The British Designers Collective
Now in its third year, a lot has been written about the British Designers Collective and their tireless efforts - in conjuction with the British Fashion Council and Bicester Village - to champion homegrown talent. I had been meaning to see things for myself for quite some time and finally did so this morning.
It was early enough to be almost devoid of customers so I had the rather unusual luxury of an interrupted view of the space.
The best thing about the here-today-gone-tomorrow school of retail is the fact that there is but a brief window of time in which to capture the imagination of the public and this is inevitably done in the most innovative ways possible.
This year's shop was designed by Household and they created an elegant and flexible space which (having initially housed the British Designers Collective womenswear collections) was easily transformed when it became a menswear establishment earlier this month.
I had a such a great time chatting to the staff and hearing about the incredible objets d'art used in some of the displays. The drum above is a coffee table that will be up for sale when the shop closes next month and I cannot think of an item of furniture more deserving of the term: statement piece.
Many thanks to Katie, Mita, Patrick and Liam for allowing me to take these photographs and for being so friendly and helpful.
They even offered to rearrange the cabinet above so that I could get the best possible shots!
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Reader Comments (14)
That is super-cool Chi! I love that space, and I love that it's so transient. But oh, all that green out front? That's my favorite. :)
Isn't the green spectacular?! I want to clothe my home (and studio) in its magnificence! :D x
That grass (?) covered wall to the entrance of the store is a showstopper, for sure! I love the interior space and all the items they use to style the store. I see more and more retails spaces using unique, vintage pieces. It makes the store feel cozy and collected. Nice job on the pics, Chi!
"They even offered to rearrange the cabinet above so that I could get the best possible shots!" No way! I wish stores here were so nice! Instead I mostly get yelled at when I try to take pictures in stores. It happened at Ladurée and Mariage Freres in Paris, too! Maybe I have an un-trustworthy demeanor or something?
I love that building, is that real grass?? It's stunning! Why is the shop closing in a month? It seems like it's such an awesome store! xo
Check out the green walls, I bet that's the first thing you touched, who couldn't resist I ask you ? And the colours, gorgeous. Love the statement doberman (I think that's what it is).
Your photos capture it really well. Those little knick knacks and antiquities are better than the clothes. Doh, I would say that :-)
Thanks Chi xx
@Theresa: Thank you, T!
I think it's wonderful that a few stores have chosen to raise the bar in terms of merchandising/décor. It definitely has a positive knock-on effect on the overall shopping experience, in my opinion.
@Erin: Haha! The staff at Ladurée must have spotted the drool on your chin! :D
The foliage isn't real but it is stunning nonetheless. You couldn't find out where I can lay my hands on some, could you, Lisbeth? ;)
Oh, and the shop is a pop-up - they open once a year for a few weeks.
@Sam: I love menswear and I even buy it for myself on occasion (great for my broad shoulders) but I actually didn't look at the clothes - so taken was I with the superb décor. Shame on me!
I think I might need a second visit ......... ;/
That's what I call a fun and inspiring morning. This would set me up for the whole day. What a great job they did. I LOVE that drum and can't wait until I get a larger space, more rough-luxe, more warehousy and have objects like this... oh, well, dreaming is healthy:)
Can't believe Erin tried to take pictures in L and Mariage Freres in Paris? Someone should have warned her:)it's Paris, not the east end in London..
Great Post. Happy Jubilee weekend x
oh my, that green is awesome! i love the packaging. totally gorgeous (i love that they wanted you to get brilliant pic!). happy weekend xx
@Tina: Oh, my visit certainly perked me right up, I can tell you! The drum/coffee table has totally stolen my heart. It costs a mere £1500, by the way and I think it's worth every penny! :)
Have an absolutely spiffing weekend! xoxo
@Leah: "oh my, that green is awesome!"
Isn't it just?! I found some faux turf recently in that shade and, even though it goes against nature, it'd be nice to have my garden in that colour all year round! :)
Happy weekend to you, too. x
Oh I love that phone box, how cool is that? :)
xx
Ah, bonjour, ma petite Parisienne! :D x
The phone box makes everything in the vicinity look drab in comparison, doesn't it? I wonder what will happen to it - and all the faux turf - when the shop closes ........ :/
Chi, here's one link I found. Warning: it's gonna cost you an arm and a leg to replicate that look in your home! Yowzers. http://www.hooksandlattice.com/outdoor-artificial-green-walls.html
Great photos, Chi!!
I am loving the phone booth, keys, and magnifyling glass collections!
Thanks for the inspiration this Monday!
Wishing you all the best,
Mary (from BYW 2.0)
@Erin: Yikes, no kidding! Thank you so much for looking, honey.
I still think it would dress up my studio rather nicely - a girl can dream can't she? :D xoxo
@Mary: Thank you, Mary - so sweet of you to stop by!
See you in "class". :)