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Hostem

The very title of this blog is a clear indication that I would be one of many advocators of menswear retailer HOSTEM on Redchurch Street, East London. With its rustic wooden floorboards, reworked furniture and rails of monochrome clothing it is not hard to see that the store’s concept is closely matched to those which I acclaim.

Entering HOSTEM is like walking into a world of peaceful calm. Soft light glows from exposed bulbs above your head and soaks into the raw wood beneath your feet. A feeling of warmth, calmness and elegance surrounds as you take a deep breath and relax (a feeling not usually associated with shopping in London).

Owner James Brown enlisted the help of interior design duo JAMESPLUMB to create a space stamped with their signature 'love-worn' aesthetic. A combination of raw textures such as concrete, wood, metal and linen create a feeling of heritage with a simplicity appropriate for showcasing the product range.

A mixture of luxury street brands, directional designers and left-of field labels fill the rails to create a unique offering for fashion-literate gentlemen. ‘LUX’ labels Rick Owens, Damir Doma and MA+ offer monochrome layers and avant-garde outerwear whilst ‘LAB’ and ‘CULT’ brands such as Casely-Hayford, S.N.S. Herning, Adam Kimmel and Visvim ensure the HOSTEM man has options for every occasion.


“Low on high theatrics and high on the almost antique ideal that service should be attentive and intelligent” HOSTEM adds to a growing list (see previous posts on LN-CC and Present) of my favourite boutiques moving east and away from the crowds, to create an environment worth seeking out. I wonder why more womenswear stores do not take a cue from the men and strip away all of the excess to create a haven like this to enjoy, relax and shop in.

HOSTEM

41-43 Redchurch Street
London
E2 7DJ
United Kingdom

Mon – Sat: 11am – 7pm
Sun: 12noon – 5pm

Store enquiries: +44 (0) 20 7739 9733

Acne

It has been almost a full year since I visited the Acne store in Stockholm’s Södermalm district and I am still thinking about how pleasant the experience was.  

Known for their wearable, effortlessly stylish product, the store reflects the brands attitude and welcomes you in to discover what’s new this season. A signature black and white checkered floor creates a dramatic background for the Scandinavian style furniture strewn sparsely across the store. Light streams in through large windows creating a bright, uncluttered and inviting space.


Once you have a beautiful store filled with beautiful product there is only one more thing you need: beautiful staff, and Acne certainly has the knack for hiring the best in town. I cannot think of any other brand that has consistently impressed me with their quality of staff. Every Acne store I have ever visited has the same level of service as the last. Palais Royal in Paris, Dover Street in London, GPO in Melbourne; each time I am impressed by the friendliness, attention and knowledge of the staff but my Stockholm visit raised the bar just a touch further.


When I say beautiful staff, I am not shallowly referring to appearance (although Acne smartly chooses employees that embody the brand’s style) but to their friendly, approachable and talkative personality. At Acne you will find young men and women who can actually start (and hold) a conversation. Many retail staff cannot even muster the energy for a simple hello, at Acne I get a hej hej followed by 30 minutes of polite conversation and service; I leave with not only an Acne bag but a smile on my face and a piece of paper in my new wallet detailing the next three places I should visit whilst in town.


Congratulations to Acne for understanding that customers are not only coming to their store to buy a new pair of jeans/shoes/wallet/whatever but to experience what the brand is all about. In a retail market that is becoming increasingly digital, Acne is one brand that is providing an experience worth walking out the door for, in fact, I would even consider flying back to Stockholm just to say hej.  

 

Whilst you are visiting the store, be sure to pick up the latest copy of Acne Paper. This biannual publication is packed full of inspiring images and creative-focused articles that will keep you entertained between store visits. 

Acne Studio Södermalm
Nytorgsgatan 36
116 40 Stockholm
Sweden

Mon - Fri:  11am - 6.30pm
Sat: 11am - 5pm
Sun: 12noon - 5pm

Store enquiries: +46 8 640 04 70 

Acne Studio London

13 Dover St
W1S 4LN, London,
United Kingdom

Mon – Sat: 10am – 7pm
Sun: 12noon – 5pm

Store enquiries: +44 207 629 9374