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With all eyes on the recently supersized SFMOMA (and new galleries from art world powerhouses Larry Gagosian and John Berggruen right across the street), no one questions the fact that San Francisco's modern art scene is thriving. But in a city with a slight reputation for safe-playing style, where does the populace shop for statement-making, artsy, and adventurous fashion? The avant-garde set doesn't have to look as hard as you'd think. Thanks to smart boutiques like Anaise, Legion, and Le Point, it's never been easier to build an artsy, cool-girl wardrobe in the city by the bay. Whether you're seeking an ensemble for a gallery opening, trying to look cute for your museum selfie, or just curating your closet, consult our guide to the best spots for modern threads in San Francisco. (And for those of you who aren't heading to the Bay area any time soon, think of this as an amazing e-commerce portal to SF.)
This Mission-based concept store stocks everything you ever wanted to add to your cool-girl uniform, including lovely picks from brands like Opening Ceremony, Tibi, and SF-favorite Ryan Roche.
Sydney Pfaff's Chinatown shop is off the standard retail path, but well worth the detour. Head here to snap up simple, modern pieces by Ilana Kohn, Kareem, Hackwith, and more; be prepared to leave with other goodies like bright ceramics and small batch soaps.
Browsing Curve's selection of elusive statement pieces from established and emerging designers feels like shopping through your ideal closet, plus the shop girls make it their mission to find the right pieces for your look. All in all, it's a dream.
Another pretty boutique on Sacramento, Blanc stocks hip options from European, Japanese, and local designers. It's a solid bet for finds from Nili Lotan (aka Gigi Hadid's go-to label).
Head to the new Dogpatch Gallery B.A.D. Space between now and August 15 to shop for clothing created by Norwegian artist Pia MYrvoLD, whose Hybrid Love collection includes insanely beautiful tile-technique textiles that beg to be worn to a fancy gallery party.
With a roster of hot brands like Osman and Maiyet, you're bound to find a showstopper at Betty Lin. Now, for the hard part: painterly print or sculptural details?
Known for carrying a mix of local designers (like J'Amy Tarr and Melissa Fleiss) as well as bigger brands, Dish can easily set you up with an artsy ensemble.
Stocked with ultra-cool labels like Carven, MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, Vanessa Bruno, No.6, and more, this new-ish Mission boutique will help you boost your sartorial street cred in a supremely pleasant, airy space.
Modern, edgy, comfortable shoes; what more can you ask for from footwear? Fredas are known for being walkable straight out of the box, so you can be the girl who gets tons of compliments on her new shoes, and finishes the day blister-free.
MAC is a treasure trove filled with pieces from edgy Belgian and Japanese designers like Ann Demeulemeester and Rei Kawakubo. If the Dogpatch is out of your way, visit the original location at 387 Grove.
The French label's two-story Union Square outpost stocks men's and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories. Stop by to pick up something interesting, or even just to ogle the mysterious interiors.
Another solid option on Maiden Lane, shop here for streamlined pieces in gorgeous prints that would look right at home on a gallery wall. (Don't forget a pair of the brand's iconic cantilevered heels, which bump the avant garde factor of any outfit up a notch.)
A perennial favorite, Rand + Statler is one of those rare stores that can keep both men and women happily shopping for Alexander Wang, Karen Walker, Comme des Garcons, ALC, and more.
For clothes that blur the line between fashion and art, look no further than Susan. It's full of pieces from up-and-coming designers that everyone will be talking about 2 years from now. (Case-in-point: Susan was championing Vetements long before Kim and Kanye.)
Ceiba combines fashion, music, jewelry, and art in a funky, gallery-like space. The store's futuristic, glam-grunge aesthetic is curated from 90 hard-to-find designers (it's the only SF shop that carries Skingraft) and features lots of leather.
SF's coolest men know that Maas & Stacks is the place to find modern brands like J.W. Anderson, Common Projects, and VISVIM. If you were a moody (and successful) artist, this is the only place you would shop.
This Mission-based concept store stocks everything you ever wanted to add to your cool-girl uniform, including lovely picks from brands like Opening Ceremony, Tibi, and SF-favorite Ryan Roche.
Sydney Pfaff's Chinatown shop is off the standard retail path, but well worth the detour. Head here to snap up simple, modern pieces by Ilana Kohn, Kareem, Hackwith, and more; be prepared to leave with other goodies like bright ceramics and small batch soaps.
Browsing Curve's selection of elusive statement pieces from established and emerging designers feels like shopping through your ideal closet, plus the shop girls make it their mission to find the right pieces for your look. All in all, it's a dream.
Another pretty boutique on Sacramento, Blanc stocks hip options from European, Japanese, and local designers. It's a solid bet for finds from Nili Lotan (aka Gigi Hadid's go-to label).
Head to the new Dogpatch Gallery B.A.D. Space between now and August 15 to shop for clothing created by Norwegian artist Pia MYrvoLD, whose Hybrid Love collection includes insanely beautiful tile-technique textiles that beg to be worn to a fancy gallery party.
With a roster of hot brands like Osman and Maiyet, you're bound to find a showstopper at Betty Lin. Now, for the hard part: painterly print or sculptural details?
Known for carrying a mix of local designers (like J'Amy Tarr and Melissa Fleiss) as well as bigger brands, Dish can easily set you up with an artsy ensemble.
Stocked with ultra-cool labels like Carven, MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, Vanessa Bruno, No.6, and more, this new-ish Mission boutique will help you boost your sartorial street cred in a supremely pleasant, airy space.
Modern, edgy, comfortable shoes; what more can you ask for from footwear? Fredas are known for being walkable straight out of the box, so you can be the girl who gets tons of compliments on her new shoes, and finishes the day blister-free.
MAC is a treasure trove filled with pieces from edgy Belgian and Japanese designers like Ann Demeulemeester and Rei Kawakubo. If the Dogpatch is out of your way, visit the original location at 387 Grove.
The French label's two-story Union Square outpost stocks men's and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories. Stop by to pick up something interesting, or even just to ogle the mysterious interiors.
Another solid option on Maiden Lane, shop here for streamlined pieces in gorgeous prints that would look right at home on a gallery wall. (Don't forget a pair of the brand's iconic cantilevered heels, which bump the avant garde factor of any outfit up a notch.)
A perennial favorite, Rand + Statler is one of those rare stores that can keep both men and women happily shopping for Alexander Wang, Karen Walker, Comme des Garcons, ALC, and more.
For clothes that blur the line between fashion and art, look no further than Susan. It's full of pieces from up-and-coming designers that everyone will be talking about 2 years from now. (Case-in-point: Susan was championing Vetements long before Kim and Kanye.)
Ceiba combines fashion, music, jewelry, and art in a funky, gallery-like space. The store's futuristic, glam-grunge aesthetic is curated from 90 hard-to-find designers (it's the only SF shop that carries Skingraft) and features lots of leather.
SF's coolest men know that Maas & Stacks is the place to find modern brands like J.W. Anderson, Common Projects, and VISVIM. If you were a moody (and successful) artist, this is the only place you would shop.
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