ra ra ra

Happy new year! I don't like doing retrospectives because it freaks me out, but now that my laptop is virus-free and I finally got my photos from the trip to Antwerp restored, these next few posts will be going back quite a bit. Better late than never, right?

We visited ra and it convinced me that when I'm older I'd like to own a concept store with friends and we would sell books and clothes and homemade things and food and we would all do different kinds of freelancing elsewhere. Usually when I latch onto ideas like that I've exhausted them within a few weeks but this one has stuck with me. The vibes were just so positive and you really get a feel for the community among the people who work there and hang out often. Besides that, there's just so much great stuff -- a balance between fancy art books and zines, independent designers and big names, etc. -- and the folks who showed me around knew their products and were excited to share interesting background information.



The space is great, I guess technically it's pretty big and a couple stories but it's divided up into small little worlds which makes it cozier.

Stephen Jones hats in honor of his exhibition (post coming up! I should, however, warn those with frail health: that you might get a hernia.)

Perfect loony Meadham Kirchhoff artsncrafts Courtney Love tiaras and Narelle Dore cotton candy crown.

Adorable Swash prints.

Charlie Brown!

There was a GREAT vintage selection, including 70s Chanel and 90s Yohji.

And this Schiaparelli hat?! Which I probably infected with my head but it was WORTH IT.

I mean REALLY.

I forget the name of this designer but these clothes are calling for a sticks fort to be worn in.
Ah, wait.

Perfect!

It should be noted that one of their owners gave me shoes she designed and a brooch by an independent designer they were selling, but I think it would be pretty hard for me to have not already loved the place. If you are in Antwerp I would definitely recommend a visit, just know that you need a lot of time to spare. If you don't, not to worry -- your responsibility will be forgotten once you've opened up a Mark Borthwick book in one of the bunk beds.

113 comments:

jimandlol said...

When you do open your concept store, can we please come and work with you? Tavi's Factory- very Warhol.

Shelly said...

AH SO AWESOME!!!

mariana said...

i LOVE the clothes!! awesome

http://sayilovemary.blogspot.com/

Mihaela said...

Amaazing xD

Isabelle said...

wow!!! now i need to go there.
no really.
they have cool vintage shops in malmo, sweden, also.

i am a huge fan!!
duodynamique.blogspot.com

Sanam said...

Awesome monkey heads haha :D & happy new year to you too :D


Day By Diva
Day By Diva
Day By Diva

KARLITO said...

A dude, that place looks amazing! there's a few scattered around LA but this one seems so much nicer and airy-dairy.

agent 0017/shay said...

omigosh.
lovely.
especially the thatched roof clubhouse....<3

donewithconformity.blogspot.com

FH said...

Happy New Year !!!

Anastasija said...

I love concept stores! Happy New Year dear!
xoxo
http://anastasija-stasha.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Well, that is one place that I DEFIANTLY MUST MUST MUST MUST VISIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, for sharing this with us!
Happy New Year!

Georgie
xx

http://styleprincessdiaries.blogspot.com

Vanessa said...

that just looks like the best place to be. ever...

Brittney said...

Happy 2011, Tavi! I hope you're New Year's Eve was lovely and awesome. ;)

I love the sweaters above "Charlie Brown!", especially the one on the left. It looks cozy.

Unknown said...

concept store bonanza
absolutely ape!

Unknown said...

Looks like an incredible space! And owning a concept store is a fantastic idea, haha.

Anonymous said...

Can I work with you? I'm already freelancing accesories for my various family and friend members...teehee. :)

Bailey Faye said...

AH! What a find!

I LOVE that Tour Eiffel hat :] I would totally wear it..I'ma figure out how to make one....

Great post!

-Bailey Faye, To The 9's

Kaiami said...

The whole place looks like so much awesome. I clicked on the website link that you posted and the layout was kind of like BAM seizure. Awh my eyes. Can't handle the stripes.

Christine said...

The place looks so enchanting! I'd be excited to see you open up your own shop.

http://porcelainfreckles.blogspot.com/

zoomslow said...

