Shopping strips in America call to mind images of palm-fringed Rodeo Drive in LA, Fifth Avenue in New York and M Street in Washington, DC. But, in the coming half of this year, San Francisco is set to give it’s sartorial rivals a run for their money, as an influx of luxury brands prepare to set up shop in the foggy city.
Valentino is scheduled to open a 10,000-square-foot store on Grant Avenue this November. Spread out across four levels the store will be the first in the country to stock Valentino’s complete men’s collection. Further down the street on Maiden Lane, Alexander McQueen and Christian Louboutin are preparing to set up San Franciscan bases.
Italian label Salvatore Ferragamo is also moving from its temporary home to double its space at a permanent site next door to Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s store at the city’s main shopping hub of Union Square. Maxing out your credit card is sure to work up an appetite, so wind up a day’s shopping with dinner at the stylish Fifth Floor Restaurant & Lounge at Hotel Palomar.
Recharge at the Clift Hotel, found not far from Union Square. It’s a design dream — the lobby is designed by Philippe Starck, who also designed custom-made furniture for all the rooms and suites — and the perfect place to complement a stylish shopping holiday.
