Comme des Garçons installation by Rei Kawakubo
With every goodbye comes a new hello. As much as we hate to bid farewell to the infamous Dover Street Market end-of-season sales, it feels like Christmas Eve for certain members of Ten Towers as the concept store re-opens its doors to its seasonal changeover. We wouldn’t be surprised if Mr Richard Gray had spent his Friday evening camped outside DSM’s big glass doors, impatiently waiting to be the first one to shop new season of Junya. Not so hidden in the heart of Haymarket, Dover Street Market has always been two steps ahead when it comes to providing a luxe-shopping experience with a difference. With a new season comes a whole different range of innovative installations and a seemingly endless conveyor belt of winter-ready garms to max out those credit cards for – here’s what you should keep your eyes peeled on:
BOTTEGA VENETA JOINS THE DSM FAMILY
It’s a new dawn for Bottega Veneta, and the fashion pack just can’t get enough. Ever since former Phoebe Philo right-hand-man, Daniel Lee, took over the Italian house last year, a new legion of Bottega fanatics have entered the mix. The designer has shown from the get-go a terrific knack for making leather-wear that is slick and sophisticated, yet with a street-centric flare. Just take a look at Lee’s MFW debut last February, where stiff mini dresses walked alongside biker trousers and parkers with billowing sleeves – all highly desirable pieces for luxe-fashion goers of any age bracket. It’s no shocker then that DSM wanted a slice of the Bottega action, where for the first time ever, a standalone space for the brand will reside on the second floor of the store.
Bottega Veneta
WELCOME THE NEW GUARD
DSM has always cherished emerging designers, and this season is no different. For AW19, 28 new brands are entering the space, mostly consisting of new talent. Fashion East showstopper Mowalola is now stocking her debut collection at the concept store, whilst former members of the FE roster Art School and Supriya Lele are also making their DSM debut. Dilara Findikoglu brings her witchy designs to the store for the first time also, alongside Botter, Paco Rabanne and Marni’s women’s collection.
Craig Green
GUCCI GALORE
How much Gucci is too much Gucci? Trick question, you can never have enough. The Italian giant continues its longstanding relationship with DSM with an array of limited-edition Gucci pieces that are only available at the concept store. Embroidered bowling shirts, satin bomber jackets and t-shirts splashed in now-signature mythical Gucci motifs make up a highly colourful exclusive capsule collection. The Gucci space inside the store has also had a fresh lick of paint. Forget painting the town red, Gucci’s corner is now doused in lilac, ready to brighten up those miserable winter months.
Gucci
BAGS FOR DAYS
We think it’s time you treat yourself to a new bag, you deserve it. Luckily for you, there’s a whole range of new goods storming the store. Wanting something light and practical? How about a sturdy leather bum-bag courtesy of Loewe. Looking for a statement piece? The Balenciaga snakeskin number is most definitely a head-turner. New Bottega accessories are not to be slept on also, with the quilted clutch bags set to fly off the shelves quicker than you can say….
THE RETURN OF OLD FAVES
New brands aren’t the only new arrivals to the store, plenty of DSM staple brands are returning with more stock than ever before. Simone Rocha is back not only with her namesake label, but with her Moncler Genius line. There’s tonnes of Martine Rose, Craig Green and Ambush to sink your teeth into, whilst Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY and Charlotte Knowles have a bigger selection of garments than ever before – you’re practically spoilt for choice.
Loewe
Dover Street Market London is open at 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG.
www.10magazine.com/menswear/dover-street-market-aw19-change-over/