The Unique Fashion Scene of San Francisco

Two examples of innovative designers reveal the fashion character of the City by the Bay and prove that there's a design for everyone, not just the runway-walking or boutique-bag-toting crowds.

Diversity in Fashion

As an outpost on the Pacific for more than a century, San Francisco is home to a unique blend of cultures. Fashion designer Nobuaki Tomita mixes ancient kimono designs with modern styles, with the goal of increasing the use of the kimono in American culture. He debuted his latest Japanese clothing designs at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.

Design for All Walks

Unusual fashion can also be found in the charitable channels of San Francisco. Designer Lisa Alexander worked with the St. Vincent de Paul Society to transform donated clothes into designer creations and help San Francisco's more than 12,000 working poor and homeless people. Ms. Alexander's cocktail and evening dresses made from miu-mius and old children's clothes will be auctioned off by the Society, in a program called "Discarded to Divine."
A variety of shopping districts contribute to this diverse retail landscape. From secondhand stores to the pricey retail enclaves of Union Square, San Francisco offers everything in between. Clothing designs for budget prices can be found on Haight Street, while the Embarcadero is home to some national favorites. Diversity is an important part of fashion in San Francisco, and it's a great opportunity for fashion school students looking to immerse themselves in their industry.
Source
The Japan Times, "Kimono designer shows vision to U.S."

Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.