In The Essentials | Tracy Bosche

INTRODUCING IN THE ESSENTIALS: A series of interviews with long-time friends and customers, photographed in their favored pieces from our core collection of timeless, finely crafted essentials.

Shot at our Design Studio | Showroom in Berkeley

MEET TRACY BOSCHE

Tell us a little about yourself and your background

I grew up in Colorado and although I thought I’d go back someday, I haven’t. I have lived in the same house in Berkeley for 34 years. I raised my two children here, spent my career working here. I would miss so much about Berkeley that I haven’t left. I have always worked in the arts, first at an auction house, then as the gallery director of a fine art press and primarily as an art consultant working independently with private collectors. Lately, I have been gardening a lot. This year in addition to all of the usual vegetables - beets, carrots, beans, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes (a fruit I know), tons of herbs, and four different lettuces, I have added many flowers. Gardening is new for me and I have really found it relaxing and rewarding.

How did you first discover Erica Tanov?

I first discovered Erica Tanov’s clothing in 1991 at a store on Solano Avenue, called Yasmine. I found a relaxed, long-sleeve blouse in mint green silk with a raised texture in a windowpane pattern. Sewn sporadically across the front were pairs of tiny iridescent beads adding an unexpected detail. Just as I am today, I was drawn to that blouse because of the beautiful fabric, the uniqueness, and the hand-sewn character. I still have that blouse. Erica’s designs are timeless, easy to wear, cut to fit, and drape just right. I appreciate clothes that I don’t have to think about once I’m dressed.

Erica’s fabric designs were some of the first patterned tops I ever wore - I always preferred solids. Her collaborations with artists, Lena Wolff, Emily Payne, Ann Holsberry to name a few, and of course Erica’s own fabric designs are what have always excited me and are what I think makes her clothing exceptional. Her designs based on end sheets of a book, or simply drawn flowers scattered, and the intricate Botanicus pattern - I never tire of them. I have Fern, Lovebird, Jacobsen and others. I cherish all of them. For me, wearing one of Erica’s blouses is akin to wearing a piece of art.

What pieces do you find yourself most often reaching for in your closet?

I am rarely without a sweater. The one I most often grab is the Roll Neck sweater - be it in dark grey cotton or fawn-hued alpaca.

In three words, how would you describe your personal style?

Three words that come to mind are - simple, effortless and relaxed.

Do you have any upcoming travel plans? What are your favored travel essentials?

I have no future travel plans because a few days ago I returned from visiting my daughter in Lisbon. It was hot. I alternated between wearing a pair of wide leg pants and a long skirt, bought at Erica Tanov - both linen, each with a draw string waist. A white blouse is an essential for me and Erica’s white linen tunic is a favorite. This dates me - but, when I wear a skirt, I always wear a slip. I have half slips of Erica’s in silk with antique lace along the bottom in various lengths. I would love to see half slips come back in store!