The long, long wait is finally over. We’re obviously talking the opening of Dover Street Market‘s hotly anticipated, new outpost in Los Angeles. Parent company Comme des Garçons, led by the notoriously elusive creative director Rei Kawakubo, has upheld its tradition to pick quirky locations, and this one is no exception. The company opted for two adjacent warehouses in the Arts District, built in the 1920s and featuring a combined floor space of 1,394 sqm. (15,000 sq.ft.) on a single level that’s fully dedicated to a sharply curated range of fashion items and lifestyle goods. Originally an industrial neighbourhood, there are a lot of rough edges to be found here, but since the first artists started to settle here in the late 1980s, gentrification has now gone full throttle, and the arrival of Dover Street Market bears witness of its accelerated transformation in recent times.
The store’s interior design has been supervised by Kawakubo herself, and sees, similar to all other Dover Street Market stores across the planet, a string of artsy settings and installations, each presenting a different brand of segment of the collections. The hut is the icon of Dover Street Market, and in this store two massive white translateral huts pierce the dividing wall between the two buildings, comprised of corrugated scrap metal sheets with different textures. They are made functional by housing cash wraps, fitting rooms and brands spaces. The store’s interior is also wrapped in white handmade ceramic tile – its brightness a nod to the light and openness of Los Angeles. Heightening the sense of awe when wandering around this exceptional emporium are the works of six artists: Warren Muller, Lyn Dillin, Björn Dahlem, Yuichi Higashionna, Gary Card (two works), and last but not least, Stuart Haygarth, whose large-sized chandeliers can be seen throughout the store.
When it comes to the merchandise, the fanbase of Dover Street Market and Comme des Garçons won’t be disappointed. An inimitable mix of brands juxtaposes luxury items and streetwear, and pairs revered fashion houses with up-and-coming young designers. Additionally, there’s an emphasis on jewellery – hmmm…the Hollywood effect, we wonder? – and there’s a striking range of offerings by top brands and niche designers from across the planet, such as Selim Mouzannar, Delfina Delettrez, Repossi, Hum, and a dedicated space for Chanel‘s fine jewellery collection. As a result, the brand list is as impressive as it’s elaborate, and includes coveted names such as Maison Margiela, Palace, Jacquemus, Chanel, Ambush, Off-White, to name but a few, and of obviously features pretty much all Comme des Garçons collections. Also to be found on the premises is a branch of Rose Bakery, a relaxing place where to recharge in between power shopping sprees, and here, it also comes with outdoor seating. After all, it’s sunny California.
Dover Street Market
606-608 Imperial Street (Arts District)
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Telephone: +1 310 4277610
Mon-Sat 11-7
Sun 12-6
Publishers Note
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