San Francisco has had quite the string of fashion icons stopping through town as of late. First, Jean Paul Gaultier, then Sarah Burton and Philip Treacy, and, as of Friday, Donna Karan swept into our fine city to fête the opening of her shop-in-shop at Saks Fifth Avenue. Of course, we were on hand to greet the style titan and quiz her about her tech know-how, business icons, and S.F. past.

You're in San Francisco! What's your history with the city?
"Well, I sort of started here in San Francisco when I began Donna Karan. We were carried at I. Magnin, which was before your time. So, San Francisco has a place in my heart. I feel a major connection to the city on many different levels: The mind, the body, the spirit, the sophistication of people who really care and make a difference in the world. Rodney Yee, who does Urban Zen with me, spends a lot of time in San Francisco."

It's also the world's tech capital. Are you a techie?
"Not at all! No way. I definitely have an iPad and an iPhone. I do a lot of my work on them and a lot of photography. I like to use them particularly when I go to Haiti. I have my whole journal on those. I think, in the world today, it's not just about dressing people, but about addressing them. And communication and tech are a big part of that."

You're an icon not just for American design, but also as a woman running a great fashion empire. Does it concern you at all that many of the emerging designers winning CFDA awards of late are mostly men?
"Well, I think what's important as a male designer is that you have a really strong female muse. I know what my strength is as a female designer, and that's knowing a female and her body. I think that's what makes Donna Karan what it is today. I see women try on the clothes, and they say, 'Oh my god, you made this for me.' They do feel that sense of understanding a woman. I design for myself, it's clearly selfish. I know what it feels like to be a woman. I know where I have to go and what I want to feel like. A lot of the collection I'm showing today is based on my husband and the idea of wo-man — a man and woman — and women running for president. It's all about strength and getting women out there in the public world."

Do you wear other designers?
"No. I'm basically in a uniform. I wear my black pants, black bodysuit, scarf, and jacket. It's really simple. I wear a lot of Urban Zen. I wear a lot of Donna Karan. I wear a lot of DKNY. When you have that many labels, shopping is pretty widespread. And there's probably nobody that makes an evening gown for me...well...better than me!"

You're known for having such a strong business sense. Do you have business icons?
"Absolutely. For me, I think President Clinton has always been my inspiration. The President and Hillary, and now seeing Chelsea developing so beautifully. Certainly, seeing what's happening in the tech world is extraordinary. And what Sean [Penn] has done down in Haiti. Also, you see Michael [Kors] going public and Ralph [Lauren's] consciousness and what he's done for the Harlem hospitals. Also, overall Ralph has a real understanding of his consumer."

What's up next for you?
"Stephan [Weiss'] book is coming out. I'm launching Stephan's art show, it's called 'Connecting the Dots.' People haven't seen his art collection and I'm really excited about it. It'll be at Urban Zen, the studio where he created all the work. We have the Apple Awards happening in New York City. I'm going to be involved with Barbra [Streisand's] women's heart-disease initiative. I'm going down to Haiti again. Seeing it progressively change is great."

Photographed by Christine Ting

Maria Romero: Dulce de Reliquias on Nowness.com.

Sure, the Academy of Art University's annual end-of-year show and soirée may have wrapped up, but we’re still fixated on the eventful happs that went down at the fete (hello, Sarah Burton!). Amid the gorgeous garb and star-studded front row, there was definitely another standout moment — the screening of an artsy mini-flick that had the crowd oohing and aahing like crazy.

The stop-motion film features fashion-design student Maria Romero’s exquisite and dreamy designs on a handful of lifelike mini mannequins. The breathtaking “Dulces de Reliquias” video, inspired by Mexican candies handed out at Christmas, also caught the attention of Nowness.com. The video-centric site got the lowdown on the must-see short that was also directed by Romero and produced in collaboration with a slew of students.

“There was a doll’s body lying on the table. It was probably 12 inches tall and Maria was draping the body with fabrics and mini garments she had made. I said, why turn them into real clothes when you could do something new?” Romeo's teacher Simon Ungless tells Nowness. New, it is. And the coolest part? Romero has since been offered an internship with Alexander McQueen. Hit play above, and you'll see why.

Video: Via Nowness

Calling all fashion junkies! We're looking for a few exceptional editorial interns to join the R29 S.F. team for summer '12. Editorial candidates should possess strong research and writing skills and be up to date on fashion news, style blogs, social media, and the e-commerce landscape. And a healthy obsession with style, trends, and everything Bay Area (food, music, art, culture) definitely helps!

