Dover Street Market

This place is legendary in my eyes. Although I had never been before, I had heard only crazy good things about it and had even searched for the NYC branch a few weeks ago (had no luck, I think due to a merchandising revamp!). I knew that the next time I was in central London I had to take a trip to the Dover Street designer store.

Living only an hour from central London meant that I was able to hop on the train on Friday for only £13 (I'm on a student budget ok!!). Whilst there were other things on my list of 'things to do', Dover Street Market was on top and so myself and Sophie stormed through Oxford Street, down Saville Row and onto Dover Street where we found the five-storey building standing next to the likes of Victoria Beckham, Alexander McQueen and Acne Studios.

The exterior of the shop was minimal but the window display was incredible. A huge white sculpture hung from the ceiling, dangling inside the store looking out towards the passers-by. I couldn't wait to get inside and be further captivated by the merchandising.

When stepping inside, there stood a large glass cabinet and with further inspection, we realised it was displaying jars of animal embryos. Whilst this is quite grotesque, it was an unusual display in a designer store and I admire the confidence to put it forward in the entrance to the store. The rest of the store is really indescribable. Everywhere you look displays a different merchandising theme but nothing like you would expect to stand beside Dior, Celine, Saint Laurent and others. My favourite feature of the store was the changing rooms, stood solo in the middle of the floor, they were unrecognisable as changing rooms- no drab curtains, or beautiful curtains for that matter, just incredibly creative structures made of recycled materials such as Polystyrene, Wood and metals. The industrial feel of the architecture within this store is what's remarkable, it's unexpected.

The staff were also super friendly, even though it was probably obvious that we couldn't afford a single item in there, on every floor we were greeted with a warm smile and hello. I'm excited to return next season as a member of staff told me that they close the store for 2 days to completely gut it out and re-merchandise.

Whilst the quality of my photos aren't great, you get an idea of the incredible store.