I’d love to proclaim Hostem as some form of diamond in the rough. After all it is slap in the middle of Shoreditch. Shoreditch being what it is is chock full of new and exciting stores. It is the homeland of the boutique shop, a fact that has become a touch of poisoned chalice. But the trouble with hipsters, is not surprisingly their belief that being a dickhead is cool, but more for me that well they are cool. They do have good taste and a great eye for detail and the new. I may even be on the edge of the hipster world, what with my skinny jeans, shrunken jackets and a desperate need to hear new bands (as well as firmly established pop divas I may add). 

So with stiff competition from firm favourites A Child of the Jago and Start within minutes walk, does the relative newcomer Hostem hold its own? Focusing on unusual artisan and directional designers, as well as unique collaborations you can be sure to find something no one else will have. The shop is currently expanding from what is three retail areas, the Essential, the ‘Dark Room’ and the Third Room. In just a few weeks renovations will be complete for the ‘Chalk Room’, though the ‘Third Room’ is going to take a little longer. 

If you get there quickly you should be able to see the Alice Waese x Hostem collaboration jackets and shoes. The shoes were yet to arrive but if the jacket below is anything to go by they will be amazing. Though the jackets are already flying out so you need to act fast. 

Championing and hunting out the Artisan as well as the more directional designers is the core value of this shop. So you’ll see brands available barely anywhere else in London and the UK. They guys behind the store have taken the time to work with designers building great relationships. This is by far the strengths of the boutique. Sure not everyone can afford the Parabellum bag at £1,800 but there is something in the store for nearly everyone. The bag in question had me practically frothing at the mouth. 

In February when the Third Room reopens the brand Arts & Science will take over and essentially have free reign to display their work. De Rien, originally from Spitalfields vintage market also have an exclusive collection. So exclusive in fact the jackets are numbered 2 of 5 was the last one left, but I was assured new designs were on their way. De Rien may have originated in vintage but are embracing the new QR codes take you to the brands website and tell you the story of your garment. It’s this mix of modern and artisan that makes Hostem unique in my eyes.

The list of brands available was fantastic from one’s you may never have heard of to ones more well known but equally forward such as Demeulemeester, and Rik Owens. Adam Kimmel and Casely-Hayford also featured, but perhaps the biggest surprise to me was Visvim. Back in August when I interviewed Nick Wooster, he mentioned this brand. New to me I did a bit of hunting around, but ‘til now I’d not actually seen the clothes themselves. I can only report back positives. I mean who am I to argue with Nick? Well the gentleman he is, he’d quite happily listen to new ideas and allow me to disagree. Though I have no desire to, whilst I’m not yet daring/ comfortable in my own skin to rock a camo tailored jacket, I know good design when I see it. 

There’s more to this store than meets the eye with trinkets, snuff and an upcoming magazing published by Hostem themselves. If you need an example as to why I think this store will go from strength to strength its this magazine. It’s about soo much more than just clothes available in store, but also art, music, design and everything else that makes up the Hostem lifestyle. Given a different mans name with each publication you can see how it’s developing and evolving. Much like the store. Check out the magazine online at www.sebastianmagazine.com

As you’ve guessed by now I’m a fan and can’t wait for the opening of the Chalk Room. But I strongly urge you not to just take my word for it. Leave the safety of your regular shopping haunts. Grab a coffee and hit Redchurch St. Spoil yourself with people that genuinely care about the product, the designers and the even more weirdly in this day and age….you, the customer. As ever if you can’t make it to London you should definitely check out the stores online presence.