step inside the new dover street market in paris, entirely designed by rei kawakubo

the eighth dover street market opens in paris

Dover Street Market unveils its new store in Paris, scheduled to open its doors on May 24th, 2024. Conceived by Andrian Joffe and Rei Kawakubo, the Japanese designer behind the iconic fashion label Comme des Garçons, the new space embodies the ethos of Beautiful Chaos. The dynamic retail landscape is crafted under Kawakubo’s creative direction and challenges convention by eschewing designated brand spaces, thus composing an interconnected environment where boundaries blur. From the outside, the store remains enigmatic, revealing no clothing or other products to the outside world, and inviting curious passers-by to explore its interior.

‘Twenty years have passed, and the time appears to have arrived to open our eighth DSM, including the outpost of DSPM. For sure, it wasn’t planned,’ says Andrian Joffe. ‘It will not be only another shop. It is in fact already a building in which we hope to build and open a new pathway ahead, building on everything we have accomplished and daring to tread in the unknown.’

all images courtesy of Dover Street Market

a dynamic retail experience designed by Rei Kawakubo

The new Dover Street Market location (find more here) occupies the ground and first floors, along with one of the three basements, of the historic Hôtel de Coulanges. Built between 1627 and 1634, this iconic building was once home to Madame de Sevigné, a renowned figure in French 17th-century literature. The remaining basements and courtyard serve as spaces for diverse cultural events, echoing the spirit of the now-defunct Association 3537 (find more here) that previously inhabited the building.

Designed by Rei Kawakubo, the store, including the Rose Bakery café, offers a unique experience where clothing remains concealed from external view. With no dedicated brand spaces or concessions, the design fosters a sense of exploration and discovery, reflecting Kawakubo’s philosophy that customer satisfaction is heightened when they actively seek out products. Embracing the Beautiful Chaos credo of DSM, the store promises an interactive experience. The opening will feature an installation and exhibition titled Comme des Garcons for and by Paolo Roversi, alongside an installation by artist Matty Bovan in one of the basements.

from the outside, the store remains enigmatic, revealing no clothing to the outside world