On my first visit to Dover Street Market I was quite tentative and on edge, feeling intimidated and inadequate by the seemingly exclusive environment; like I shouldn't be there. In fact, after making a second visit with more confidence in my demeanor, I fell even more in love with the store. It became apparent that the DSM is much more accessible than I first thought. What particularly struck me was the fantastic layout and overall interior design intended by Rei Kawakubo to create an 'ongoing atmosphere of beautiful chaos', and that's exactly what she has achieved here. Each floor has it's own unique, quirky design while continuing the theme of what I felt quite successfully represented the feel of a regular outdoor market with the unpolished concrete floors, scaffolding framework and unfinished wood work. The conventional market feel is also re-iterated by the visibility of the stock behind the rails, differing from a usual high end store who would be more likely to store their stock far from the public eye. DSM has a very engaging atmosphere even with the slightest touches such as the playful stances in which some of the mannequins are placed. I personally really liked how there was mostly only one of each garment hung on the rails, giving that slight hint towards the exclusivity of the merchandise available in store. I would conclude in saying that the interior design of Dover Street Market definitely sheds an alternative light on high end shopping; it's a great place to go to experience fashion in a very different and less intense environment.
