Sherri McMullen, the visionary behind the beloved McMullen boutique, is bringing her unique brand of curated fashion to San Francisco. Her second store, opening on August 12th in the vibrant Presidio Heights district, marks a significant milestone for the retailer, who has been a fixture in the neighboring Oakland for nearly two decades. McMullen’s decision to expand to San Francisco was driven by her deep connection to the city and its thriving creative community. “I’ve always loved San Francisco—I’ve lived here for 20 years and [opening the store] felt like a full circle moment,” she shared. “I look at the city as this hub of innovation and creativity—and as a community of independent thinkers.” The boutique’s DNA lies in its ability to seamlessly blend established fashion houses with emerging talent, all while prioritizing diversity and ethical practices. McMullen has a knack for discovering and championing designers from all over the world, particularly those who are pushing boundaries and championing sustainability. Her unwavering support for designers of color is a testament to her belief in inclusivity and representation. This commitment resonates deeply with her San Francisco clientele, who, like her, value conscious consumption and the stories behind the clothes they wear. “San Francisco thrives on people who are creative. So there’s a customer who’s very conscientious, who wants to know how things are made, who cares about sustainable practices—and all of that informs how she spends her money, and who she is spending it on,” McMullen explained. The Presidio Heights store, housed in a charming Victorian building at 3687 Sacramento Street, will feature a curated selection of brands that embody McMullen’s vision. Alongside established names like Dries Van Noten, The Row, and Proenza Schouler, shoppers will find rising stars like Christopher John Rogers, Diotima, and Zankov, alongside international talents Lisa Folawiyo, Wales Bonner, Kimeze, and Burc Akyol. The boutique also celebrates local design, showcasing the work of Kamperett, among others. This global perspective is at the heart of McMullen’s approach. “We’re able to tell the stories of designers who really care about slow fashion, the beauty of pieces which take months to make—and those aren’t necessarily coming from Paris, but maybe Africa,” McMullen said. “And people here are really embracing that.” San Francisco, with its rich cultural tapestry and appreciation for individual expression, provides the perfect canvas for McMullen’s approach to fashion. “Fashion here is seen as an expression of your lifestyle, and how you might think about so many different things,” she observed. “We see so many ways to express ourselves through what we wear.” The store’s interior, designed in collaboration with Noz Nozawa of Noz Design, reflects the vibrant spirit of the city while honoring the historic charm of the Victorian building. Nozawa’s signature blend of bold colors, natural textures, and playful geometry creates a space that is both inviting and sophisticated. “Noz is really talented,” McMullen said. “She understands the vibrancy of this city because she has worked here for so many years. We wanted to create this space that felt very inviting but also very sophisticated.” The result is a captivating blend of old and new, where original moldings are complemented by elegant ivory and gold console tables, and vintage furniture is reupholstered in rich velvet. A striking portrait of McMullen by Oakland artist Taylor Smalls presides over the space, adding a personal touch to the thoughtfully curated environment. The opening of McMullen’s second store is a testament to the brand’s enduring success and its founder’s unwavering belief in the power of fashion to connect, inspire, and empower. It’s a vote of confidence not only in the brand’s future but also in the vibrant and ever-evolving spirit of San Francisco.
McMullen Boutique Expands to San Francisco, Bringing Global Fashion to the City by the Bay
