COS

I first discovered COS on a trip to Paris a few years back; I thought I had stumbled across some chic Parisian boutique and snapped up several pieces before returning to London to tell all of my friends. I was quickly told that COS (Collection of Style) was in fact owned by H&M and has several stores in London including the flagship on Regent Street. “H&M!” I said, “No, surely not!” I was shocked at how a company that sells clothing for less than the price of a good coffee could possibly be responsible for such stylish and well made goods. But yes it is true and I am glad because now I don’t need to go to Paris to update my wardrobe each season. 

I am not made for high street shopping, fact. I don’t say that because I am a snob, I understand the place for fast fashion, I just struggle to spend my money (however little it may be) on something that will fall apart after one wash or that I will see five other people wearing on my journey into the office. COS however is a different story. Here is a brand set apart from the rest by offering a design driven product that is focused on quality. 

The COS design team focus on creating reinvented classics, wardrobe essentials and timeless designs that are made to last beyond the season. High quality fabrics, finish and fit set the brand at a designer level with high street prices. New stock arrives regularly which means there is always something new, and always something on sale. 

Like many designer stores (and unlike other high-street stores) floor space is used to create relaxation zones, with chairs and magazines it is a place to rest and take your time, customers feel welcome to linger in the store and more importantly want to stay in the store as opposed to the run-in-run-out feeling of say Zara or Topshop. Scandinavian design is noticeable in all stores with natural colours and modern features which reflect the clothes on the rails. Small rooms are created for different ranges within the store by the use of rails rather than walls, creating a more intimate feeling but keeping a lightness to the stores.

 

Online, their website can be hard to navigate as it functions more like a blog but with the promise of an online store in the making I am waiting patiently until goods are simply a click away. 

* As I write this I happen to be wearing one of the sweaters I bought on my first visit to COS in Paris (in 2009). Not only am I wearing it four seasons later, it still looks as good as the day I bought it.   

COS (FLAGSHIP STORE)

 

222 Regent Street
W1B 5BD
London

United Kingdom

Mon-Wed: 10am - 8pm

Thurs: 10am - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 10am - 8pm
Sun: 12 noon - 6pm

Store enquiries: +44 207 478 0400

Check the website for full store listing:

http://www.cosstores.com/

New York Top Five

I decided to approach my first trip to New York with a calm and calculated approach. I knew I wouldn't see it all, so I didn't dare try, I will most certainly be back in the future. 

There were a few stops on my must see list, and funnily enough they were mainly shops. Forgive me for sounding uncultured but obviously (keeping in mind I am writing this blog) I find this kind of thing interesting. 

I think stores can tell you more about a city than the landmarks within it. Times Square for example tells me nothing about New York besides its busy and full of tourists. Walking around the Upper East Side I can see the affluence and polish of blow-dried, manicured ladies with a Céline bag on their elbow and Louboutins on their feet. Luxury brands dot every corner and the big department stores are brimming with ladies (husbands in tow) searching for an outfit for their next big event. Throughout Soho and the Meatpacking district the attitude is a little lighter and a lot calmer than I expected, now women sporting PS1's dart in and out of designer boutiques after brunch with their girlfriends; designer stores and multi-brand boutiques are light, spacious and inviting, a pleasure to browse. Cross over the bridge to Williamsburg and again the style is slightly different, visiting an A.P.C sample sale one Saturday morning a queue running the length of the street resembled a catwalk of young creative cool the area has now become known for. Coffee shops, thrift stores and independent boutiques fill the streets as do girls with Wang bags and boys with fixies, all wearing the latest pair of designer sunglasses. 

The phrases "downtown cool" and "uptown chic" are thrown around so often these days it can become a little nauseating, but I can say after my first visit to the big apple I now fully understand these labels and most womens desire to dress like one or the other. 


I have selected my five favourite stores from this visit in what I believe to be separate categories (i.e. not competing with each other).  
  
Department Store: Barneys New York


A huge selection of international and local New York brands; much more relaxed during the week than on the weekend (as most department stores are) Barney’s is the perfect place to get a feel for young American designer labels including Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Philip Lim, Rodarte and The Row. Take some time to enjoy the ultra creative and often humorous window instilations before rushing inside.

BARNEYS NEW YORK

 

660 Madison Avenue

New York NY 10065

Mon-Fri: 10am - 8pm
Sat: 10am - 7pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Store enquiries: +1 212 826 8900

http://www.barneys.com/

Luxury Brand: Prada


Feeling like more of a gallery than a store the Prada boutique on Broadway does a good job of striping away the formality that leaves most luxury stores intimidating and empty. A huge wave fills the centre of the store, flowing from the entrance down to the lower floor, opening up cave-like spaces filled with the latest collections. The space draws people in to admire the architecture; a clever idea considering the hard part is often getting customers though the door. With their latest must-have accessories I am sure making sales is the easy part.

PRADA

575 Broadway

New York NY 10012

USA

Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm
Sun: 12 noon - 7pm

Store enquiries: +1 212 334 8888

http://www.prada.com/



New York Designer: Alexander Wang


The young star of New York’s fashion scene Alexander Wang has grown his brand at a steady rate since the launch of his full womenswear collection in 2007. The opening of his first flagship store in Soho earlier this year is sure to be the first of many as the brands popularity continues to grow. The store is a beautiful open space showing his full collection including T by Alexander Wang, accessories and jewellery collaborations.

