S.F. Fashion’s Night Out: Not just for ladies

S.F. Fashion’s Night Out: Not just for ladies


Another Fashion’s Night Out has come and gone in San Francisco, but it wasn’t just a ladies’ night. This year there were more menswear happenings in and around Union Square than ever before, which is just as it should be in a city filled with men looking to advance themselves sartorially. Here’s a wrap-up of some of my favorite men’s and men’s inclusive events of the night.

1) Neiman Marcus- 150 Stockton Street

The Neiman Marcus men’s basement had the usual luxury goods (and the usual FNO deejay spinning tunes from the musical “Chicago,” but it was menswear designer Antonio Luna’s collection in person on the second floor that really caught the eye. Showing pieces for the fall inspired by “the structure and softness of police and military uniforms in Belize” Luna’s mix of wools, cotton canvas and baby soft Italian leather were a highlight of the evening. Juxtaposing the sharp lines of his lapels with rounded shoulders and long, tunic styles with short, matador jackets the Belize influence was infinitely wearable with unexpected details (bold zipper hardware, double sleeves) delighting upon discovery. Luna, a 2012 graduate of the Academy of Art University and recipient of their 2009 Presidential Scholarship, hails from Guadalajara originally and continues to live and work in San Francisco.

2) Marc Jacobs- 125 Maiden Lane

If there is one thing Marc Jacobs can be counted on, for it’s a stunning store setting. Champagne flowed, shoppers mingled and had the opportunity to be photographed in store against a garden-themed, glitter-bombed backdrop. There were some great everyday men’s pieces from the fall collection on display (fun equestrian caps, kicky metallic toed sneakers and accessories ruled the night) but the cheekiest, only-at-Marc Jacobs find was the “Muscle Marc” plushy-doll in the style of  WWF merchandise circa 1992. If you’ve ever wanted to take home Marc Jacobs, here’s your chance!

3) John Varvatos-152 Geary Street

“Who the Hell is John Varvatos?” You know, I know, but the question was still the theme at the designer’s Geary Street boutique. After a couple Patron “Varvatosaritas” or “Simply Varvatos” cocktails it’s possible some of the guests forgot. With purchases of $200 or more (easily done, Varvatos’ dark hued, rock ‘n’ roll collections are always a great way to transition out of summer) you got to take home your very own “Who the Hell is John Varvatos?” T-shirt specially made for San Francisco’s Fashion’s Night Out.

4) Kurt Geiger- 250 Stockton St.

Another great bar (courtesy of Distillery 209) and tunes by Live 105′s Aaron Axelsen awaited at Kurt Geiger. The men’s side of the shoe store was just as packed as the women’s, and just as filled with eye-popping goodies from the company’s new “Pretty in Punk” collection. A 20% sale, raffles and the Lash Bar by Faux Lash had the store at capacity: This was easily the most crowded party in the Square. Hovering over the event was an enormous “shoe chandelier” that was likely one of the more Instagrammed displays of the night.

5) Ted Baker- 80 Grant Ave.

Ted Baker has gone fly fishing for the fall — the new “Tight Lines” collection is inspired by the traditional salutation fly fisherman greet one another with on angling adventures. All variety of tweeds, Baker’s signature seasonal linings featuring stags and rising trout and country weekend cuts (just in time for a new season of “Downton Abbey” theme parties) embellished by fly fishing lure lapel pins were on display at the Ted Baker party as well as the chance to win your very own fly fishing trip for two.

6) Barneys New York- 77 O’Farrell St.

We ended the night on the  men’s floors at Barneys. During the champagne reception from 6-9, 10% of all purchases benefited the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that advocates for the equality of the LGBT community. Knowing that part of a purchase went to a worthy cause helped assauge a little of the guilt ogling the men’s shoe department brought on, especially the now trademark protected Louboutin spiked loafers.

Fashion’s Night Out just keeps getting better every year, Thanks, San Francisco, for not neglecting the men. We’re already looking forward to doing it again in 2013.