The cult-favorite, high-tech Korean skincare clinic debuts location number two with a mix of facials, injectables, and lasers.
Plus, the catwalk comes alive with collections from the Academy of Art University’s graduating students, and SF Decorator Showcase goes très chic.
Face facts: Saelo Korean medspa lands in Hayes Valley.
(Courtesy of Saelo Medspa)
Saelo has been quietly delivering world-class, Seoul-inspired skincare to in-the-know SF-ers for the past two years. Its original Pacific Heights medspa (not on Fillmore) has flown mostly under the radar—while staying fully booked. Enter outpost number two, now open on a prime Hayes Street block. Translation: the days of gatekeeping Saelo’s cutting-edge Korean treatments are over.
That’s just fine with thirty-something co-founders, friends, and Bay Area natives Kipeum Lee and Brie Pujals, whose resumes include stints at Airbnb, Meta, and Postmates. Their mission? “To make world-class aesthetic care feel modern, trustworthy, and genuinely personal.”
The Hayes Valley space is all calm and cool—think neutral tones, walnut and marble, and minimalist, luxe furnishings. But the real draw is the quality skincare: a next-gen approach where advanced Korean aesthetics meet top-notch clinical care. (Treatments take place in three serene rooms named after Seoul neighborhoods.)
What exactly makes Saelo a self-professed industry disruptor? Its origin story: First-gen Korean American Lee spent years undergoing surgeries for a cleft palate, sparking a lifelong obsession with medical aesthetics. Regular trips to Korea—and its far more advanced skincare clinics—made one thing clear: the U.S. was way behind.
Bridging that gap became the goal. Saelo’s curated menu of facials, injectables, lasers, and medical treatments is rooted in South Korean techniques (and technologies) and built around stacked, layered protocols rather than one-off services.
“Our menu is like a Russian nesting doll—each treatment builds on the next,” says Pujals. “We also believe skincare shouldn’t be a treat; it should be a habit.”
Ready to go Saelo? Pujals recommends starting with a $150 medical consultation: “You’ll get a super in-depth assessment from a dermatology physician assistant—and the fee goes toward any procedure.” No pressure or commitment, just a clear roadmap about modalities that might be a good fit for your skin.
Sounds like a plan.
// 348 Hayes St. (Hayes Valley), saelo.xyz.
Fashion students at Academy of Art University are showing off this week—come see.
Brittany Patterson's BFA design at the AAU Fashion Show
(Courtesy of AAU)
How is it May already? Time flies when you’re designing a clothing collection… just ask AAU’s School of Fashion class of ’26. The annual fashion show for graduating students, Us Now, hits San Francisco on Thursday, May 7th. The work of 19 designers, both womenswear and menswear, sashays down the catwalk at a 7pm invite-only show (also livestreamed). Want in? Complimentary tickets for a 2:30pm preview is open to all. (The event takes place at 1849 Washington St. in Polk Gulch.)
Naturally, AAU president Elisa Stephens is beyond proud: “I am inspired by the extraordinary talent and bold vision of this year’s graduating designers. Their collections reflect a mastery of craft and a distinct point of view defining the next generation of fashion—marking a powerful beginning for the careers they are poised to shape.”
The next day, May 8th, the action moves to Union Square with a Project Runway-like design challenge/competition. The Academy partnered with the Union Square Alliance and the With Love Halston foundation for the fourth annual in Bloom Fashion Show. Ten students will debut floral-inspired designs honoring Roy Halston Frowick, known for his fluid, minimalist pieces now synonymous with 1970s American style. After the runway show, the winner will be announced. The event runs 1pm to 3pm in Union Square Plaza. Tickets are free.
This year’s SF Decorator Showcase is feeling very fashion-y.
(Michael P.H. Clifford)
Every spring, interior-design obsessives, architecture lovers, and real estate voyeurs flock to the San Francisco Decorator Showcase. The 47th edition—a Queen Anne-style Victorian in Pacific Heights open through Monday, May 25th—adds a stylish twist: fashion collabs woven throughout the home.
This year, the Showcase will also debut a lineup of ticketed events featuring local designers and creatives. Highlights include:
- Levi’s Blue Tab x Fernando Castellanos: Pieces from Levi's’ elevated Blue Tab line are integrated into the Primary Bedroom and Dressing Room. Love the look? Shop it at Levi’s Plaza or Market Street. (Included with general admission.)
- Mother’s Day Sip & Shop with Oso & Me (May 6–8): The SF children’s brand brings its artful prints and playful energy to the garden (created by Martinelli Design). Find family-friendly crafts and activities, and shop the Mommy & Me collection. Ten percent of proceeds benefit San Francisco University High School’s financial-aid program. (Included with general admission.)
- Evening of Fashion & Design with Lauren Harwell Godfrey (May 21st, 6pm–9pm): Enjoy a private trunk show with the fine-jewelry designer beloved for her bold and whimsical use of color, pattern, and symbolism. The event includes a panel conversation ( including Noz Nozawa) exploring the intersection of fashion and interior design. (This event requires a separate ticket purchase.)
// 2315 Broadway (Pacific Heights), decoratorshowcase.org
P.S. On a personal note: RIP, Doris Fisher, Gap co-founder, who passed way at 94 on Saturday, May 2nd. I once spotted her waiting patiently at 2 Folsom’s Gapeteria for a bag of her favorite cheese popcorn—impeccably dressed, of course. It tickled me then and still makes me smile now.
