A Day in Shop657
The Academy of Art University’s shop, Shop657, dedicated to showcasing the most talented of fashion design alums this season used their boutique to house a trunk show for AAU alumnus Whichkim’s menswear line. The illuminated store's with pale color in natural lighting is the perfect set for Dahae Kim’s black and grey cotton knit garments. Both Shop657 and Kim’s collection play a wonderful balance with one another in it’s simplistic design. The marble slabs that read “Shop” placed behind the collection add to the feeling of minimal luxury with a clean, crisp balance in the clothing.
Adding color alongside Whichkim’s collection, Shinkah Tai’s red hightop sneaker placed next to the collection brings a different rhythm to the shop. The playful shoe, using a primary color palette in its tribal design, brings an extra kick against the monotoned Whichkim trunk show. The shoe uses a classic design adapted from its Nike forefathers of the 1980s and 90s, a mixture of new and old styles. The store applies this mixture of modern and graphic design throughout. Full spectrum and geometric prints can be found in the shirts and jackets created by other artists such as Ben Copperwheat’s Joan River’s tribute shirts.
The store is an entity, dedicated to celebrating the up and coming designers, enjoyed by tourists and residents alike. Nestled between the campus' dorms on Sutter, up an intense incline (intense for those who decide to visit in high heels), and not too far from Powell Street BART station for commuters like me, Shop657 is becoming a hot spot that makes you stop and turn your head. The shop is in the middle of a lively and spirited community is a breath of fresh air from the typical fast fashion. And the 10% AAU discount doesn’t hurt either for a quick shopping trip.
But for those looking for something to eat, sorry! There are no deli meats as advertised.