Above all, though, you’ve got to know and love Refinery29. Anyone less than die hard need not apply! Interested, in S.F., and a R29 fanatic? Shoot your cover letter and resume to Angela Tafoya with the subject line "Refinery29 S.F. Summer Intern!" Local candidates only, please.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know what the world will think of that dress you’ve been eyeing before you make the splurge, and quite possibly, a major fashion faux pas? Well, now you can, thanks to the latest fashion gadget coming out of Brazil.

The part of the world best known for bikini waxes and supermodel exports is now making tech strides in retail by being the first country to have hangers that digitally display how many "likes" each piece has on Facebook. Meaning, there’s really no need to bring a posse of opinionated girlfriends with you when shopping at South American boutique C&A Brasil.

The hangers, first spotted on Springwise, correspond to specific items listed on the retailer's FB page. And, as folks "like" each item, the hangers in the shop reflect popularity in real time.

Personally, we're not sure that we need the approval of the Facebook world in order to help us make a decision on a garment, but we definitely do appreciate this new tech-y feature.

What about you? Is this a feature you'd love to see in stateside (and Bayside) boutiques, or are these pricey hangers totally unnecessary? Let us know in the comments!

Photo: Via Facebook/C&A Brasil

As if Target wasn't showing enough S.F. love through its partnership with the city's sweet-tooth emporium The Candy Store, news just broke today that beloved Mission boutique The Curiosity Shoppe will be the retail giant's next collaborator.

It's all a part of Target's new "The Shops at Target" concept, which is, in essence, a partnership between Target and a select group of boutique brands and stores, that will host shop-in-shops and co-branded merch within Target.

The collaboration with The Curiosity Shoppe follows those with high-end boutiques The Webster in Miami and Kirna Zabête in NYC. According to a post on Target's blog, The Curiosity Shoppe at Target line will arrive in stores on September 9 and include over 60 pieces, including "entertaining accessories, stationery, kitchenware, games, crafts, and curiosities." Prices will range from $3 for a salad plate to $25 for a cake stand, which is quite a steal considering the somewhat pricier pieces decorating the shop's Valencia Street flagship.

The husband-and-wife team behind The Curiosity Shoppe (read their love story they shared with R29 on Valentine's Day!) consists of former Esquire and Interview editor Derek Fagerstrom (now editor of Pop-Up Magazine) and Todd Oldham alum Lauren Smith. The two opened their popular shop in S.F. in 2007.

Photo: Via Facebook/The Curiosity Shoppe

When one thinks of a master milliner, Philip Treacy is normally the very first name to come to mind. Lucky for San Franciscans, the legendary hat maker came to town to attend a series of events surrounding the Academy of Art University's BFA fashion show, including a millinery demo with craft store supplies for the AAU's in-awe students. To learn all about his S.F. adventure, plus his disdain for the word "fascinator," and the possible hat boom on the horizon, we posted up on a curb in Fisherman's Wharf and talked shop with the icon.

Have you shopped while in San Francisco?
"I went to some of the vintage stores. Suzy [Menkes] took us with her on a shopping trip. We went to Reliquary and we went to the African shop across the street, which was my favorite. I bought lots there and so did Sarah [Burton]. And nothing was for sale in the store! This one piece that Sarah wanted was not for sale. I had to explain to the woman in the shop. I said, 'You know that girl who's standing over there who wants to buy that piece? Did you see the royal wedding?' And she goes, 'Uh, yeah.' And I said, 'She made the wedding dress.' And then she said, 'Okay, it's for sale.'"

When you were speaking to the students earlier in the week, you mentioned hating the word fascinator. Why?
"It's the most ridiculous word. Personally, I think it sounds like some dodgy sex toy. And it's really a head dress. Or a hat. A baseball cap is a hat. A headwrap is a hat. Anything you put on your head is a hat. But I hate fascinators, even though people think my hats are fascinators."

You also mentioned that JFK going hatless might have influenced the lack of hat-wearing in the U.S.
"I'm a huge fan of the Kennedy administration and how glamourous it was. He choose not to wear a hat and he was the most important person in the world at that moment. He was the taste maker and the taste meister. And he had the most incredible hair and didn't need a hat. Of course, that didn't help the men's hat market, but that was his choice, which I empathize with and understand. I think hair became more important than hats in the '60s and that likely began to kill the hat industry. His wife wore a pillbox, but it was an excuse for a hat, really. It was all about everything but the hat. Halston, who was one of my favorite designers, designed that hat. And I love Halston more than the pillbox. But that's what she wanted."

