On Friday I headed over to Mayfair for the press preview of Dover Street Market’s bi-annual Tachiagari, and a first-look at the new Spring/Summer 09 collections and designer spaces.
Nowhere, the new basement space by Nigo and Jun Takahashi, was nowhere near finished and in a state of frantic disarray when I arrived just after 3pm. But judging by today’s new website pics, the blue and white version of their tiny Harajuku shop was up and running by the time the doors opened later that night for the Nigo book-signing. Just as well, as the orderly queue of fans braving the icy London temperatures outside DSM’s front door were a testament to Nigo’s cult following.
Taking the lift up to the third floor, I was delighted, as ever, by Alber Elbaz’s cheeky new Lanvin space portraying two office girls having an IM conversation about the “sublime Lanvin dress on sale” at Dover Street Market. Oh so post-modern. I was also quite taken by the sparkling new Lanvin baubles tumbling out of their antique desk drawers, like the pearl and grosgrain ribbon bracelet and bejewelled brooches. And the equally covetable metallic ballet flats in pink and blue were also calling my name.
The new Stephen Jones space on the third floor also caught my eye, with his new Spring/Summer collection of hats hanging from striking fluoro branches. I really love his new headband featuring a super-sized black opaque plastic rose.
Moving downstairs to the second floor, I discovered that the Les Trois Garçons gang had transformed the shoe space with a collection of their antique treasures. To be honest, I was expecting a veritable cacophony of taxidermied animals and mounted moose heads, like the ones decorating their (rather excellent) Club Row restaurant. Similarly, I was surprised that none of their hanging vintage handbags made the final line-up at DSM. I really could have gotten stuck into them!
I also came across newcomer Pokit’s space and their collection of made-to-measure corduroy tailored suits. The women’s skirt suit features feminine curves that are quite sexy without being revealing. Check them out on the fourth floor.
All images courtesy of Dover Street Market.
Click here for my shop tour at Dover Street Market.
Click here to read about Rose Bakery at Dover Street Market.
Ok the only way I can forgive you for your higher status and therefore press invite is to meet me for a cup of tea at the Rose Bakery after college one evening or at elevenses!
Posted by: Make Do Style | January 19, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Make Do - haha, you're on for elevenses! xx
Posted by: topbird | January 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Beautiful post. Many Thanks for this litte "window" in london shops, Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Fabio | January 21, 2009 at 05:29 AM
Fantastic - I'm going to check it out this weekend! Very exciting!
Posted by: Sally | January 23, 2009 at 01:55 PM
On a recent trip to London from Australia, I managed to get to Dover St Market and had lunch at Rose Bakery, thanks to your earlier recommendation and post. Lovely experience, thank you!
Posted by: Keryn | January 26, 2009 at 08:50 PM