The Balcony

Look outside the window at FIDM San Francisco in Union Square, and you see a giant Macy's sign -- a living representation of this city's hyperactive retail community. Its strong creative presence extends to fashion and interior design, merchandising, and manufacturing as well.

Among the fashion and product giants with headquarters in Northern California: Banana Republic, The Gap, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Levi's -- the world's #1 clothing manufacturer. And FIDM's high-rise campus, with its expert, industry-wise faculty, is at the center of it all.