Ever wondered what made Victoria Beckham want to set up shop in Dover Street of all places?

It might just have had something to do with the legendary Dover Street Market.

Twelve years ago, Rei Kawakubo converted a six-floor Georgian building in Mayfair into the retail space for her critically adored brand Comme des Garçons.

And in that time, Dover Street Market has consistently been the place where you hear about hot new designers first. 

An experience that is as much about discovery as consumption, the store gave the first ‘big break’ to many of the names we know and love. 

Having spread to Tokyo, New York and Beijing, the store is now set to leave its namesake street behind to move into the 105-year-old former Burberry building in the Haymarket district. 

Any qualms regulars might have with the location change should be soothed by collaborations with brands from Nike (above) to Vans (below) and exclusive pieces from the likes of Molly Goddard (above) and Simone Rocha (top image) - not to mention that the Rose Bakery is set to be bigger than ever.


As a hub of new talent, our eyes are also firmly set on the opening line-up. 

So let's look back at the designers who earned their stripes in Dover Street Market – and who’s set to suceed them in DSM's new digs.

Then: J.W. Anderson, Now: Lena Lumelsky

In 2014, Anderson was the new face of directional fashion, with plenty of influential reference points. Now, Lena Lumelsky is the new face of slow fashion, known for her handmade clothing that can be worn for many seasons.

Then: Christopher Kane, Now: Katie Roberts-Wood

Christopher Kane first appeared in Dover Street Market as a young, Scottish upstart with a flair for bold, bright colours and brain-teasing designs. These days, Katie Roberts-Wood - a former medical student turned Royal College of Art graduate known for experimental construction - is the one to watch.

Then: Simone Rocha, Now: Facetasm

Simone Rocha was the woman who made the most jaded of fashion insiders covet pink, chiffon, frills and romanticism. Currently, it is Hiromichi Ochiai's avant-garde take on tailoring that has put Facetasm on the most insider of insider's lips. Watch this face.

The new Dover Street Market will be open from tomorrow Saturday 19th March.

Additional copy by Heather Gwyther

Images: Jason Lloyd-Evans, Getty, Simon Armstrong, Vladimir Svetlov