For 40 years, Janine Dominski sold vinyl boots, evening gowns, breast forms and fetish wear from her cheerful shop, Foxy Lady Boutique, on Mission Street. And her selection was as varied as her customers.
"The Foxy Lady was successful because it served everybody," Dominski told neighborhood blog Mission Local.
As one employee recalled to Mission Local, there were days when all three dressing rooms would be simultaneously occupied: "one by a woman trying on skimpy lingerie, a man dressed in drag, and a churchgoer sizing herself in one of the glittery beaded gowns that often sold to parishioners."
But after four decades, the Foxy Lady closed its doors last week.
Citing health concerns, the 74-year-old Dominski held a half-off, everything-must-go sale and hung up her garters for good.
The store's Facebook page exploded with comments.
"Thank you so much for all you've done for me in helping me shake my sexy," wrote one supporter.
"You are an INSTITUTION," wrote another. "We'll miss you."
The store, which originally opened in North Beach, has been a San Francisco staple for racy lingerie and Halloween and Bay to Breakers costumes. "Best of the Bay" awards from both the San Francisco Bay Guardian and SF Weekly lined the walls.
But due to its supportive staff and wide range of plus and queen sizes, it also became a staple for the drag community.
Let me make this simple. I'm 6'0", 250 pounds. Football-build.
And Foxy Lady outfitted me in a full-on Stupid Spoiled Whore outfit in less than 45 minutes for less than $200. I'm talking the whole thing from bling tiara to size 14 bright turquoise shoes. They made me feel like a natural woman, darling.
And baby, did I shake it.
Farewell, Foxy Lady. You will be missed.
Have you got a Foxy Lady story? Let us know in the comments section. Need a new stop for your drag shopping needs? Check out a few of our favorites in the slideshow below:
