RA Antwerp

RA is without a doubt one of the coolest concept stores around d’Anvers. Having opened exactly a year ago, RA takes its name from the initials of Romain Brau and Anna Kushnerova, two young designers and alumni of the Académie Royale des Beaux Arts, where the famous Anvers Six also studied.

We therefore headed off to the “ Christmas Market “ situated in an area of Anvers known for its antiques and art, where this unconventional 2000 metre squared store can be found.
From the outside the store is anything but showy with modestly dressed windows and a notice telling you that food and drink are available inside. Curious, we walked inside, down a long corridor scattered with beautiful Norwegian backpacks and quite astounding pyramid – shaped wallets.

Nothing about RA ‘s set-up is left to chance. You get the impression that the positioning of every item has been meticulously considered so as to tell a story and create a maximum effect.

The most charming feature of the ground floor, (which houses the vintage, luxury menswear, luxury womenswear and « young » fashion spaces in a single room divided into corners), is in fact the till which is sort of giant, straw –roofed beach hut.

The vintage department is far from being some scruffy second – hand clothes shop which are two a penny in Anvers so don ‘t be surprised if you don’t find the usual pile of nautical jumpers and worn, military jackets. Instead, you are treated to a collection of clothes, carefully selected by Romain and Anna, (the majority which are for women), by designers such as Caron and Chanel, and accessories such as a colonial hat and an antique minaudiere.

We fell completely in love with this half Fair Isle, half pixel art knitted V neck jumper.

Kitsuné à Givenchy, en passant par quelques pièces de Gareth Pugh et Rad Hourani.

I have to admit to spending a very long time looking longingly at these bi-material boots and these incredibly detailed trousers by “http://www.aitorthroup.com/”>Aitor Throup !

We then made our way to the first floor which is dedicated to musique and which offers an eclectic and accessible range of CDs which includes The Crookers, Mark Ronson as well as Aeroplane’s excellent most recent album.

You will also find a little gallery which frequently displays the work of recently graduated, up-and -coming designers and less well known artists. This week, it honoured a Chinese artist’s new collection of wigs and jewellery.

Opposite, on the models, clothes by Jeremy Scott, Opening Ceremony.

Henrik Vibskov, Elise Getliffe and Bless.

We headed back to the ground floor, but this time explored the other side. We wandered through the book department where a range of rare works on fashion, photography and other art was on sale, before arriving at the « Kitchen » area.

Long tables in engraved wood, a mezzanine with bunk beds, cushions, pouffes scattered here and there…we had no problem feeling right at home.
It was here, later that day, that we got talking to other customers about fashion whilst sipping on mulled wine and eating delicious spiced Christmas cake.

The gathered customers chatted like old friends, many of them having a quick bite to eat between buys, others settling down for a few hours to enjoy an organic miso soup or the delicious Moroccan egg brunch. ..

Romain (below left) and Anna seem to have the knack for unearthing antiques from all over the world and RA which give the store a really welcoming atmosphere.

Whereas other concept stores are concerned with nothing other than profit, we are particularly impressed by the way in which RA is committed to putting its influence and store space to good use so as to help up-and-coming designers.

RA on the store’s website http://shop.ra13.be

RA

Kloosterstraat 13, 2000 Anvers – Belgique

+32 (0) 3292 3780 – info@ra13.be

http://www.ra13.be/

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