So, by the time you started studying hat making, they might have already been démodé.
"When I started designing hats, the other students would say in a very apologetic way, 'Why are you designing hats? Only old ladies are wearing hats.' But I love hats — that's why I design them. Hats are about another dimension of passion about dressing up. You have to wear shoes, you have to wear clothes, but you could spend your whole life without wearing a hat. I quite like the fantasy aspect of hats because it's about self embellishment. We all have a head and everyone has the potential to wear a hat. And they've really changed from being conformist accessories to an accessory of rebellion. So, I make hats for the rebels of the world. And I like that, a lot."

Do you think hats will always be bigger in the U.K. than they are over here?
"It's bigger in the U.K., but it's traveling! Glamour transcends culture. I mean, are you trying to say that American women aren't interested in glamour? Of course they are! They're some of the most glamorous women in the world. I think in the future, maybe when I'm dead, they're going to get into hats. Fashion today is not about the designer, it's about the individual. It's become muchos democratic. Magazines pretend to dictate style. But they can't. That's over. Today the power is with the consumer. And hats really fit into that individual approach. They are really the epitome of individuality. I can see people scared to wear a hat because of what other people might think, but I can also see the writing on the wall and pretty soon, there'll be someone walking down this very street in San Francisco saying, 'I feel like wearing a fucking hat, because I feel like it.'"

Do "hat people" have anything in common?
"I know all of the hat wearers of the world and they are not who people think they are. People think that people wearing hats are looking for attention. But, in fact, they are often quite shy people who gain their power through wearing hats. Instead of popping a valium, a hat can make you feel better because it sort of takes you away from yourself. It makes you feel good. Once women universally understand that hats are empowering, they'll be back in a big way."

How important is it for you to talk to the design students at the AAU?
"I empathize with students because I was a student. It's all about encouragement. It helps you move forward, because to be encouraged when you're young is everything. I come from a tiny village in the west of Ireland. I have seven brothers and one sister. My mother was a baker. Alexander McQueen's father was a taxi driver and his son became a fashion icon. So, I believe in that. You can come from nowhere and go everywhere. It's all about talent. It's not where you come from."

Photo: Via Facebook/Philip Treacy

This week has been a huge one for San Francisco when it comes to fashion celebrity sightings, and it's all thanks to the Academy of Art University's stellar BFA show, which went down last night. Sitting front row were none other than Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton, star milliner Philip Treacy, iconic fashion journalists Suzy Menkes and Cathy Horyn, and Saudi Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, to name just a few.

Of course, the biggest draw of all was the elusive Burton, who was first introduced to McQueen by the AAU's fashion school director Simon Ungless, who launched the label with the late designer in the early '90s. Luckily, R29 got plenty of QT with the esteemed crew throughout the week and caught up with Burton before the lights went up on the fantastic student show. Check out Burton's thoughts on her glowing reviews, S.F.-based mentor, and the Met Ball (mum's still the word on who she's dressing!) right here.


Philip Treacy told us that you got to do a little shopping in San Francisco, including buying stuff at the African shop in Hayes Valley. Will we see any African influences creep into McQueen in the future?
"I'm not sure yet, but it was great. They have beautiful pieces in there. And it was really inspiring. It was nice to get out and about between events. We also got to walk past these beautiful Victorian houses and the Painted Ladies and that was very beautiful."

You're heading to the Met Ball in New York next to see the Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit. Was Schiap an influence for you?
"I often look to Schiaparelli. I think she was an incredibly inspiring designer. We've had her on our research boards many times."

Obviously, you're a high-fashion designer and work in sort of an elevated artistic space. Do you have any low-brow interests?
"I think it's really important that you get your inspiration from everywhere. Lee taught me that you should be inspired by everything that's going on around you. There's no snobbery in inspiration. It can be something on the telly or something you see in the street or in a book or a museum."

Do you have anything especially seedy that you indulge in? Do you watch reality television or Downton Abbey?
"I do! I watch Downton Abbey, I watch all kinds of things. It just depends what's on when you get in. It could be news night, it could be Downton Abbey, it just depends."

Since taking the reins at McQueen, you've received fantastic reviews and awards. Do you care about all of that? Do you read the reviews?
"I think when you start a collection, you do what you love and what you believe in. And you have to push yourself. Of course it's interesting to look at the reviews and you have to take on board what people are saying and take in all the criticism. But when you design a collection, you have to start with what you love and what you believe in. Unless you do that, you can't stand behind it, so there's no point in doing it anyway."

