The Instructor

A designer by training, Simon Ungless has directed the graduate fashion program at the Academy of Art University since 1996.

With more than two decades’ experience in the fashion industry, Simon Ungless, 40, has serious style cred. A designer by training, the UK-born Ungless has directed the graduate fashion program at the Academy of Art University since 1996, and continues to build a bigger name for the school nationally with his expertise and insider connections. (Before joining the Academy, he worked for Alexander McQueen in London.) When not busy teaching fashion design or helping students create collections to show at New York’s Fashion Week, he checks out SF’s fashion scene and tries to relax.

“My favorite clothing store is Crossroads Trading on Market at Church. I’m very focused on sustainable concepts these days, and love that I can sell or trade something that I no longer want and often buy basics from there. There are way too many products being produced these days that just end up going to a landfill.” (2123 Market St., 415-552-8740)
 
“Hayes Valley has a good mix of interesting stores. M.A.C. (387 Grove St., 415-863-3011) has the best designer clothing for both men and women. They buy a unique mix of designers and pieces from the collections. It’s the only place to see Margiela. For shoes, I shop Gimme Shoes (416 Hayes St., 415-864-0691). The buyers have the best eye—the best hard-to-find running shoes and the best dress shoes.”

“My favorite SF designers are the Nice Collective. I have known them since they started out, and it has been wonderful to see the designers and the collection grow into an internationally respected line. Their design concepts are always well thought out, and have an intellectual quality that interests me.” (Archive, 317 Sutter St., 415-391-5550)

“For haircuts, I go to Original Palace Barbers on Mission. I get my hair cut every two to three weeks, so $16 is perfect.” (600 1/2 Mission St., 415-986-5049)

“I go to Indian Springs in Calistoga four to five times a year for a mud bath, mineral bath and massage. I need to completely get away from the city to enjoy the benefits of a massage.” (1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707-942-4913)

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