among other causes. He was an ardent fan of dachshunds, which he kept as pets. His latest, Duchie, was a constant companion at work, sitting in his office every day.

“He was part of the heart of the city,” said Brown, reached by phone in Los Angeles on Saturday. “Every day there was something Wilkes would talk about or insist that we do for the city.”

Mr. Bashford was a presence at fundraising functions all over the city, as well as an almost daily presence for lunch at Le Central restaurant, where he ate and gossiped with friends and customers at a table near the window. Every Friday for decades, his lunch crew in the front window included the late Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, man- about-town Harry de Wildt and Brown. The group also at times included the late Matthew Kelly and architect Sandy Walker.

After the downturn in the economy in 2008, he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2009. His company was acquired by the Mitchells/Richards/Marshs group, a family-owned luxury clothier in Westport, Conn., which invested millions in a remodel of the seven-story store. This allowed Mr. Bashford to continue working, and until recently, he was still there six days a week, waiting on customers.

“How you look and how you feel when you go to present yourself affects your energy, your psyche, your outlook, your happiness, every day of your life,” he told The Chronicle in October. “Once people realize how their image is changed and how people react to them, it brings them a happiness. It’s a positive thing.”

Mr. Bashford was a native of Manhattan, and after studying in Cincinnati, moved to San Francisco, he said, to “be near the ocean.”

He was engaged once, but never married. His philanthropic work allowed him to create a family of sorts that tied him to the community. In recent years, he devoted efforts to the War Memorial Complex in San Francisco to create a veterans monument, a 30-foot-long granite octagon between the War Memorial Opera House and Veterans Building. He co-chaired the monument committee with J. Michael Myatt, a retired Marine Corps major general.

The monument, built with $2.5 million in privately raised funds, is known as “Passage of Remembrance,” and the driveway that circles Memorial Court was named the Charlotte and George Shultz Horseshoe Drive.

At the time of his death, Mr. Bashford was listed as the president of the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees. Of all his philanthropic work, “I think he was most proud,” Brown said, “of his presidency of the board, which had the stalwarts of the cultural philanthropy of the city. I appointed Wilkes to that body and he became the president of that body and in the process, did incredible things.”

But his store was his life, and he treated his products with the same care — requiring that sweaters be pristinely folded and suits and dresses be displayed on hangers to their best advantage. In social situations, he sported a smile, kept any negative thoughts to himself, and was old school when it came to manners, opening doors for others and always picking up the check at lunch.

Boaz Mazor, a longtime Oscar de la Renta executive who worked closely with Mr. Bashford on local fashion shows over the years, said the city has suffered a significant loss.

“He was a real gentleman — an icon of elegance, and his name and his store gave San Francisco the authority of style,” Mazor said. “He was an impeccable person and an impeccable professional. I was honored to work with him and be his friend. He is irreplaceable.”

Carolyne Zinko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: czinko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynezinko
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assistant: Clothier Wilkes Bashford, who helped to change the world of high fashion in San Francisco when he opened his eponymous luxury store in 1966, died on Saturday after a brief battle with prostate cancer.  Late Saturday, former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown confirmed the death of his longtime friend and favorite store owner.  Originally a men’s store, Wilkes Bashford opened under the Sutter-Stockton garage and was the first in San Francisco to promote an aesthetic he called “bold conservative,” carrying Brioni, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Versace and other designer brands, a contrast to the counterculture, hippie clothing of the day.  Brown, a Chronicle columnist and a famously natty dresser, told The Chronicle in October: This town was devoid of any attention to quality of fabric or style until Wilkes came along.  Mr. Bashford was a presence at fundraising functions all over the city, as well as an almost daily presence for lunch at Le Central restaurant, where he ate and gossiped with friends and customers at a table near the window.  In recent years, he devoted efforts to the War Memorial Complex in San Francisco to create a veterans monument, a 30-foot-long granite octagon between the War Memorial Opera House and Veterans Building.  The monument, built with $2.5 million in privately raised funds, is known as “Passage of Remembrance,” and the driveway that circles Memorial Court was named the Charlotte and George Shultz Horseshoe Drive.  [...] of his death, Mr. Bashford was listed as the president of the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center Board of Trustees.  [...] his store was his life, and he treated his products with the same care — requiring that sweaters be pristinely folded and suits and dresses be displayed on hangers to their best advantage.  In social situations, he sported a smile, kept any negative thoughts to himself, and was old school when it came to manners, opening doors for others and always picking up the check at lunch.