After months of anticipation, we were thrilled to attend the recent opening of Gucci’s new store in San Francisco, located at 240 Stockton Street, the glamorous Art Deco building that has been a Union Square landmark for decades.

After you see the massive redesign of the space, you’ll agree it was well worth the wait.  It’s like a mini department store filled with all sorts of Gucci fabulousness!

The glitzy opening party was absolutely packed, with everyone eager to see the beautiful new store, and many making note of what to buy on a return visit (guests were presented with a card which gifted 10% of their purchase amount to the San Francisco Film Society.)

Thanks to Drew Altizer Photography, we are able to present you with several photos that Heather Wiley and Drew took during the opening celebration.

Vanessa Getty, in Gucci, with ballet dancers Damian Smith and Aubert van Derlinden

You can’t have Gucci without a lot of black leather. Just ask Juliet de Baubigny, of Kleiner Perkins, and Sloan Barnett, author of “Green Goes With Everything.”

Sobia Shaikh and Stephanie Tuttle. Both women are co-chairing the San Francisco Opera Guild’s ‘Tis The Season event (December 2nd, 2008) that will be the perfect way to welcome in the holiday season. You are going, aren’t you?

There is no doubt that Jennifer Siebel Newsom turned heads in her Gucci gown! When you look that amazing in a dress, how do you resist wearing it every single day?

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, with Charleston Pierce of Charleston Pierce Presents

Elisabeth Laurence, with Mireille Schwartz of the Bay Area Allergy Advisory Board, in Anna Sui

Derek Holbrook (just back from an amazing trip in Italy), and Angelique Griepp

There is so much fabulousness here, we just don’t know where to start. Hermes, Gucci, YSL, Versace — they’re all represented by Joel Goodrich, Francien Hanson, Lawrence Manansala, Clae Herring, and Karen Tamblyn.

Sonya Molodetskaya looking considerably less blonde than before. Sonya is one of the most charming women in San Francisco, and seems to have fun in everything she does, whether it’s running her successful business or… changing her hair! We love the look!

Marius Cuc, with Brenda Zarate in the most sublime Prada

Amber Marie Bently, in Gucci, with friend Craig Lipton. The Gucci store is actually located in the ground floor of the building Amber Marie owns with husband Christopher Bently. The transformation of the space from a year ago (when it housed the launch of her jewelry collection) is amazing!

Vicki Winston of Neiman Marcus, with Deepa Pakianathan of Delphi Ventures. We heard that true Gucci fanatics were practically passing out when they saw Deepa walking in wearing these wait-listed Gucci boots!

John and Lana Adair. Such a delightful couple! And we’re not saying that just because Mrs. Adair gave us a nice compliment when we bumped into her (thank you, Lana!)

We love Jody Thelander’s dramatic, tigress style. Note that, like Juliet de Baubigny and Allison Speer she’s wearing the fierce studded black leather Gucci shoe (in a different style) that is probably the shoe of the season. We don’t usually use the word “fierce” to describe fashion… but if there were ever a reason, it’s that shoe!

What is more festive than a group of friends that fashion-coordinate? Bill Lies, Jillian Moeller, Michael McDonald and Rachel Esterline.

Adooooooorable. But really adorable! Vivian Leung and Cory Hillman remind us how much fun fashion can be.

Carol Ann Werner with vintage couture dealer, Michael Dianda

Stylist Marcy Carmack with Justin Fichelson

Princess Fati Farmanfarmaian with her cousin, Mansoor Farmanfarmaian

Stylist Keylee Sanders with Damion Matthews

Kirsten Elgaaen with Joy Ma. We absolutely could not take our eyes off of Joy Ma. Look at those accessories! In the words of our idol Rachel Zoe: “You killed it, Joy.”

Russell Wiggins with Sarah Delman of Bespoke Information.

Mandy Stewart, Scott Owens and Andrea Schnitzer

Heidi Pettit, Susan Jones, and Gina Milano of Le Club.

Sarah Lewis and Kelly Grimes

Karen Caufield, in Gucci and OJ Shansby, in Chanel

Keylee Sanders and Elizabeth Touw

Stacy Kincaid, assisted by Cory Hillman

• Photos: Drew Altizer and Heather Wiley [drewaltizer.com]
• Shopping: Gucci [240 Stockton Street, San Francisco]