Simon Ungless has been a huge influence in your life and introduced you to Lee. How has it been reuniting these past few days?
"He's just incredible. And it's been amazing to see the passion that he gave me and he's given that to all of these students here. So, it's quite moving to see him in this environment and see him inspire so many people."

What's the one piece of advice you'd give these budding designers?
"Do what you love and believe in, and work hard."

Photo: Via Alexander McQueen/David Burton

Well, this is a pretty crappy way to start off the month. Last night, a group of masked marchers charged down the vibrant restaurant and shopping district that is Valencia Street, vandalizing local businesses and cars.

Mission Mission has the most thorough report on the aftermath, which includes a paint-balled Four Barrel, smashed windows at Artzone 4 Gallery and Weston Wear, and lots more unnecessary and sad stuff.

One witness describes his experience, dining at Locanda with his girlfriend when a band of thugs attempted to smash in the restaurant's windows:



Another business that was less fortunate in the window department, was clothing shop Weston Wear, whose owner Bridget Moore spoke with us this morning.



Moore says Delfina, Farina, Tartine Bakery, Therapy, and TACA Airlines also reported damage from the senseless and destructive event. If you care to see fuzzy footage of it all, here's a video. In the meantime, visit these local businesses and help them get back on their feet.

Photo: Via Mission Mission

Last night, Brad Goreski brought his ever-so-dapper self to S.F.'s very own Black Fleece boutique to meet and greet fans and sign copies of his tell-all memoir and style guide: Born To Be Brad, My Life and Style, So Far. Naturally, we were on the scene and sat down with the bow tie- and glasses-clad stylist to talk gadgets, spring fashion, and — of course — The Zoe.

Your book is a memoir and style guide. What sort of fashion advice can we find inside?
"One of the longest sidebars in the book is about packing for trips and my general fascination with the decline in how people dress for travel. I'm like, 'Do you really need to be wearing pajama bottoms, a hoodie, and bring your pillow from home? It’s really not that long!' My thing right now is to try to get people to just put a little bit more thought into it, because when you’re traveling somewhere you’re beginning a journey, no matter where it is. So, why not start it with some sort of look?"

Got it. No sweat pants. What should we wear instead?
"I think people confuse comfort with sloppiness. But you can wear jeans and a button-down or a T-shirt, a blazer, and flats and be comfortable. Also, I always have a scarf when I’m traveling because airplanes are always all of a sudden refrigerators, as well — they’re so cold!"

What runway pieces are you dying to work with?
"I would say anything from Givenchy's spring collection, for both men and women."

Are there any trends you want to be over (besides velour on planes)?
"I’m not a big fan of embellished jeans. I was just in Miami, and every single shop window had jeans with some sort of embroidery on them. I think a simple, well-fitted jean is enough. I love colored jeans, but I’m just not a big fan of embellishments and extra fixins."

We love your style. How would a lady get her boyfriend to dress like you?
"Just drug him, slap a bow tie and some glasses on him, and take him out somewhere."

What areas of S.F. have you explored during your stay here?
"I’m staying at the St. Regis right now and it is beautiful — one of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed in this month. We just ate at The Slanted Door today. We had something called glass noodles with chicken, the Slanted Door spring rolls, the spare rib, and a grapefruit and jicama salad. Now, I don’t even know if I can do dinner."

San Francisco is such a tech city. Would you consider yourself a "techie?"
"No, not at all! I couldn’t even get the wifi to work at my hotel!"

Have any fave fashion apps?
"Style.com is what I’m always on and Trendabl is another I like."

Finally...are you sick of the Rachel Zoe drama?
"I wouldn’t say I’m sick of it. It just doesn’t exist, so it’s not really anything that I put my energy towards. The only thing to say is that I wish Rachel all the best, and I’ve totally moved on and have my own business, and she has her thing going on. It’s a pretty simple process of an assistant leaving a boss, and whatever her feelings are towards me are her feelings."

Photo: Courtesy of Brooks Brothers

If there’s one thing we don’t dig about the seasonal switch, it’s spring cleaning. Sure, we know how great it would feel to rid our space of that ever-expanding sartorial stockpile from 2001, but that would be a three-day undertaking (and who’s got that kind of time?).

Well, there’s a shiny new site dedicated to helping a sister out (before we go all Hoarders on you). And since you know how much we flip for fashion-meets-techie tidbits, you can only imagine our elation when we caught wind of it. Meet Threadflip which launched just today.

