Sui GENERIS is a Latin expression meaning “of its own kind” or “unique”.  With a focus on high-end designers and superior garment condition, Sui GENERIS selectively curates, rather than just buys, merchandise to provide a one-of-a-kind collection for customers.

Miguel Lopez & Gabriel Yanez

With hands-on entrepreneurial experience in retail sales and merchandising since 1994, owners Miguel Lopez and Gabriel Yanez have spent their lives around fashion.

Miguel and Gabriel graduated as an Industrial Engineer and a Photographer respectively, and they share a passion for fashion and style.  After just a few months of knowing each other they started buying and selling garments in Mexico in 1994. They opened their first store in 1995, and they opened a second location in 1997.  Running a very successful line of clothes and a boutique called IRALA MODA for four years in Guadalajara, Mexico, they created a style of their own. Their boutique was frequently visited by  local and national friends and celebrities, such as  Mexican top designers Julia and Renata Franco, rock band members MANA and Azul Violeta and singers like Alejandra Guzman and Eli Guerra …

After moving to the U.S in 2000, Miguel began working at MaxMara, earning his way up from a back-stock position to sales floor.  He was then recruited by Ralph Lauren in 2002.  He became a Senior Sales Professional at Ralph Lauren’s downtown San Francisco store until his departure in May 2010 to focus on Sui GENERIS.  During Miguel’s time at Ralph Lauren, he gained additional and valuable expertise in sales and merchandising of high-end designer fashion.

Meanwhile Gabriel focused on buying and selling vintage and second-hand men’s designer fashion in the U.S., becoming an expert in vintage garments.

Deciding to start another new business venture together in the U.S., Miguel and Gabriel opened their first location Sui GENERIS Vintage at 218 Church Street in 2006, which closed in December 2008 for a new expansion.  They then opened Sui GENERIS Consignment at 2265 Market Street in February 2008 in order to expand the selling floor  and service their clients with  designer consignment and vintage collections together in one location.

On February 12, 2011 Sui GENERIS marked the grand opening of its new men’s store at 2231 Market Street, moving just down the block from its previous location in the heart of the Castro.  The former location at 2265 Market Street is now the first Sui GENERIS boutique devoted solely to women.  The 1600 square foot store at 2231 Market Street doubles the size and selection of menswear, and also includes a new formalwear section and a private consigners area.  (link to release)

Sui GENERIS women’s boutique at 2265 Market Street responds to often-repeated customer demand for a wider selection and focus on womenswear.  Quality designer pieces from 2011 collections and previously owned high-end fashion and accessories are available now. (link to release)

Sui GENERIS holds strong relationships with other high-end designers, fashion sales associates, clients, and consigners in downtown San Francisco’s fashionable Union Square shopping district.  Through these relationships they are able to continually acquire new and second-hand designer fashion and accessories that are in excellent condition.  We would like to welcome you to Sui GENERIS!

photo by JonRivera.com