Lola Is the Textile Queen of Noe Valley

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• Lola of San Francisco in Noe Valley.

Radical prints are all the rage this summer, and it seems like magazines can't get enough of labels like Mary Katrantzou and Clover Canyon. But right here in San Francisco, Lola Herrera has been creating stunning printed dresses with her hand-painted textiles for over a decade. Her attention to details makes a simple design special. A classic shift dress is transformed into a conversation piece; a hand-painted gown becomes a showstopper.

Lola, a Noe Valley resident, claims that she never set out to be a fashion designer. "It wasn't something I aspired to, but I've always made things. I've always painted. It's been a really funny journey. I mean, I'm a fashion designer and I'm an artist, but I just make things. I have really good three-dimensional skills."

After getting her start through her private studio, Lola jumped at the opportunity to move into her first retail space on 24th Street. "I knew it was going to work. I just knew. I had enough business from having a private studio. From day one, it was successful." With price points ranging from $175 up to $550 for a painted dress, it's a wonder that Lola can keep up with demand.

Now running her business from her atelier at 1250 Sanchez Street, Lola has a sun-soaked shop to display her artwork, apparel, and leather-lined canvas totes. While the store may be a few steps off Noe's 24th Street and Church Street commercial districts, it's well worth the detour for both ready-to-wear and made-to-order pieces.

Fall in love with something off the rack? Lola will nip it in to fit you perfectly. Want to commission a truly custom dress from the designer? Depending on the structure of the piece, the whole thing can be finished in 3 to 6 weeks. Head in today, and you can be in your one-of-a-kind (Lola) Herrera before the end of summer.
· Lola of San Francisco [Official Site]
· Custom Corsets Are a Cinch at This Hayes Valley Boutique [Racked]