Internationally-known San Francisco architecture firm Gensler has proven its longstanding commitment to fashion and promoting new artists and designers at its San Francisco office. The latest example: as part of its Spring 2011 Art Programme, Gensler recently unveiled Fashion Unraveled, an exhibit featuring local designers at its Harrison Street office on view through June 3.

Focused on revealing the process of creating fashion through a collection of illustrations, photography and design, the exhibit begins in Gensler’s 4th floor entrance with dress forms donning sculptural pieces created by California College of the Arts students and Tony Maesto‘s dramatic high fashion photography dominating the lobby. Swedish illustrator Stina Persson inspired much of the exhibit, and her bright and bold watercolors are among the pieces featured.

Local emerging designers in the exhibit include couture and ready-to-wear formal womenswear by Verrieres & Sako and environmentally-conscious contemporary apparel from Jeanne Feldkamp of Après Collective flanked with silk print photography by the label’s photographer Colin Vincent.

Gensler has for the last several years been a major supporter of St. Vincent De Paul Society’s Discard to Divine fundraiser. Following up on its involvement in recent years, “the art committee felt like a fashion-related show that took a broader look at the design process, conception through creation, would be a timely transition from the Discarded to Divine exhibit,” says curator Rebecca Ruggles of Gensler’s volunteer art committee.

Why does the firm devote such a connection to fashion and art?

“It’s been part of our philosophy since the company started,” says Ruggles.

“Trends in the fashion industry often directly relate to the architecture industry, whether it be new colors, textures, or materials. We try to stay involved with the fashion community and often find inspiration in those designs for our work. Gensler has made a name for itself in retail design, working with everyone from Gap to Dior. Our knowledge of the industry directly informs the designs we create for those clients,” Ruggles elaborates.

Also featured in the exhibit include illustrations and paintings by Amy Morrell, Amy Williams, Kathryn Hagen, Kena Peay, Laura Schmits, Leigh Viner, and Rachel Moseley, and photography by Christian Van Horn, Erena Shimoda, and Nicky Nylon.

Fashion Unraveled is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm now through June 3 at Gensler Architecture San Francisco, 2 Harrison St, Suite 400, on the 3rd and 4th floors.

Photographs 1,2,3 and 6 courtesy of Gensler.  Photographs 4 and 5 courtesy Verrieres & Sako.