Concept fashion stores are a rising trend in Kyiv. Opposite to the mass market chain stores, small concept shops obtain exclusive and rare fashion brands, giving customers the exclusive opportunity to buy them in Ukraine. A Kyiv Post journalist checked out Kyiv concept stores to find out what they can offer.
Pure Shop
Pure’s main focus is on young British brands like Thomas Codd London, Radioboy, Youreyeslie, Monkee Genes, Paisie, and Conquer. Clothes and accessories by Ukrainian designers are also on sale, including brands like Valery Kovalska, Fake You! and the concept store’s own brand Læktær. Apparel for both men and women is available. The downside is that the stock in Pure Shop is not always maintained with the care of mass fashion stores, so some items may be damaged or stained.
Pure also offers a variety of fashion books (Hr 120-1,000) and glossy magazines (around Hr 100), including Dazed and Confused, Love, V Magazine, Vogue, Esquire and many others. Vice magazine is given out for free. An impressive range of vinyl records is also on sale.
ShoeShoe
ShoeShoe offers a wide variety of shoe brands, including Michael Kors, French Connection, Cafe Noir, Dolce Vita, Feud, Nine West, Matisse, Ivanka Trump, and Guess. Men may choose from Vans’ top line Vault, Clae, Frank Wright and the Ukrainian brand Zyrkul.
The drawbacks? High prices and a limited choice of shoe sizes.
On the accessories stand one can find bow ties (Hr 280 – 330), brooches, ties (Hr 390), rings, earrings, pendants and handkerchiefs (Hr 150).
Also, ShoeShoe sells old copies of Vogue U.S., Harpers Bazaar and V Magazine at modest prices.
The One
The One shares a space with ShoeShoe. In a rather small room this store offers an impressive range of clothes, bags and even homemade perfumes by both local and foreign designers. Ukrainian-made clothes are by Julia Yefimchuk, PRZHonskaya, Anisimov, Yana Chaplygina and Elena Burba. Worldwide known brands like Jill Sander, Gucci, Comme des Garçons, Scotch & Soda are also a part of the shop’s collection. Also, The One offers transformer bags by the Russian brand Love Corporation.
Some extraordinary bijouterie can be found in The One, too, including locally made necklaces and vintage 19th and 20th century accessories from Germany, England and Scotland. A smiling saleslady willingly tells the history of each piece.
The Icon
The Icon offers select pieces from collections by Donna Karan, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Balmain, Chloe, Christopher Kane and many others.
The range of accessories includes bags by Marc Jacobs and sunglasses by Balmain. Among other items on sale are perfumes, CDs, home accessories and furniture pieces by Rick Owens, as well as fashion books and magazines, gadgets and even designer-produced chewing gum.
The staff keeps a close eye on the customers, so be ready to receive the salesperson’s full attention. The other obvious downside is the high prices.
Atelier 1
Atelier 1 is primarily focused on Ukrainian designers like Artem Klimchuk, Anna Pinko, Anna October, LuVi and Podolyan, but also features clothes by Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe, Peachoo+Krejberg.
Located in the underground space of a former bunker, Atelier 1 is split into several zones. The Boiler Room sells men’s apparel, while the Collection Room offers clothes and shoes for women. In a canteen, customers can gather for a chat and enjoy wine and canapés.
Atelier 1 offers a wide range of Comme des Garçons perfumes, candles and scull-shaped soap by Citizen Bob.
The staff is very friendly and ready to answer all questions and tell more about designers who are not familiar to the customers.
Ohm
Ohm is a new alternative concept store hidden among luxury boutiques. The store focuses on a vanguard style and sells brands like Gareth Pugh, Yohan Serfaty, Damir Doma, Zam Barrett, Nicolas Andreas Taralis and Lost&Found. Konstantin Kofta is the only Ukrainian designer offered. Decorative installations in the store featuring shoes in a fish tank were also made by Kofta.
Most clothes are made in black or grey colors to keep customers’ attention on the shape and cut. All the fabrics are natural, which is one of the reasons for the high prices.
The store has two spacious halls for women’s and men’s clothes. Shoes, bags, sunglasses, jewelry and perfumes are also offered.
Kyiv Post intern Masha Dumanska can be reached at [email protected].
