“London is unlike any other city,” said Stefano Gabbana at the opening party for Dolce & Gabbana’s New Bond Street men’s store last night. Revealed on the eve of London Collections: Men, the new shop (well, old, actually; it was formerly the D&G store, but in all fairness, it’s had a full facelift) boasts three floors of Italianate architecture, velvet wallpaper, and Scandinavian furniture. A dapper barbershop and a corner dedicated to Dolce & Gabbana’s signature tailoring round out the in-store experience. “The difference between here and Milan is a bit of eccentricity,” Gabbana continued, explaining that Savile Row and Milan both produce pinstripe suits and superb cuts, but that the Brits offer an extra kick. “London will do something cool, like adding a pop of color in the socks and ties. For us, it’s a study in design.” Then, poof, as if on cue, Paul Smith—the king of the aforementioned English eccentricity—gave him a great bear hug.
In addition to a first look at the boutique, guests like Kylie Minogue, Lulu Kennedy, David Gandy, and more were treated to a presentation of the Italian house’s Spring 2014 tailoring collection. The closing looks—a series of T-shirts emblazoned with an image of a giddily happy Kate Middleton—were a tip of the hat to the Brits.
Wrapped up in the elegant soirée, and the new space’s decadent debut, everyone seemingly ignored the white elephant in the room (forget the tax man. More Champagne!). Taking it all in, David Gandy offered, “This place is perfect for a bloke like me looking for clothes. You don’t have to trawl through all the women’s stuff. It is a place that is completely dedicated to men, and that is rare for any city, trust me.” Somehow, Mr. Gandy, when it comes to menswear, we do trust you.
Dolce & Gabbana’s new men’s store is located at 53-55 New Bond Street, London.
—Afsun Qureshi
Photo: Dave Benett/ Getty Images
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