Fall Fashion Has Arrived

The scoop on the city's newest threads, hottest boutiques and greenest goods.

Blonde Ambition

Downtown shoppers won’'t want to miss Tory Burch's bohemian-inspired fall 2008 collection, which debuts this month at her new San Francisco boutique. Photo credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch

In just four years, NYC designer Tory Burch has built a fast-growing fashion empire. Having won her this year's Accessory Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Burch's colorful '60s and '70s silhouettes, Grecian- and Moroccan-inspired prints and widely popular (and much-imitated) logo emblazoned on everything from her signature Reva ballet flats to her sportswear separates have created a following among college prepsters, power-suited career women and the ladies-who-lunch crowd. Recently, Burch opened her first SF boutique—her 15th nationwide—on Maiden Lane, where the 41-year-old ushered in a gorgeous new fall collection that's playful, hippie chic and oh so Tory. —Nerissa Pacio

What's one accessory you always wear?
My sunflower pendant. My father had it made for his mother, and it is my favorite piece of jewelry.

If you weren't a designer, what would you be?
A social worker or a psychologist.

Who would be your male fashion counterpart?
My father, Buddy Robinson. He had an incredibly unique sense of personal style. He designed virtually all of his clothing with details—like lining his dinner jackets with Hermès scarves.

What have your kids taught you about fashion?
I have three stepdaughters in their early 20s and three little boys. The girls are great sounding boards, and I love to hear their opinions. My boys remind me not to take myself too seriously!

Fringe is huge for fall—especially in your collection. Any tips for working it into your everyday wardrobe?
The secret to making a bohemian piece look chic and sophisticated is to mix it with more-classic elements. I try not to interpret trends too literally. For instance, if I carry a bag with fringe detailing, I like to wear it with something more classic, such as a pair of jeans and a printed blouse.

Patron Saint

Photo credit: Courtesy of the estate of Jeanloup Sieff

If you rock a pantsuit in the office and a peacoat in the rain, you have Yves Saint Laurent to thank. "Yves Saint Laurent," opening November 1 at the de Young, is the first retrospective of the late French designer's work in more than a quarter-century. Divided into four themes, the exhibition explores the designer's bold use of color, his sphere of influence—and those who influenced him—and the life cycle of a garment from sketch to finished piece. At the retrospective's sole US venue, you'll have the opportunity to view more than 120 accessorized outfits (chronicling his fascination with pop art, men's tailoring, Spain and China, bubble skirts and Shakespeare), as well as old photos and runway footage. Bonus: On opening day, there's a symposium titled "Yves Saint Laurent, Eternal Style," with speakers that will include Vogue European editor-at-large Hamish Bowles and USC art-history professor Nancy Troy—proving once again that high fashion is worthy of scholarly examination. —Natalie Zutter

Opening Acts

SF welcomes eco-friendly beauty, Euro imports and industrial-chic options for fall. Photo credits: Bag-Courtesy of Prada; Clary Sage, Hard Ware-Courtesy of the stores; Philanthropist-Drew Altizer

Viva Italia
It may have taken a decade for the Prada flagship store to open its doors downtown, but we (and SF's best-dressed guys) are glad it finally did. Replacing the more modest women's-only digs on Geary, the new 5,650-square-foot glass-, marble- and crystal-bedecked space showcases the Italian design house's men's and women's ready-to-wear collections, leather goods and, of course, its signature—and, rumor has it, soon-to-be-discontinued—nylon backpacks. Voilà—the newest collector's item. 201 Post St., 415-484-1900

Clean and Green
Calling all yogis and eco-fashionistas: SF has another green-minded shopping option on Fillmore Street. At the new Clary Sage Organics boutique, you'll find an array of sustainably produced and organic bath and beauty products (REN, Tsi-La Organics, Benedetta) as well as eco-friendly collections by Loomstate, Stewart+Brown and Linda Loudermilk. We especially love the comfy pants, shorts and lingerie-inspired tanks from the store's own line of yoga wear. 2241 Fillmore St., 415-673-7300

Tough Love
If you're hankering for some Dickies, a rugged pair of Red Wing boots or a fly Kangol hat, look no further than the Hard Wear Store in the Outer Sunset. Amid the bustling restaurants and packed Asian markets on Irving Street, Sunset resident Angela Tickler has stocked her shop with a range of street-gear-meets-worker-bee labels. We'll drive the distance for S.F.O.G. Apparel's SF-inspired collection of printed hoodies and T-shirts designed in a studio above the shop. 2401 Irving St., 415-682-9565

Give and Take
Shoppers will be hard-pressed to feel buyer's remorse at the new luxe Presidio Heights boutique Philanthropist, where cofounders Sally Fowler (above left) and Jessica Moment (above right) sell of-the-moment designer women's clothing for a cause. Each season, Moment, a former Gap merchandiser, chooses an SF charity to which she donates 100 percent of store profits. Sip Champagne and munch on Sweet Things cupcakes while you peruse the latest collections by Richard Chai, Rag & Bone and Marchesa in the posh Kendall Wilkinson–designed space. 3571 Sacramento St., 415-441-1750 —Hallie von Ammon

