Department 17 is starting 2012 with a fresh coat of paint. The indie menswear store is moving from Nob Hill to Hayes Valley, into a larger space, large enough to integrate some womenswear into the mix.

In line with their worldly aesthetic, they will fold some new brands into their repertoire, as well as some local additions. They will continue to launch exclusive collaborations, like their boot collection with Al's Attire, which will live among a mix of modern and antique furnishings. Alas, the fellows at Department 17 will miss their friendly neighbors, that means you Le Beau Nob Hill Market, Golden City Building Supply and Chameleon Cafe.

And a happy hello to Rickshaw Stop, Blue Bottle Coffee and Otoro Sushi. Hayes Valley is a hub for manly shopping, and Department 17 is excited to be closer to the pulse, within proximity to the Mission, Lower Haight and the Castro, not to mention more accessible to BART.

It is a team effort to stock and run the store, and Nelson, Daniel and Adrian designed, gutted and renovated the new space on their own. Co-owner Nelson Jang previews “A clean, contemporary aesthetic with classic touches.” That sounds just like their eponymous line of charming shirts and accessories made in SoMa.

In more Department 17 news, increased square footage means more goods. “We just picked up Kitsune based out of Paris. We'll be carrying a small sample of their Spring Parisien and Tee lines, which is all made in Japan. Other new brands and designers we'll be adding include Reigning Champ out of Canada, Michelle Lane Jewelry from San Francisco, and John Smedley who produces high quality knitwear in England.”

Favorites like Crescent Down Works outerwear, Outlier pants, Penfield sweaters and Department 17 dress shirt will remain.

Department 17 opens Saturday, February 4 at 78 Gough Street @ Rose (between Haight and Page).

Sam Durbin (sami.7x7@gmail.com) is a California lifestyle writer who honed her blogging skills as Editor of FabSugar.com. Sam graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology, and also writes for 7x7 Magazine and Gilt City.