Rick Owens have opened their fourth store, and what is more logical than to go for Tokyo, when you are already established in Paris, New York and London? The store will carry Rick Owens, Lillies and the furniture collection

Rick Owens Tokyo Store
Tokyo 6-5-55 Minami-Aoyama,
Minato-ku,
Tokyo

Balenciaga opens today its first London flagship store on Mount street, Mayfair.
Once again Balenciaga strikes points in creativity and luxury with a stunning decor, the result of the collaboration between Nicolas Ghesquiere, French artist Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster and light designer Benoit Lalloz.
The store futuristic features are a nod to the original Balenciaga years and a certain London vibe, that of the Pop era. *source:WWD

Founded in September 2006 Alef has established itself as the reference lifestyle and fashion magazine for and from the Middle East. Alef books, the name of the bookstore, is aimed to cater for creative professionals and sophisticated consumers living and/or working in the region. In the same way as Colette in Paris, or 10 Corso Como in Milan, the store will carry “a handpicked and targeted inventory of the best art, fashion, photography, design, lifestyle, limited edition, and gift books from the world’s finest design publishers ” said Paul de Zwart, Publisher and Editorial Director of Alef Magazine. The selection of books will be curated by Alef’s Design and Architecture editor, Yvonne Courtney (former director of London’s Mission Gallery).

“We’re witnessing the growth of a cultural and creative community in the Middle East that is following hot on the heels of a period of incredible and sustained economic growth; just like the magazine, the bookshops are a first for the region and hence will serve as a beacon for young creatives and professionals alike” said de Zwart. The first branch is set to open next month at Villa Moda’s newest location in Fahaheel, Kuwait. Eight more will follow over the course of the year.

www.alefmag.com