Thursday, October 7, 2010

DAVID WEST OPENS LONG STREET STORE 'DOKTER AND MISSES'

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What could be more Capetownian than when all the cool kids gather around and drink beers on a gorgeous day? If there is such a thing I'm not interested. David West being ever so Capetownian decided to open up his newest endeavor in this theme. He called it 'Dokter and Misses' and without any exaggeration it really was spilling over with the Cape Town cool crowd. So much so that we all ended up on the street talking. Seth and I got into a fascinating topic (See below) and we were later joined by Dylan Jack and 'Popyacollar' blogger Sam (I stole the photo from her site).

Getting a close up view of West's range (which we first witnessed at Cape Town Fashion Week in August) was a particular treat. He really seems to understand what we want in terms of fabric and design. Light, soft materials for the hot weather and pleasing, quirky prints. The breton-striped tee was a particular favorite but naturally it came second to the blue checkerboard-esque shirt which carried the conversation of his range in August. 
The new store was a joint venture between West and his partner Elmi and Dokter and Misses Joburg based furniture and product design duo. This is their first outlet in Cape Town. (They have a store at 44 Stanley in joburg as well as a showroom and workshop in partnership with WhatIfTheWorld called Co Op in Braamfontein).


So why the partnership? David and Elmi felt that Katy and Adriaan were kindred spirits, and if you see the store you will notice how their respective products compliment one another. Having only a short time to view the store on opening-day it was easy to miss the shopfitting details which West developed to change fixtures and displays according to the product they wish to show. They worked with Elmi on designing the rails, lighting the fitting room and shop counter. 

Pre-West the shop was a famous Aspen Flower shop. It has a Victorian facade which was restored to its original glory. And now it houses David West which I'm sure will have you all investigating it soon. And best you do!
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