Paris: Comme des Garçons Store

January 3, 2014January 3, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

What I love about Comme des Garcons is it’s philosophy for women and men who wear it’s clothes. Thanks to it’s designer, Rei Kawabuko, the Japanese label known for fashion that is not always this what it seems to be, is keeping it always silent. While the clothes are chaotic (strange combinations of fabrics, lack of regularity in symetry), Comme seems to be eternally kept in silence. Well- in CdG stores, it’s normal that there is no music played.
What I must admit, the Comme des Garcons store on Rue Saint Honore is fantastic. As always crazy in it’s space (but located in quiet patio of one of the Parisian stonehouses), the boutique is like a wonderland. Huge, all covered in red, with huge tables and amazing pieces of art, the store is impressive. Just like the clothes! So architectural, bizarre and at the same time a bit eerie… But these are the reasons why Comme is so desired. Not only by Japanese CdG maniacs, but also by people who simply enjoy the logo- a funny, smiling heart.
The store also contains all 17 (!) lines of Comme des Garcons, Junya Watanabe and all men lines. And also all types of accessories, notebooks, umbrellas and others that are necessary for every Comme des Garcons lover!

Paris: Alaia’s 5 rue Marignan

January 2, 2014 | Design & Culture by Ed

This what is located on the small street of Marignan in the fashion centre of Paris (it is few steps from Avenue Montaigne), is something much more than a fashion store of a famous designer. Azzedine Alaia just opened a three-level boutique, all in white marble, where Alaia’s couture and ready to wear pieces are exposed. This is the second flagship of Alaia- the first one is much more cosier, and is also a home/studio of Mr. Alaia (located on rue Moussy 7). The new store is filled with art that was collected by the designer through his life- beautiful lamps, amazing shelves and sofas are just few that may amaze you here. There is even a garden in which you MUST drink some coffee during Summer… and of course the clothes here are masterpieces.

“Succession” by Fredrik Färg

December 23, 2013December 23, 2013 | Design & Culture by Ed

I discovered Fredrik Färg in the Parisian boutique of Comme des Garcons on Saint-Honore, where his amazing furniture/installations are located. In these leather “things” that for me seem to resemble animals, shoes and bags are presented in the CdG Tokyo and Paris. The technique of making Succession is very slow, but at the same time traditional- the leather is shaped thanks to strings, that make it squeezed and more smooth in texture. After some long time, the strings are taken off, and so called “basins” are formed, making this eccentric stool/chair/sofa even more quirky and… comfortable.

DSMNY

December 21, 2013 | Design & Culture by Ed

“I love the volition that Comme des Garçons has, with no limits attached and I think that is what the industry needs: The idea that as much as the clothing is important, all other emotion’s effects in shopping and clothing are important”. When the first Dover Street Market department store was opened in London, everything that was amazing, was there. Rei Kawabuko, the designer of Comme des Garcons and visionaire of DSM just opened the new space in New York. The old building on Lexington Avenue is dramatically changed by imagination of Rei- every pop-up space has it’s own designer, with it’s very own feeling… The Thom Browne place looks like a stationary staffroom from an office. Prada looks like taken from fairy tale story. Fresh designers like Simone Rocha and Jacquemus have their mini boutiques, build the way the designers wanted. Rei Kawabuko gives opportunities for young designers, by creating the culture of Dover Street Market.

Berlin: Acne Studios

November 8, 2013November 8, 2013 | Design & Culture by Ed

Acne is a Swedish label known for great denim, jackets and shoes that are always kept in a sporty but chic way. The Munzstrasse boutique of Acne Studios is a tiny space that has an amazing installation on the celling ( I think it’s a light bulb spider!) and a lightly constructed, pastel pink table on which the clothes are kept. My favourite piece was the AW13 shirt with this artsy print on… The Berliner style is just up here!