The new Status of streetwear shops

    Status boutique - 865 Market Street (beside Hot Topic)

Status, a streetwear spot and skate shop within Westfield Mall on Market Street (San Francisco), isn’t your typical streetwear boutique. They are living proof of the struggle and the upcoming win of an underdog, a breathing lesson that there is no room for quick judgments, and that there’s always room for innovation in the streetwear world. In their case, they have bravely introduced a diamond-in-the-rough type of streetwear shop in San Francisco (legit and unique in the nation, furthermore…) that will definitely rise to become a gem sooner than what people may expect.

Opening their doors late October, Status stepped into Westfield Mall and instantly adapted to own their niche. With hardly any competition and no store similar to them, Status was blessed to freely follow and carry out their vision and philosophies. Anthony, the visionary and also general manager of Status, has always wanted to create a store beyond a faceless corporation that could cater and be relatable to his current generation and target markets. Together with the help of Space, the visual assistant manager, they have created a spot that aims to educate and introduce people to streetwear as a culture and lifestyle. They approach customers genuinely, offering them the best of all worlds when it comes to streetwear – from the limitless definitions and demographics, the top-dog brands that currently kill and are staple to the game, to the grassroots of supporting local Bay Area brands. Their belief is the modern face of how streetwear began, offering clothing and products that help individualize, encourage style, and avoid total brand monopolizing – all in an affordable price. By breaking molds and creating this new status of streetwear shops, they can easily spread their vision and give others a quick glimpse into streetwear, leading them to learn on how to create a working definition for themselves.  This isn’t only done by what clothing or products they have to offer on their shelves or hangers, but with community involvement through their events to actively gage in their customer’ interests.

    Anthony (gen. manager) and Space (visual asst. manager)

After understanding their philosophies on streetwear and their business, I understood that what Status brings to the table is beyond what many streetwear boutiques or stores offer present day. Instead of selling and hyping the exclusivity of their products, they focus to market and push its originality. Instead of submitting to the criticism and pressures of the streetwear game, they institute their own paths and trends. Instead of relying on the current moguls of streetwear, they’ve become bookends for local creativity – heavily pushing Bay Area brands Adapt Advancers, Fully Laced, and Breezy Excursion. And instead of merchandising the predicted face of a streetwear diehard, they chose to highlight the many sides and aspects of it through their employees. Status truly understands that streetwear continues to evolve and grow by its people and for the people. They’ve taken it back to the roots by taking part and creating something organically that supports the essence of streetwear culture. Whether this may be through the fashion, the sneakers, the skateboarding scene, the dance scene, the hype, the originality, the music, the art (etc.), Status reminds us that streetwear isn’t only run by these factors and that it certainly cannot prevail without the most important breathing mechanism, its people.

The rundown:
•    Status is San Francisco’s new premier streetwear and skate shop. Located within the downtown Westfield Shopping Center (865 Market Street), beside Hot Topic.
•    Status currently carries a hard-hitting lineup of streetwear brands including 10 Deep, Diamond, Nor Cal, Rogue Status, Bloodbath, Elm, In4mation, Adapt Advancers, Fully Laced, and Breezy Excursion, etc. 
•    Price points: Recession friendly. From $5 for skate hardware to $140 for a 10 Deep Fall/Winter jacket.
•    Most popular items: (Male) Breezy Excursion x Status’ Monstars in the Bay collaboration. (Female) Adapt Advancers line.
•    To find out more about Status or to experience what streetwear is – visit the store.
•    To keep updated with Status, keep posted on their blog. For additional information visit    www.cell2021.blogspot.com or www.fresh-trade.com.

Make sure to visit Status this Saturday (12/12) for their grand opening event.