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Convert, an eco-conscious fashion retailer, recently opened Convert Man on trendy Hayes Street in San Francisco. The men’s fashion store features a complimentary whiskey bar, locally—sourced bamboo hangers, and recycled cardboard shelving. The space reflects Convert brand’s eco-focus to appeal to its discriminating hipster-male clients, with a refined and ruggedly modern sensibility. As a result, John Lum Architecture maximized use of existing finishes and structure within the 1,100 square-foot space. This included removing a dropped ceiling to gain a dramatic 12’gallery-like space, restoring the battered tile floors, and bringing in locally-sourced Heath tile to create a handcrafted backdrop that enhances the locally sourced merchandise.

Adding a sense of refined roughness is a custom-made cash-wrap clad in distressed burned Cyprus. Angled planes of copper mesh add a dynamic energy, turning a tangle of existing copper pipes into a sculptural show piece. All of the men’s apparel, accessories, and footwear come from sustainable, charitable, or US-made brands such as Pendleton, Ben Sherman, Freenote and Citizens of Humanity.
It was essential that the simple palette was inviting, but did not overshadow the clothing while echoing the Convert brand.

Design: John Lum Architecture
Photography: Sharon Risedorph