Below is a short interview with the designer of the making of his first flagship store:

ALEXANDER WANG

103 Grand Street

New York NY 10013

USA

Mon-Sat: 11am - 7pm
Sun: 12 noon - 6pm

Store enquiries: +1 212 977 9683

http://www.alexanderwang.com/



Multi-brand Boutique: Opening Ceremony
 
Boasting a wide variety of young and established designers, Opening Ceremony’s New York and Part Deux stores sit side by side on Howard Street and provide a colourful and fun shopping experience for all. Known for their collaborations with designers from around the globe the store often stocks pieces that cannot be bought anywhere else. Prices are known to be high but I am willing to part with my dollars just for the experience.

OPENING CEREMONY NEW YORK

33 & 35 Howard Street

New York NY 10013

USA

Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm
Sun: 12 noon - 7pm

Store enquiries: +1 212 219 2688

http://www.openingceremony.us/



Independent Boutique: A Détacher

This little boutique is a quiet haven to shop in. Looking more like someone's home than a shop it stocks beautifully wearable
clothing and accessories by the designer label. Established in 1998 the brand has experienced a steady customer base of in-the-know stylists and editors and has lately moved a little more onto the fashion radar for those seeking quality product with a point of difference.

 

 

A DÉTACHER

262 Mott Street

New York NY 10012

USA

Mon: Closed

Tues- Sat: 12 noon – 7pm
Sun: 1pm - 6pm

Store enquiries: +1 212 625 3380

http://adetacher.com/

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

http://www.hostem.co.uk/

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

www.acnestudios.com

www.acnepaper.com

LN-CC

Discovering a concept like the LN-CC was enough to send my mind to retail heaven; here is a truly original and inspirational project that offers layer upon layer of style, intrigue and personality. I take my proverbial hat off to John Skelton and Daniel Mitchell and step foot inside their store to a world that is very much the future of retail.

LN-CC is an appointment only store located in East London with an online store shipping globally. In an increasingly competitive online market they have created a new and exciting concept which is giving customers exactly what they need; accessibility, knowledge, service and inspiring product. “An all encompassing world, combining the roots of traditional retail twinned with the progressive nature of the online boom.”

The website is a truly inspiring look into the mentality of the concept. Designer interviews and brand features provide a wealth of knowledge and inspire shopping. The layout is clean and functional, image quality is high and product is styled in a wearable manner on live models (unlike other small online retailers). 

Embracing the online world has become increasingly critical over the past decade; retailers now understand the importance of online presence through social media, marketing and sales. Unlike other retailers it’s refreshing to see LN-CC is not only focused on lining their pockets but with educating their customer and providing a total experience whether online or in-store. Receiving their weekly newsletter is a joy; new designers, new products and new inspiration; unlike the others that are sent straight to the trash, this is an email I look forward to receiving. Likewise their Facebook page constantly updates with new product dropping into store, not just with a click-here-to-buy link but with a history on the designers to educate and inspire.  

Creating a physical space was an important part of the LN-CC concept. The owners understand that some customers still want to touch and feel a product before buying and have created a space where they can, with the help of knowledgeable staff find the piece that is right for them.

Taking the store and putting it underground in the depths of Dalston and making it appointment only does two things; excludes the mainstream, and intrigues your customers. Entering the store feels like you are part of an exclusive club and one that you want to keep all for yourself so that no-one else ends up looking as well dressed as you are. Many customers may be put off by an appointment only store, worried that there would be pressure to buy; the reality is quite the opposite. My visit to LN-CC was pure joy, from the first moment I stepped through the door and into the breathtaking space (designed by Gary Card) until the moment I left I was delighted to find the most friendly and knowledgeable staff I have come across in quite some time.

The entrance to the store is unlike anything you have ever seen before, a man-made forest of raw wood followed by an orange Perspex tunnel is a mind-blowing display that almost stops you from discovering the real jewels of this fashion cave. Pick your chin up from the floor and continue into individual rooms each with their own style and mood to discover a wide range of designers and price-points. Avant-garde designers Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester and Damir Doma provide endless monochrome possibilities whilst young designers PAM and J.W. Anderson add a touch of fun to the mix. More standouts include Dries Van Noten and an impressive collection of Raf Simons Archive. The range is a large mix of menswear with a womenswear buy that is super-cool, edgy and unlike most other high-end boutique offerings. 

The mixture of brands illustrates the understanding of their customer and is also echoed in the online styling; most don’t dress head-to-toe in one designer and here you can find an entire look that suits your style. Books and music add to the lifestyle mix, and a future club and exhibition space will complete the concept.

“This is essentially a platform for you to experience and engage with. We don't care if you come here but don't actually buy anything - we are happy for you to take whatever you want from this, whether it be product, information or knowledge.”

Thanks to Craig for showing me around the store, a truly inspirational visit that will definitely not be my last.

LN-CC (Late Night Chameleon Cafe)

The Basement

18 Shacklewell Lane 

London

E8 2EZ
United Kingdom

By Appointment: appointments@ln-cc.com

Store enquiries: +44 (0)203 174 0736

http://www.ln-cc.com/