Yep, this is a brand-spankin’-new way to clean and organize your closet — that’s actually fun. It’s a unique way for stylish ladies to trade in their unwanted wares. But, we aren’t talking about turning in washed-out, embarrassing old items (some of those suckers belong in the trash, and you know it). Nope, on Threadflip you’ll find items you want to wear. “The pieces are as diverse as our users," explained founder Manik Singh. "We’ve seen an exciting range from Paul Smith to Prada, vintage to Vuitton, and everything in between — all at a fraction of the original price,” Singh said.

The concept is straightforward: sign up, make a profile, browse, upload, and then buy or sell. We’re thinking of it as an interactive version of Pinterest — where you can actually own some of those oh-so-covetable items. Pretty cool, huh? Well, it gets a wee bit better. The site features a mega-convenient “white glove” feature where the peeps at Threadlflip will upload your pics for you. You know, if you're feeling just a smidge lazy.

Another plus? The tastemakers hanging around to hook you up. “Threadflip showcases five inspiring fashion arbiters for launch: Tennessee Thomas, drummer for The Like, street-style star Preetma Singh, Late Afternoon blogger Liz Cherkasova, Laura Ellner of On the Racks, and lifestyle lovely Brit Morin, " said Singh. "We love that they reflect a variety of personal styles, representing the broad range of offerings on the site." We’re kind of flipping out for Threadflip over here. Take a peek, and then tell us what you think, in the comments.

Photos: Via Threadflip

With Google leaving a lot to be desired when it comes to searching for clothing online, it's another Mountain View-based site, Polyvore, which has become our go-to when looking for super-specific items (cat-print T-shirts, for example). And now, the site, which also allows users to create shopable collages of their favorite on-the-market items, is getting even more helpful thanks to the addition of beauty.

According to WWD, the fashion-meets-tech destination is now including searchable beauty products so users can finally polish off their personal style boards with cosmetic accessories. Just head to the search bar and select the newly launched beauty category, which has subcategories such as skincare, nails, and fragrance, and immediately partake in this new-and-improved feature.

Our favorite part? Devoted beauty seekers can simply click on any color in the box provided and see tons of products pop up in the desired shade.

Ready for a fresh new makeup routine, just in time for spring? Head to the site and see if your most coveted products are there. And, obvi, check out our beauty section for a guide on how to use ‘em!

Photo: Via Bobbi Brown

We came, we saw, and we absolutely conquered the ridiculously cool Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the De Young this morning, at a special press preview.

Besides the tech-savvy talking-head mannequins that are a see-it-to-believe-it experience, a room full of Madonna's cone bras, gorgeous couture gowns lined up on rotating display stands, and much, much more, today's highlight was definitely going head-to-head with the man of the hour, JPG, himself.

Read on for all the dish from our chat with Gaultier, including tidbits on his love of S.F., his nonexistent iPhone skills, and his upcoming 60th birthday plans...and be sure to get yourself to The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk exhibit, which opens this Saturday, March 24, stat.

You mentioned that you've been to San Francisco three times in your life. How have you liked it?
"This is my first time staying at the Fairmont. The first time I was here was in 1980. It was my first time in America and I was passing through. I went straight to Los Angeles because I was doing the costumes for a band. After that, I came to San Francisco. I had heard, not only about the hippies, but the gay freedom. I knew people were more free there with the sexual liberation. So, I was very excited to see it."

Did you go straight to the Castro and stay there?
"No. I went one time, but my hotel was not there. There was only one hotel that I could pay for! It was a very modest visit. And I loved it. It was in August and it was so hot, and one afternoon I saw this man who was straight from the Village People, with the black leather cap and the chaps and I was like, 'Oh my God. How crazy it is to go out during the day in that!' I was shocked. People were truly more free."

What do you think about the city now?
"I love the city. I love the colors. I love all the hills going up and down, and the water. To be honest, I prefer it to L.A. It's more open, there are trees, and you can walk! If you take a walk, you are not taken for a prostitute, like in L.A.! When I'm in L.A., I don't drive, so I am walking and some cars will stop! Maybe I can take it as a compliment."

San Francisco is a huge tech city. Are you a techy guy?
"Not at all. I am the opposite of that! I have a French friend who has been living here for 25 years and she was one of the first French people at Apple. I am the opposite of her! I have an iPhone, but only to send texts. I don't like that if someone is phoning me, I will be disturbed. I cannot do two things at one time. I have no iPod...I'm too distracted. Now, images are everywhere and I love it, but there are almost too many images. When I watch TV, I can just keep zapping all the time! But I don't want to be that excited. Even the Internet. It's just non stop. I like to think alone with my brain and not over-communicate. "

Last question...any 60th birthday plans? It's coming up!
"To be in my bed, eating spaghetti."

Photo: Via Facebook/JPG