Jean Therapy

Photo credits: Courtesy of indidenim.com

Forget the hassle of trying on endless stacks of ill-fitting jeans in search of that perfect look. Emeryville-based IndiDenim is taking the frazzle-inducing frustration out of the jeans hunt with its new retail website for men and women, allowing discriminating shoppers to design their own pair from the comfort of their keyboards. Customers can choose from among three SF-inspired styles—the Presidio trouser (left), fitted SoMa or relaxed Noe, which is available for women only—enter waist and inseam measurements and body type and then click through a series of design options to create a custom pair that arrives in about four weeks. At $135 to $145 a pop, you can go clean and simple or personalize your back pockets with embroidery and your initials, all without breaking the bank. —Nerissa Pacio

The Ingenues

Photo credits: Kathryn Roach

At only 22 and 20 years of age, respectively, Savannah (left) and Katrina Sarkisian, co-owners of the new West End store on Chestnut Street, are proving age ain't nothin' but a number. The enterprising college students (Savannah moonlights as a psychology and fashion-design student at UC Davis, and Katrina is enrolled in culinary school) are the sibling duo behind the Marina's recently opened women's boutique and the label West End San Francisco. Manufactured in collaboration with European and Asian designers, the line infuses classic pieces (trench coats and pencil skirts) with the sisters' native-SF urban flavor (microclimate-proof fabrics and body-conscious cuts). "Our line is edgy but timeless," says Savannah, who lives with Katrina in Parkmerced. In their shop, look for cowl-neck jackets imported from Romania, handmade scarves from Armenia and a smattering of shoes and bags. 2106 Chestnut St., 415-447-4159 —Heather Becker

Wrap Star

Photo credits: Claudia Goetzelmann

True San Franciscans know there are two things you should never leave home without: your wallet and your scarf. And if it's a pretty and eco-friendly scarf? Even better. Enter 25-year-old Gianna Driver: Wharton business-school grad and former insurance adviser turned socially conscious accessories designer. The Laurel Heights resident travels abroad at least once a year to work directly with women artisans in India, Laos and the Philippines who hand-weave and dye her pretty line of textured scarves. For fall, look out for Driver's collection in rich earth tones and pastel hues, created with dyes yielded from river mud, berries and tree bark. "We make sure all aspects of the supply chain are compassionately sourced," Driver says. "It's about creating opportunities and helping women reach their dreams." $60–$200; Eco Citizen, 1488 Vallejo St., 415-614-0100 —Natalie Zutter

Downtown shoppers won’'t want to miss Tory Burch's bohemian-inspired fall 2008 collection, which debuts this month at her new San Francisco boutique. Photo credit: Courtesy of Tory Burch

In just four years, NYC designer Tory Burch has built a fast-growing fashion empire. Having won her this year's Accessory Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Burch's colorful '60s and '70s silhouettes, Grecian- and Moroccan-inspired prints and widely popular (and much-imitated) logo emblazoned on everything from her signature Reva ballet flats to her sportswear separates have created a following among college prepsters, power-suited career women and the ladies-who-lunch crowd. Recently, Burch opened her first SF boutique—her 15th nationwide—on Maiden Lane, where the 41-year-old ushered in a gorgeous new fall collection that's playful, hippie chic and oh so Tory. —Nerissa Pacio

What's one accessory you always wear?
My sunflower pendant. My father had it made for his mother, and it is my favorite piece of jewelry.

If you weren't a designer, what would you be?
A social worker or a psychologist.

Who would be your male fashion counterpart?
My father, Buddy Robinson. He had an incredibly unique sense of personal style. He designed virtually all of his clothing with details—like lining his dinner jackets with Hermès scarves.

What have your kids taught you about fashion?
I have three stepdaughters in their early 20s and three little boys. The girls are great sounding boards, and I love to hear their opinions. My boys remind me not to take myself too seriously!

Fringe is huge for fall—especially in your collection. Any tips for working it into your everyday wardrobe?
The secret to making a bohemian piece look chic and sophisticated is to mix it with more-classic elements. I try not to interpret trends too literally. For instance, if I carry a bag with fringe detailing, I like to wear it with something more classic, such as a pair of jeans and a printed blouse.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the estate of Jeanloup Sieff

If you rock a pantsuit in the office and a peacoat in the rain, you have Yves Saint Laurent to thank. "Yves Saint Laurent," opening November 1 at the de Young, is the first retrospective of the late French designer's work in more than a quarter-century. Divided into four themes, the exhibition explores the designer's bold use of color, his sphere of influence—and those who influenced him—and the life cycle of a garment from sketch to finished piece. At the retrospective's sole US venue, you'll have the opportunity to view more than 120 accessorized outfits (chronicling his fascination with pop art, men's tailoring, Spain and China, bubble skirts and Shakespeare), as well as old photos and runway footage. Bonus: On opening day, there's a symposium titled "Yves Saint Laurent, Eternal Style," with speakers that will include Vogue European editor-at-large Hamish Bowles and USC art-history professor Nancy Troy—proving once again that high fashion is worthy of scholarly examination. —Natalie Zutter

