Mannequins in San Francisco: From Sandy Hillock to Shopping District

With luxury shopping, fine dining and vibrant nightlife, it is hard to imagine that Union Square was a sandy hillock prior to the gold rush. Even until 1849, a considerable stream coursed down a deep ravine on its west flank where the cable cars now clang. [more]

Mannequins in San Francisco: Union Square

Union Square is bounded by Post, Stockton, Geary, Powell, and Sutter streets, San Francisco's equivalent to Los Angeles' Rodeo Drive and New York's Madison Avenue. The Saks Fifth Avenue at Union Square is comparable in size and luxury to the flagship store in New York City. [more]

Mannequins in San Francisco: Golden Gate

Two mannequins sitting, illuminated by spotlights, their faces creating a dramatic light and shadow is reminiscent of the famous California sunsets, where everything looks like it is bathed in gold by the sun. Hence the nickname, "Golden Gate" for the state of California is so fitting. [more]

Mannequins in San Francisco: Gold Rush

The copper-tinged window by Saks Fifth Avenue reminded me of another precious metal - GOLD. Its discovery is one the most exciting time in San Francisco history, and would be listed in all history books as the California Gold Rush. [more]

Mannequins in San Francisco: Yerba Buena

Walking around Union Square and looking at the luxurious store windows such as these ones at Neiman Marcus, it is hard to imagine that just over 100 years ago, the name of the city was Yerba Buena, Spanish term for "good grass." [more]