THE SAN FRANCISCO SHOWROOM

Scarborough’s 664 Post Street showroom in San Francisco is where Christian meets with every client, works through cloth and design details, takes measurements and conducts fittings.

The space itself is part of the experience. Sixteen-foot ceilings give the showroom a sense of scale, and original art and collected furnishings make it feel personal. The surfboard was commissioned from Album Surf by Matt Parker just for this room, a nod to Christian’s love of surfing, and it’s one of his favorite pieces here. The lounge gives clients and their guests a comfortable place to settle in, and a more relaxed setting for conversation before or after an appointment. You may also meet Waverly, the showroom’s silver Lab.

The showroom is appointment-only, so the time is set aside for the person who is there, without the pace or distractions of a traditional retail floor.

YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

The first appointment runs about an hour. Christian meets you himself, takes your measurements, and asks how you dress and what the clothes are for. Then you go through cloth together. For a semi-bespoke commission, your first fitting happens at that same appointment. If you have photos or ideas, bring them. Nothing is required.

CLOTH, IN HAND

Cloth is easier to choose in person than on a screen. Christian works with mills including Loro Piana, Scabal, Dormeuil, Zegna, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Reda and Piacenza, along with each season’s new collections. He’ll steer you toward what suits how the garment will be worn, which is not always the most expensive cloth.

FITTINGS

Fittings happen here too. Semi-bespoke has two: the first at your initial appointment, the second with the hand-finished garment. Bespoke has three, including a muslin test garment, so the pattern is refined before your cloth is cut. Semi-bespoke typically takes six to eight weeks, bespoke eight to ten. For weddings, allow an extra two weeks, which leaves time for final adjustments before the day.

FINDING POST STREET

Scarborough is at 664 Post Street, on the corner of Ophir Alley in Lower Nob Hill, two and a half blocks from Union Square. Parking is easier than most of downtown. There’s an open lot directly behind the building, and if the space in front of the showroom is free, you’re welcome to park there at no charge.