Academy of Art Is Opening a Store in Union Square

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Academy of Art University really goes the extra mile for its fashion students. Each year, the school hosts three fashion shows —two at New York Fashion Week and one here in San Francisco— to introduce student work to the fashion world. Now, the school is opening Shop657, a store in Union Square that will both display AAU designs and give merchandising students real-world experience.

Simon Ungless, the new Executive Director of the School of Fashion, says, "The School of Fashion is committed to providing real-life experience for our students. For our Design students that manifests in the opportunity to show in runway shows at New York Fashion Week, and for our Fashion Journalism and Styling students the opportunity to work on 180 magazine lends them practical experience in the editorial world. Now, for our Fashion Merchandising students, the chance to work on SHOP657 gives them firsthand knowledge of working in a retail store environment."

While the school previously hosted a pop-up shop, this will be the first permanent boutique for the University. The store, slated to open in November, will take over the former Marty's Liquor spot at 657 Sutter Street. A rep for the school tells us the shop will have a totally different look from the pop-up, and will sell clothing, shoes, accessories and lifestyle items designed by students and alumni.

Keanan Duffty, Senior Director of Fashion Merchandising, adds, "We are carrying on the momentum that the Academy of Art University School of Fashion enjoyed from our successful 'pop up' store, which made its debut at our Spring show this past May, with a permanent retail location near Union Square. Creating and operating a dedicated fashion retail space is a unique opportunity and a logical progression for our Fashion Merchandising and Design students and alumni."
· Academy of Art University [Official Site]
· Check Out All the Looks from the Academy of Art Fashion Show [Racked]