JV Team
John Varvatos Opens in Union Square

If you have to endure uninspired designs in lackluster stores, you'd rather shop online.

Which is why you might actually consider stepping foot into brick and mortar at the John Varvatos store, newly opened Sunday in Union Square.

The designer's first SF shop is a 6,500 square-foot space with the settled quality of a friend's home (okay, a very well off friend's home), the culture of an art gallery and the goods of the complete J.V. Collection—think tailored pieces and sportswear with a vintage rock sensibility. Step inside the two-story entry (via the hidden entrance on Maiden Lane if you want to avoid the crowd) and you'll find yourself under a light installation of 1,500 vintage bulbs—which we'd like to assume is earthquake-proof.

Being his largest store to date, this boutique carries everything you'd see in New York and LA. Browse accessories from his line of collapsible sunglasses to jet dashboard-style Ernst Benz watches, then walk over the reclaimed walnut floor scattered with Persian rugs, past original photos of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan to the John Varvatos USA and Converse collection—we've got our eye on the Chuck Taylors with elastic laces. Next, venture up the steel-and-wood staircase to the second floor, where you'll find suiting and SF essentials like suede blazers and cashmere henleys. Afterwards, you might take a few minutes on the sofa, plucked straight from the designer's own home.

Just don't get too comfortable.