SF welcomes eco-friendly beauty, Euro imports and industrial-chic options for fall. Photo credits: Bag-Courtesy of Prada; Clary Sage, Hard Ware-Courtesy of the stores; Philanthropist-Drew Altizer

Viva Italia
It may have taken a decade for the Prada flagship store to open its doors downtown, but we (and SF's best-dressed guys) are glad it finally did. Replacing the more modest women's-only digs on Geary, the new 5,650-square-foot glass-, marble- and crystal-bedecked space showcases the Italian design house's men's and women's ready-to-wear collections, leather goods and, of course, its signature—and, rumor has it, soon-to-be-discontinued—nylon backpacks. Voilà—the newest collector's item. 201 Post St., 415-484-1900

Clean and Green
Calling all yogis and eco-fashionistas: SF has another green-minded shopping option on Fillmore Street. At the new Clary Sage Organics boutique, you'll find an array of sustainably produced and organic bath and beauty products (REN, Tsi-La Organics, Benedetta) as well as eco-friendly collections by Loomstate, Stewart+Brown and Linda Loudermilk. We especially love the comfy pants, shorts and lingerie-inspired tanks from the store's own line of yoga wear. 2241 Fillmore St., 415-673-7300

Tough Love
If you're hankering for some Dickies, a rugged pair of Red Wing boots or a fly Kangol hat, look no further than the Hard Wear Store in the Outer Sunset. Amid the bustling restaurants and packed Asian markets on Irving Street, Sunset resident Angela Tickler has stocked her shop with a range of street-gear-meets-worker-bee labels. We'll drive the distance for S.F.O.G. Apparel's SF-inspired collection of printed hoodies and T-shirts designed in a studio above the shop. 2401 Irving St., 415-682-9565

Give and Take
Shoppers will be hard-pressed to feel buyer's remorse at the new luxe Presidio Heights boutique Philanthropist, where cofounders Sally Fowler (above left) and Jessica Moment (above right) sell of-the-moment designer women's clothing for a cause. Each season, Moment, a former Gap merchandiser, chooses an SF charity to which she donates 100 percent of store profits. Sip Champagne and munch on Sweet Things cupcakes while you peruse the latest collections by Richard Chai, Rag & Bone and Marchesa in the posh Kendall Wilkinson–designed space. 3571 Sacramento St., 415-441-1750 —Hallie von Ammon

Photo credits: Courtesy of indidenim.com

Forget the hassle of trying on endless stacks of ill-fitting jeans in search of that perfect look. Emeryville-based IndiDenim is taking the frazzle-inducing frustration out of the jeans hunt with its new retail website for men and women, allowing discriminating shoppers to design their own pair from the comfort of their keyboards. Customers can choose from among three SF-inspired styles—the Presidio trouser (left), fitted SoMa or relaxed Noe, which is available for women only—enter waist and inseam measurements and body type and then click through a series of design options to create a custom pair that arrives in about four weeks. At $135 to $145 a pop, you can go clean and simple or personalize your back pockets with embroidery and your initials, all without breaking the bank. —Nerissa Pacio

Photo credits: Kathryn Roach

At only 22 and 20 years of age, respectively, Savannah (left) and Katrina Sarkisian, co-owners of the new West End store on Chestnut Street, are proving age ain't nothin' but a number. The enterprising college students (Savannah moonlights as a psychology and fashion-design student at UC Davis, and Katrina is enrolled in culinary school) are the sibling duo behind the Marina's recently opened women's boutique and the label West End San Francisco. Manufactured in collaboration with European and Asian designers, the line infuses classic pieces (trench coats and pencil skirts) with the sisters' native-SF urban flavor (microclimate-proof fabrics and body-conscious cuts). "Our line is edgy but timeless," says Savannah, who lives with Katrina in Parkmerced. In their shop, look for cowl-neck jackets imported from Romania, handmade scarves from Armenia and a smattering of shoes and bags. 2106 Chestnut St., 415-447-4159 —Heather Becker

Photo credits: Claudia Goetzelmann

True San Franciscans know there are two things you should never leave home without: your wallet and your scarf. And if it's a pretty and eco-friendly scarf? Even better. Enter 25-year-old Gianna Driver: Wharton business-school grad and former insurance adviser turned socially conscious accessories designer. The Laurel Heights resident travels abroad at least once a year to work directly with women artisans in India, Laos and the Philippines who hand-weave and dye her pretty line of textured scarves. For fall, look out for Driver's collection in rich earth tones and pastel hues, created with dyes yielded from river mud, berries and tree bark. "We make sure all aspects of the supply chain are compassionately sourced," Driver says. "It's about creating opportunities and helping women reach their dreams." $60–$200; Eco Citizen, 1488 Vallejo St., 415-614-0100 —Natalie Zutter

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