Thanks for the photos. It all seems really creative & inspiring.

And the feeling you got of community amongst the people who work there is interesting - must help to make the work easier, and to maintain the creative vibe.

"...these clothes are calling for a sticks fort to be worn in.
Ah, wait...Perfect!" :-)))

The Schiaparelli hat! No words :-) I think ES would be very pleased to see it on your head! No Doubt ;-)

KristiMcMurry said...

looks like a dream! Wish my town could support something like this

Anonymous said...

Seems like more of an adventure than shopping. Very cool store. I need to check it out.

SUBVERSIVE FASHION

Sammi said...

Seems like such an amazing place to go!

Mitchie said...

nice

Anonymous said...

you're so lucky you get to go to these places in person! thanks for sharing

Justina said...

Tavi, I am HUGE fan. I am kind of working on building a base for my blog, A Bent Piece Of Wire, and I was wondering if you could give me some feedback?

Thank you SO much!
Love, Justina from A Bent Piece of Wire

Cara said...

Freaking out over the chunky boots.
Gah, too amazing.

emily.marie said...

this place looks perfect. for my final in Fashion Merchandising I created a concept store based off of Colette, and wanted to make it a reality so badly! you'd be realllllly good at this.

-emily

http://seemore-dreammore.blogspot.com/

50two said...

what would be awesome is if that hut in the last pic was a toilet.

Lauren Olive said...

I like the idea of Tavi's Warhol-esque Factory concept store. That would be way awesome... all you would need is your own Edie Sedgewick

kelsea said...

"i don't like doing retrospectives because they freak me out."
haha, that is my exact reason for not doing a resolution post either!!

COME ON KILLER said...

:)

blue said...

You look so adorable in that Schiaparelli hat! Did you buy it?

http://www.tresawesome.com/

b said...

so glad things got fixed so that we could see all this cool stuff. E Y E C A N D Y ! ! ! ! ! love those terrariums and the garden. amazing.

Unknown said...

pretty cool! check out my blog jumpingjac.blogspot.com, a work in progress inspired by your blog

boyunso said...

I really want to visit there!!!
if there is no far distance from here to there^^

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you too! I'm rather fond of that Charlie Brown jumper x

Lisa said...

this looks amazing, oh my god. jealous.

Alina said...

Fine retro-things! Good luck)

Taj said...

this store is amazing!! I spy Katie Eary in the 1st pic<3

fairy on acid said...

Please follow!
And make sure to leave comments!






www.FASHIONABLYDRUGGED.blogspot.com!

Luca said...

AMAZING!
X

Start dreaming on www.dreamingthedayawaywithluca.blogspot.com

The Clothes Press said...

Love the Swash prints and Charlie Brown sweater!!!
www.theclothespress.blogspot.com

cassie min said...

That store looks so cute!

Cassie
xx

Fourth Daughter said...

Definitely open a shop, but can you please make sure there is a branch in Melbourne? Next door to my house would be a good location :)

thwany said...

i want one of those gorilla heads.

Marina said...

love your blog !!!

www.dresscode-marina.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Oh, I know that place,
The food in their cafetaria is delicious :)

Nolita said...

The hat with the small Eiffel tower is so cute!

FB: Nolita Vintage Shop & Blog
----www.nolitavintage.com---

Diana said...

I really have to go there.
I was in Antwerp three times and I hadn't the time to visit it but next time I will.
Is it expensive there?

Kacrates said...

I like stores tlike these quirky and just fun with a purpose. Many are uptight now.

The Thief and The Cobblers said...

awesome!!!!

http://www.thethiefandthecobblers.com

Anonymous said...

loving your blog!
we teenagers are the greatest at blogging! :D

http://theseprettyfaces.blogspot.com/

Matilda Delaporte said...

Agreed, Paula!! Love love love. -especially the Schiaparelli hat, tres chic Tavi. xxx

X -Matilda- X

http://ohsokitsch.blogspot.com

Fashion Baggage said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fashion Baggage said...

