Paul Smith Opens in SF

"I have been visiting San Francisco for many years, in fact since my hippie days in Haight - Ashbury. Although it is a very big city it feel far more intimate than many, so I am really pleased to be opening my shop here."

Thus spoke Paul Smith, revealing his new eponymous store on Geary St. in San Francisco. Smith is known for finding eclectic spaces and incorporating whimsical exterior into the stores' decor. On Geary, Smith draws inspiration from the building's 1950's era facade. Strong, graphical architecture continues inside with mounted color panels and colorful, geometric furniture.

But, the characteristic Paul Smith anachronisms are still there. In the suit room, for example,mahogany panelling from a 19th century bank and a flamboyant late 19th century table with dragons on the legs mingle with a collection of over 30 Vaclav Trefil abstract paintings from the 40's and 50's.

Paul Smith, 46-50 Geary Streety, San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 352-3520

-- Seth Plattner