Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch sits Hostem: a conceptual clothing and lifestyle store that is the brainchild of James Brown. “Hostem sits somewhere between a store, a gallery and a home,” he explains. “The space is constantly evolving. The focus at Hostem will always be experience, experience, experience and the product is just what you wrap that up in.” Stretching over six floors, the house of Hostem carries a love-worn aesthetic, with chalky, plaster-polished walls, stylised display cases and an assorted collection of curiosities.
Hostem Series no.1, part 3 for A/W14Photography by Rory van Millingen
Brown was only 22 when he decided to open the space five years ago, with the help of seasoned retailer Alex Wysman, fresh from Dover Street Market. “When I opened, London felt very devoid of a meaningful experience within retail,” Brown remembers. “I wanted to create a platform that enabled me to do that and support makers, designers and people that I believed in.” Womenswear launched quietly last November, under the reign of Christie Fels, formerly of LN-CC, and there is also a dedicated exhibition space, photography studio and roof terrace. Recent special projects have included an exhibition and installation by textile artist Amy Revier, performed during Frieze. “Amy Revier is very dear to us here at Hostem. We work very closely together and we are in constant dialogue with her when comes to silhouettes, fabrics and customer feedback.” Elsewhere, Studio Toogood recently took up residency on the mezzanine floor, transforming it into a studio space, with a sculptor's table positioned in the centre.
Hostem Series no.1, part 3 for A/W14Photography by Rory van Millingen
For A/W14, Hostem has released a chic artistic look book that embodies the store’s conceptual elegance, featuring clothing by Yohji Yamamoto, Yang Li, Ann Demeulemeester, Raf Simons and Comme des Garçons, all of which can be purchased in-house. Photographed by Rory Van Millingen, the series was shot on the impressive grounds of Jericho Priory, which has been Brown’s family home for over 35 years, dating back to the 16th century.
Hostem Series no.1, part 3 for A/W14Photography by Rory van Millingen
