It’s an unlikely neighborhood to lay claim to the next hot shopping destination in San Francisco, but, nevertheless, the Dogpatch seems destined for that distinction, thanks to the long-anticipated opening later this month of the new MAC—Modern Appealing Clothing store inside a 170-year-old building renovated to house a collaborative project featuring the aforementioned retailer, Blue Bottle Coffee, Piccino Restaurant and DIG wine bar.

Scheduled to open on the 14th, the Minnesota Street complex is one we’ve been eyeing for so very long now.

While the food and beverage within will no doubt be more than enough of a draw for many locals, we’re betting that those with a thirst for cosmopolitan style within this city’s 49 square miles (and, we dare say, far beyond) will be trekking to the new space in droves for MAC’s carefully selected assortment of designer labels, a roster that includes Maison Martin Margiela, Walter Van Beirendonck, Ryan Roberts, Jil Sander, Dries Van Noten, as well as locals such as Nice Collective, Rosenmunns and Dema. 

Originally opened in 1980 by Jeri, Chris and Ben Ospital (mother, daughter and son) on Post Street, MAC’s current Hayes Valley outpost is a favorite haunt for fans of fashion that’s not only cutting edge in terms of design, but impressively functional and wearable. Take a pair of cotton women’s trousers by Sofie D'hoore. You can toss them in the wash – yes, the regular wash – but they still retain their rather effortless European kind of chic. And while the clothes aren’t known for being cheap, the overall aesthetic is far from stuffy. Of the aforementioned Sofie D’hoore trousers, for example, owner Chris suggested on a recent visit to the shop to simply pair them with high top sneakers and a casual shirt.

And speaking of prices, a perusal of the Hayes Valley shop’s sale rack in February turned up excellent deals on fall and winter apparel from names such as Luke Simon, Rosenmunns and Tsumori Chisato.

Of course, while deals always catch our eye, they aren’t the reason to go to the new Dogpatch location when it opens. Go instead for a mixture of artisanal food, wine and fashion under one roof in an oft-overlooked neighborhood that’s well worth a visit.

MAC (opening currently scheduled for March 14, 2011), 1003 Minnesota St. San Francisco, CA 94107.