Verrières & Sako specialize in made-to-order and couture garments for special occasions. Founded by Stephanie Verrières and Kimie Sako, the label is celebrated for its sculptural silhouettes, hand-finished details, and a modern, understated elegance that feels both timeless and personal.
The pair met in 2004 at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Francisco. Their collaborative work has been praised for its quiet sophistication and refined sensuality—defined by elegant structure, subtle drama, and an approach to sensuality that is as thoughtful as it is powerful. Each piece is built to follow the body’s movement, designed with architectural lines and hand-detailed techniques passed down through couture tradition.
At the heart of their design philosophy is a signature fabric manipulation technique that treats textiles not as flat surfaces, but as sculptural mediums with depth and dimension. This distinctive approach pushes the boundaries of traditional garment construction and has become a defining element of the Verrières & Sako aesthetic—one that consistently draws admiration for its artistry and originality.
Verrières & Sako’s designs have been featured in VOGUE, WWD, Town & Country, and InStyle, and worn on red carpets including The Academy Awards. The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco recognized their work as “meticulously handcrafted, cutting-edge design,” and included their 2009 “Swirly” gown, intended for a Presidential Inaugural Ball, in its permanent collection.
In addition to her work with the label, Stephanie Verrières has led numerous independent design and interdisciplinary projects, including original costumes for choreographers such as Twyla Tharp and site-specific collaborations with environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy. She also serves as Chair of the Fashion Department at Oakland School for the Arts and teaches in the Apparel Design and Merchandising program at College of Alameda, where she is committed to mentoring the next generation of designers and advancing the future of couture through education and innovation.
