Retail Watch: The Convenience Store

West London welcomes a new addition to the destination shopping map: The Convenience Store. This concept shop—the brainchild of Andrew Ibi—recently opened in a vacant shoe mender's space under an old concrete apartment block. Set in the shadow of iconic '60s brutal landmark Trellik tower, this retail haven is no ordinary boutique.

Ibi followed up his fashion degree in 1996 with presentations in Paris and London, a successful stint at Club Monaco and the creation of his own independent labels, Handpaintibi and Blue Print. Now a sought after consultant, Andrew approaches his new venture as both a designer and an all-around industry expert.

While Convenience Store's retail experience is as exceptional as you'd expect, the clothes and their creators are the true stars. Hung from the ceiling in the concrete cube space, each hand-picked item will be sold on a very limited run—not simply to create the buzz of exclusivity, but to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of the individual piece. And, for loyal customers seeking something special, an "under the counter" system will offer sought-after pieces to a chosen few—on a special request basis only, of course.

Unsurprisingly, the talent roster is hard to argue with: Ann-Sofie Back, Rick Owens, Gustavo Lins, alongside up-and coming-talent such as Hannah Marshall, Clare Tough and Sophie Hulme. The Antwerp set is also well represented with wares from the likes of Veronique Branquinho, AF Vandervorst and Christian Wijnants, while Camilla Skovgaard and FCS (Fiona Claire Stuart) take care of accessories and footwear.

The current stock includes suitably eccentric key pieces such as Ann-Sofie Back's asymmetric biker jacket, AF Vandervorst's three-piece "Down Set" (A Trapper, Full Length Mittens and Capped Sleeve Jacket) and Camilla Skovgaard's surrealist Hair Sandal. Naturally, this selection is right on target with the Convenience Store's autumn/winter '08 mission statement: "Hard sculptured edges with an underlying message of social defiance and protection."

Shop address: 1a Hazelwood Tower, London W10 5DT
Tel: 020 8968 9095

—Lena Dystant