Dover Street Market Arrives in Los Angeles

Comme des Garçons SHIRT Basquiat - (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

It’s finally here, and in true DSM style, “We have gone from taking over one 10,000sqft building — to three,” says Dickon Bowden, Vice President of Dover Street Market (DSM). The Comme des Garçons’ multi-brand retail boutique made its much anticipated L.A debut over the weekend. The Nov. 3rd release showcases awesome local clothing lines and individually designed shop-spaces by names such as Maison Margiela, Gucci and Palace, alongside cutting-edge designers who challenge the way we wear jewelry.

Undercover - DSMLA (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

DSM - (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

In case you don’t know what or who DSM is, let us give you a quick intro to this wicked cool creative powerhouse. Dover Street Market is a luxury concept store that was created by world-renowned fashion designer Rei Kawakubo of the label Comme des Garçons, with her husband Adrian Joffe. The first DSM opened on September 10th 2004 at 17-18 Dover Street, in Mayfair, London. The original store was relocated in March of 2016 to the former Burberry building at Haymarket, in South Piccadilly. Since its initial introduction in London, DSM has launched five more stores worldwide, including the recently formed sixth location that opened in the Los Angeles’ Arts District. The other Dover Street Market stores are located in Beijing; Singapore; New York; and Ginza, Tokyo.

Comme des Garçons Homme Plus Installation - (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

The Beijing store, which was opened back in February, dons a DSM logo-branded glass building and highlights the company’s interest in expanding further into the Asian luxury fashion market. The company features a multitude of brands and designers, including Junya Watanabe, Rick Owens, Hussein Chalayan, and Vetements, alongside Kawakubo’s Comme des Garçons label and all of its product lines. The New York, London and now Los Angeles stores also feature cafes/bakeries.

Gucci - DSMLA (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

DSMLA - Jewelry Space (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

The LA store is the second DSM location to be opened in the US and inhabits a palatial trio of warehouses in the Downtown Arts District, further transforming the manufacturing hub into a booming jewelry scene. Jewelry has featured heavily throughout the history of DSM’s offerings, helping industry creatives such as Gaia Repossi and Delfina Delettrez to showcase their stunning work. Mimi Hoppen, DSM’s director of jewelry, explains how they, “Work closely with a small and specific group of American based jewelers… All have their unique point of view. It’s wonderful to see the diverse materials and techniques that are being used.”

Raf Simons - DSMLA (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

OffWhite - DSMLA (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

The LA outpost, which is designed by Rei Kawakubo, provides a substantial space devoted to a carefully selected group of designers. To commemorate the launch of DSM LA, labels such as Off-White™, Stüssy, No Vacancy Inn, Denim Tears, Brendan Fowler, Cactus Plant Flea Market, SHABBAAAAA, and Palace, have all created exclusive items, capsule collections and collaborations for the luxury retailer. The space is seriously cool and is absolutely worth the trip down to Imperial Street.

Comme des Garçons Homme Deux - DSMLA (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

Palace - DSMLA (losangeles.doverstreetmarket.com)

DSM’s introduction to LA is yet another confirmation that the city holds a firm place in the ever-changing world of fashion and that it is retailers like DSM who keep it interesting through their meticulously designed shops and storefronts. Adrian Joffe, President of Comme des Garçons International and Chief Executive Officer of Dover Street Market, declares, “Long live brick-and-mortar. It’s more important than ever,” and after seeing their new space, we couldn’t agree more.