Long gone are the days when fashion shows were primarily for clients – for the most part. But that sense of community was alive and well at McMullen’s fashion show last Thursday, commemorating years in business. Sherri McMullen, founder of the iconic Oakland, California-based boutique and all-around fashion setter, hosted the event to showcase the looks of a new capsule collection, called for 15, including designers such as Christopher John Rogers, Nomia, and Proenza Schouler for The shape of the store design.
Held at San Francisco’s Ferry Building, overlooking the bay, the show was packed with Shirley supporters — and those her has been supported for many years. Naturally, it was a well-dressed crowd, with guests in zebra-print boots, leopard-print suits and graphic suits. Not all looks on the runway were part of the 15 for 15 capsule collection, but each The looks all showcase Sherri’s happy, experimental eyes.
Models in the anniversary fashion show.
Drew Altizer Photography
Sherri was an early supporter of many of the designers attending the show, including Nomia’s Rogers and Yara Flinn. Rogers reflected on the two knitted polo dresses with rainbow ruffles and striped cuffs for the capsule collection in hindsight. “Sherri was our first brick-and-mortar partner for our first season sales, and she has been a ardent supporter of me and my business. She understands my point of view and how to express it to her clients,” he said. “I love that she has consistent, strong opinions. And she’s a sweetheart.”
Yara Flynn, Shirley McMullan and Christopher John Rogers.
SAMANTHA COOPER
Sherri McMullen and Tamu McPherson.
SAMANTHA COOPER
McMullen has a sense of community that goes beyond business relationships. Flinn, who made a brown trench coat for the capsule collection in sky-blue slip dresses on the runway, laughed and said Sherri didn’t buy the first collection she saw — a decision Flinn respected. They’ve developed a close working relationship in the 10 years since then, and Flinn appreciates that Sherri remembers the details of her past collections. “She has a photographic memory,” Flynn said. “She’s in the business of finding and watching designers, and she understands that it’s a long-term relationship. As a designer, knowing she’s watching and following is a very affirming thing.”
Celebrate the weekend with McMullen’s Michelin-starred neighbor Hi Felicia at the flagship. The pink store has been a decades-long dream for Sherri, and she’s still in awe of its realization. “I’ve been thinking, I want to open a luxury store in Auckland,” she said. “At 15 I was able to do that. For me, at that moment I really felt like, we’re on to something; we’re going in the right direction .”
