Suzy Menkes article on Dover Street Market (International Herald Tribune)
Dover Street Market reviews
The concept is great, the atmosphere - bleh. I only ever go there to smell the comme des garcons fragrances and see what's new in the basement. It's the only place that seems to hold such a variety of 'quirky' clothes, but I'm shocked to say I have never bought anything.
For starters, they seem never to stock anything in my size (small or XS) and all the 'good' stuff seems to disappear far too quickly off the shelves. An example being, I needed a pair of April77 Joey's in grey. I went there mid-season and they had none left. They had all gone. They weren't able to order any in, so I decided to come back the next season (autumn/winter 07/08). When I did indeed return, I needed a pair of slim-fitting suit trousers that wouldn't cost me £500, so I thought April77 would be my best bet. Much to my surprise, when I got there (early November) and asked to see their Winter collection they had only a few trousers left, but all in giant sizes. Apparently, according to the SA they'd all 'gone' within early summer (late June). I was shocked. To make matters worse, they told me they weren't able to order anything in. I'll return this Saturday (still looking for a pair of slim-fitting suit trousers that won't break blow a hole through my hard-earned cash).
Visited Dover Street Market a few months ago for a project I was doing on my fashion course. Clothes were fantastic but the staff were so rude. I needed to take notes and they wouldn't let me - they said it was fine if I memorised information and wrote it down outside! They followed you round the shop, were completely up themselves and dressed like idiots (especially the one who thinks he is Mr T!) Anyway, I would recommend you take a look because the clothes are fabulous, but be prepared to have the staff be rude to you.
by jenateaj, 16 Feb 2008I visited London 3 weeks ago, and because I'd heard so much about this shop I decided to take a look...
Quite underwhelming. It looks like a museum, and is not particularly fetching (they ought to take a lesson from Paul Smith's Westbourne House). The staff, quite scuffy to say the least, are rude and simply forget that they are there to assist you and not judge. Two in particular looked at us like we didn't belong, and when we came out looked again, without taking their eyes off us, letting us know we couldn't shop there.
Even if the shop itself had been more appealing and I had been set on buying something, their minimum wage snobbery would certainly have put me off!
This shop is worth a visit just to look at the design. Staff are hopeless but on the weekends the arty atmosphere is fantastic!
by nexthammertime (6 reviews), 15 Jul 2007I love Dover Street for the concept and ambience and visit it every month to see their displays. However, as a shop it doesn't really draw you to buy anything.
There are beautiful Comme des Garcon womenswear pieces and an interesting mix of menswear as well as a great selection of Anne Valerie Hash, Nina Ricci, Alaia etc. The vintage section by Decades I think is totally overpriced and doesn't do justice to the real Decades in LA.
The staff are very friendly and eager to help but there is just too little atmosphere to make me want to shop. Every time you ask a member of staff to show you something or ask to try something on, the mood of the shop is such that you actually feel guilty for not buying it. The customers there all seemed self-obsessed - "I am too important and edgy".
If I really want to buy a Lanvin dress or Alaia shoes, I would rather go to Harrods or Liberty where I could actually shop without feeling uncomfortable.
Wonderful CDG and a fantastic range of vintage watches and eyewear. However, they should also stock Burlington new line.
Unfortunately, the Lanvin jewellery is tatty and fell apart when worn as a Christmas gift by my girlfriend. It was then sent away to Paris for repair, but returned 'unrepaired'. I received a full refund 4 months later (my angry girlfriend was in tears, but at least I still had the mortgage deposit!). However, it means I have to put the score down to 4.
Staff were nice and chatty but still followed me around the whole time. They made the mistake of telling me they were only wearing the clothes of the shop because they 'borrow' them and then take them off at the end of their shift. Which makes me realise that they're only shop assistants (!) so what right have they got to make us feel bad by being snotty?!! Nice selection of garments but overpriced.
by madeleine, 01 Mar 2007I love the place. Seeing as Comme is scantly avaliable in this country, it's great to be able to go to one place and pick it up. As for the backgroup, great design and shows designers can do more than just create clothing. However, a bit too pricey so I just go there for pieces I can't pick up in Japan. Otherwise ACE.
One final note: the shop staff are wicked. From the first time I went (just after it opened) to every subsequent time, no matter how much I have to spend they always give me the time of day. Quite rare, I think, for the capital.
Incredible store, wonderful items and layout. I agree that the staff were rude. They looked at me like a piece of filth, probably because I was wearing my jogging bottoms and didn't look quite classy enough. But funnily enough, I spent £2,000 and their attitude soon changed!
by diond, 01 Oct 2006Fashion victim central- when you see all the Comme des Garcons lines together you realise how very 'blah' it has all become.
by botero1982 (15 reviews), 06 May 2006Dover Street Market is for everyone who enjoys beautiful things. Just as one might visit a museum or an art gallery, you don't have to buy.
The staff is very down to earth, genuinely friendly everyday peoples.
There are elevators so wheelchair access is no problem.
Here you can open your heart and mind even if your pockets remain closed. Jett
This is the best store in the world - something for everyone and a real fun experience. All the staff were really friendly and very helpful. Some of the brands were not to my taste and perhaps not right for the store, but the choice of Comme des Garcons stuff was great.
by stick, 04 Mar 2006Let down, once again, by elitist staff members who should know better by now... rude staff are becoming as cliched as white-washed walls.
by Legs, 04 Feb 2006Went to visit, stayed for lunch! Part installation, part shop. I actually found staff OK on most of the levels. The eatery was fabulous. It's not the be all and end all, it's not the best... but great to have a destination that wasn't too formulaic or fixed and doesn't spoon feed!
by jayem, 24 Jan 2006I think this store is an absolute must-see. Whether the clothes are to your taste or not, it's a inspiring store and I wish more stores were brave enough to be as truly individual as Kawakubo. The staff are all down to earth and more than happy to help you, and not pretentious at all. It's a real pleasure to shop here or just to be inspired by the space.
by blu, 08 Jan 2006Quite simply the best store in the world! You can never fail to be amazed or surprised on each visit. A must see.
by lucy1980, 08 Jan 2006If you want to experiment with being looked at like a potato, please shop here.
by David2006, 03 Jan 2006People should know their subject before they comment.
Marianne clearly shows she has no clue about art and fashion and capital girl should go to Oxford Street for your so-called "real clothes". And the anonymous fashion student who branded the shop "overpriced high-street shop" - please ask your tutor what "high-street" means, surely nothing to do with Dover Street itself or
Dover Street Market.
It's one of the most inspiring, stimulating and interesting clothing retail shops in the world.
Have we missed a great designer shop in London? Let us know.
Photograph © Dover Street Market
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