The world of fashion in San Francisco shifted in the year 1963 when Derby jackets began appearing amidst the fog.
A Derby is a specific type of jacket made in San Francisco, known for its “tough” look and as the “workingman’s jacket.” As they were popularized in the ’70s and ’80s, Derbys were worn all over the City and became a well-known staple for Bay Area pride.
But as fashion began to change, the demand for the Derby declined and they eventually disappeared as the original owners went out of business in the ’80s.
However, hope for Derby was not lost. Victor Suarez—a San Francisco native—was inspired to bring back Derby and the soul of San Francisco, by re-opening the business in 2012. Suarez teamed up with Nick Swinmurn for its grand re-opening, and the demand for Derby was beyond what either of them expected.
Riordan alumnus Jerold Caragan ’90 said, “I had black, blue, and gray Derbys back in elementary school during the ’80s. I was excited to hear back in 2012 when they relaunched the Derby, and purchased a black Derby during their release.”
The comeback was a huge success. Suarez told SFGate that people lined up all along the block in anticipation of the release, and Derby became bigger than ever before. Celebrities from different scenes have been seen wearing Derby from Muhammad Ali to Snoop Dogg.
When Victor Suarez died in May 2019, the business was then continued by his wife Jeannine Suarez.
She spoke about the history of Derby when Victor first took ownership, saying, “My husband acquired the rights to what [had] originally began in 1963. And then he opened the store on Haight and Ashbury in 2012, so I basically took it over and just kept it going since.”
“Since my husband’s passing, and when I took over, I’ve really enjoyed creating new colors, new styles, [but] definitely keeping a lot of the classics,” Suarez continued.
Riordan Counselor and alumnus David Canales ’02 explained why he loves Derby, stating, “These jackets are extremely durable and last forever. I have Derby jackets that are over a decade old and still look brand new.”
The iconic paisley interior and its general quality make it a phenomenal jacket for all, along with the various new options in styles as well.
The versatility of the jacket makes it perfect for different occasions such as sporting events or work. But as some treat it as daily outerwear, others treat it as a specialty.
Charles Bumanglag ’90—also a Riordan alumnus—expressed how he rarely uses his Derby, saying, “I treat it like fine jewelry, worn only on special occasions.”
Though Derby is known all over the City, its roots are planted on Haight and Ashbury streets, its only brick-and-mortar location.
“It’s a small family-owned business. The roots are in San Francisco and [I] feel that it’s best to keep it traditional, but at the same time I don’t want to become too corporate or mainstream,” said Suarez.
Derby is not just a jacket, it is the thread that weaves throughout the entire community.
The love for Derby is apparent in music videos, movies, and around the streets of the Bay. But the growth of this business stretches beyond its physical outreach; it reaches generations of families as well.
Suarez continued, “It’s a generational jacket, so we have a lot of people that are the age of grandparents that wore it when they were growing up. Now they continue to wear it [with] their children and grandchildren.”
With the many new styles and items Derby has expanded to, what’s next? The future’s looking purple and gold, as they announced their newest “Royal Purple” Derbys coming out in January 2024!
The jacket is a Classic-Style Jacket, not a limited release and will be a blank canvas perfect for patchwork or embroidery.
The color is almost identical to the rich Riordan purple, which is the main connection between the school and the jacket.
With this special new release, there will be a special discount code “CRUSADERS” for both online and in-person purchases.
Many are excited and curious about what’s to come with this newest release and its significance to the Riordan community. And with this, there have been talks of allowing it to be part of the official Riordan uniform.
Riordan President Tim Reardon commented, “The Derby jacket has been an iconic San Francisco brand since I was a little kid.”
He added, “Now that the owners have added a purple option to their line, we’re considering allowing the purple Derby as a dress code item.”
The Shield and members of the Riordan community previewed an exclusive release of the new Derby for a photo shoot, and were in awe of its beauty.
Canales said, “I’m feeling the Purple Derby! Having a connection to Riordan makes it that much more meaningful. I just love how I can combine my love for Riordan and being a San Franciscan, and represent both by wearing this jacket. Derby’s impact [and recognizing] our community with their brand is special to me.”