Your eye for things and what nots is great and very clear! Some times I need some eye drops to get through my day! Hope to see you in NY for FW! www.fashionbaggage.com

SMD said...

Really cool pieces and the whole store vibe is amazing. Some of the clothes aren't totally my style but I still appreciate the idea and the intellect behind clothes like that! My favorite by far is the Charlie Brown sweater. http://thearcenciel.blogspot.com/

Little English Rose said...

where is this place???? i love the little eiffel tower hat!! i think it was an eiffel tower.....

Unknown said...

Tavi, you are a cute-ness ! very cute hairstyle ! I'm happy you chose red (im redhaided) and where I live a redhair is not appreciated much.. Anyway, always a pleasure to read your blog ! Kisses

Girlie said...

List you on "Stylish Blogger Award" enter my blog to see how it works!

Freya said...

Love the layout of your blog!
It's so simple yet so stylish and sleek! :)
I loved your "about me" section, it was funny!
I'll follow you! :)
xo

thatfashionmoment.com

Anonymous said...

i would die for a courtney love tiara!!

Lucy said...

I want that charlie brown sweater so bad ^.^
It's so cutes XD
xox

Gert said...

this is your first good post in like, well, a very VERY long time. well done..

Anonymous said...

I NEED that Charlie Brown sweater... badly!


peachandpeaches.blogspot.com

Sam said...

They LOVE you here!

http://community.livejournal.com/efagz/737997.html

http://community.livejournal.com/efagz/737997.html

http://community.livejournal.com/efagz/737997.html

Becky Ellison said...

I agree, the swash prints are adorable,
Happy New Years by the way!
Cool blog x

http://fashionableinspiration.blogspot.com/

For every Lady Goodman. said...

can't believe you got your hands on a Schiaparelli hat. so jealous

Riot Nrrd said...

*gulp*
That's a little too much awesomeness for me. I had to lie down for a bit just now.

Fia_for_life said...

Oh my gosh, I was just freaking out about how awesome the store was ( I want one of those terrariums!) And then I see the last pick of the little thatch roof changing cabin and I realize...IVE BEEN THERE! They have changed the layout quite a bit so I didn't realize at first. But I remember; theres an awesome cafe there, with a giant bunk bed in the middle of the floor. N my dutch friend told me the name of the street where it is located translates to "slanted elbow street"
You gotta love Antwerp.

clare said...

Sooooooo interesting!
Great post!
Happy New Year :)

Manding. said...

PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT. you sold me on the idea. i'll visit yours and you visit mine. what a great idea to run with at the start of a new year. A+

ps, amandamantes.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

haha love the pics :) i especially love the beautiful grey and beige outfits! a total must have :)

Anonymous said...

the name of the designer you forgot is "cosmic wonder light source" i think.

cheers

Linde said...

OMG - You were in Antwerp! When? I mean, that's like only an hour from my home!!! I could have met you.. Tavi, the style rookie.. Sh*t, missed you, please come back! ;D

Eilidh xxx said...

http://fashionandothernicethings.blogspot.com/ (just started. more interesting posts to come i promise! )

wish i could go around looking at all these pretty clothes. what a lucky girl.

style meerkat said...

OMG O.o Awesome clothes! Great post !
Love your blog ; D


http://stylemeerkat.blogspot.com/

xoxo.

Unknown said...

nice store and amazing hats!
Happy New Year :)

ameliaguchi said...

beautiful clothes and space
x

Comtesse de ferveur said...

I have been meaning to get to Antwerp for a long time; I look forward to it. Loving that little thatched cottage in the middle of the store - concept stores are awesome, especially if they have concept (read:democratic) pricepoints. Loving that Schiaperelli hat!

Laura said...

Thank you for taking us there! What a trip.
I especially liked the the thatch roof. Where is Bjork and her big teddy bear?
http://theclothesstory.blogspot.com/

AnAn said...

Ra Ra Riot -- Boy ! Great song. Check it out.

Anonymous said...

me want in!!!

all of it is ruddy fantastic!

happy new year

www.fashion-nebula.blogspot.com

Marina Mourão said...

hi
i love your blog...really nice!
hey check my blog !
www.soisstyle.blogspot.com

xoxo ;)

Anonymous said...

a great store ♥
http://doyouwantaction.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Ther is something about that cottan candy crown that I just love.

http://bensstylecorner.blogspot.com/

Stephanie said...

Hey Tavi, it's Stephanie - the one who is Caroline's sister. Love the blog, of course, but I'm commenting about something you posted on tumblr. The picture of those pink, blue, and purple shoes that all look like doll shoes? Those are lolita styles. I'm guessing you just liked the picture but if you're interested in finding them for real let me know (through email). Some of the lolita shoes can be pretty cool in their weirdness. I don't wear the style anymore but I figured I'd let you know. Cheers!

Sara and Emma said...

Happy New Year! Cute pictures! :D
xoxo from Sweden

misia said...

love the sweater! Very nice desings

www.chinchilla-love.blogspot.com

Cure For Pain said...

You should visit Supermarket in Belgrade. It's a concept store that won an award for the best design in the world. It's really wonderful.Here's their link: http://supermarket.rs/

cancercowboy said...

belated Happy New Year! the shop looks quite worthwhile. gotta visit the Netherlands this month anyway, so maybe i'll make a quick detour. who knows how long the traditional Belgium will stick around ^__^

Marijke L. said...

Yes yes, we are spoiled in Antwerp!!

Eda said...

wow this is just so adorable tavi!

anni said...

i love your hair and your outfits, they are amazing! anni ♥

Oh, Hi said...

I agree with jimandlol! I'd even except sweat-shop workers pay. Also, I don't understand why you don't smile more often, that was a great smile in that Shiaparelli hat! Such an amazing store, especially appreciated the record player and records.
P.S.-Went to San Fransisco yesterday, saw Comme de Garcons and immediately thought of style rookie!

Oh, Hi said...

I agree with jimandlol! I'd even except sweat-shop workers pay. Also, I don't understand why you don't smile more often, that was a great smile in that Shiaparelli hat! Such an amazing store, especially appreciated the record player and records.
P.S.-Went to San Fransisco yesterday, saw Comme de Garcons and immediately thought of style rookie!

*mis_Dyanira* said...

i love ELSA SCHIAPARELLI!!

JIM Designs said...

I bought some jewelry recently by two different local artists. They both took apart some antique and vintage jewelry and mixed it with new. Very cool stuff!

Chloé said...

I totally know that feeling. Of wanting to have this group of creative collaborators/friends and do something that makes you feel like you are happy and making art and doing it with love. Yada yada yada. Maybe sounds cliché...

Nobody said...

Oh, I was there, in Antwerp, in October and everything in is pretty much amazing. You walk around and suddenly you see a bunch of pink chairs behind a fence (I believe that was quite close to ra). And the café close to Ann Demuelemeester's store is simply the best. You can sit there for hours, drinking cheap cappuccino and reading fashion and art magazines. Antwerp is definitely my favorite city.

Cybelle e Fabi said...

You are a Maverick!!!!Love the blog!!!Please visit ours

http://www.fromustwoyou.blogspot.com/

xoxox Cybelle and Fabi

Love Bonche said...

love your blog!
http://lovebonche.blogspot.com

Meg said...

oh my gosh I love it!!!! I think your idea of a concept store would be amazing, I'd like to do something like that too

SHARNA OSBORNE said...

babes the cotton candy crown is made by nasir mazhar and/or the boy on the computer next to me!!

Matrix Music Teacher said...

Tavi, I am niether style-ish nor a rookie, and am actually just a middle aged music teacher, who works with middle-school-aged kids. I love seeing the world through your eyes, and really enjoy your blog (which I learned about in the New Yorker). May your vision always be true!

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Irene said...

Where is this store? The clothes and accessories look so interesting!

Jessie E.M. said...

the designer is narelle dore!
http://www.uhier.com/?p=1673

and this is her new blog:
http://coatedarms.blogspot.com/

greetings from antwerp

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