CoutureLab

Whenever I had to get from point A to B in town, I'd just battle the masses going in the opposite direction from me along Oxford Street. Today however, J let me in on a nice alternative that was more scenic, less crowded (much), and which led to my discovery of this amazing and wonderful store, which delighted me infinitely. 

CoutureLab's beginnings require some explanation. Two years ago, the website was set up by Carmen Busquets (who is also co-founder of Net-a-porter) to bring the exquisite finds she had acquired from her travelling to the network of luxury clientele she had built up from over 20 years of working in the retail industry. 

Fastforward to the present, two months ago CoutureLab became a physical presence to allow existing patrons the opportunity to touch and feel the luxury and quality of its products before purchasing, as well as make a more intimate acquaintance with walk-in customers. And boy was I blown away at the items that were in there. 

Drawn into the store by the Charvet ties and amazing Alexis Mabille bowties on their window display, my feet led me to a shelf with handbags beautifully arranged together, and their brilliance was breathtaking. It was then that Zeeshan, the shop manager appeared and suggested that I look around and to let him know if I needed any further information about the items. What a darling! 

So I proceeded to pick this handbag(below) up, and while it was lovely to hold and behold, it was what I found out that made this creation incredible. This handbag is on display at the store as shown in the picture below, standing on two opposite points with nary a supporting stand in sight. It hadn't occurred to me that this was impressive until Zeeshan pointed out that before the bag is even designed, every bead and crystal is weighed so that their positions are allocated, resulting in a bag that is balanced in weight, and will not be heavier on one end when held in your hand. I held it, and it was true! Isn't that amazing? 

Bea Valdes is an accessories designer from the Philippines, and she works with artisan techniques and exotic stones, beads and feathers to produce such amazing investment pieces. The black Gio Evening Bag would set you back by £1,895, but you'll know it'll keep forever, for seasons and generations.. Did I also mention that the method by which the individual beads and crystals are sewn on guarantees that if a bead were to fall off, the rest would remain secure? I'm just saying...

Black Gio Evening Bag by Bea Valdes

 Then Zeeshan disappeared for just a moment and returned with some pieces that had just arrived and were not yet on display, including this one: 

 Maharlika Evening Bag, £4,375 by Bea Valdes

To quote the description on the website, 'The intricate beadwork of Bea Valdes' handmade bags illustrates remarkable skill. She calculates the space between each bead, sequin, crystal and feather, accounting for their varying size, shape and angle.' You'd really have to hold the masterpiece in your hand to appreciate every detail.

CoutureLab doesn't just stock handbags of course, no matter that my raving makes it seem so.  Their selection ranges from understated mens sweaters by Tomas Maier (the creative director of Bottega Veneta's own label) to ethereal dresses by Isabel Toledo, to homeware and jewellery and even impossibly adorable items for baby. All the items are arranged tastefully in the boutique, almost as if each is given its own space to shine. With an L-shaped shop layout, the womenswear and accessories occupies the main length of the shop, with menswear, homeware, babies’ accessories and the sales counter taking up the remaining decently spacious floor.  

It was quite an uplifting experience, if I don’t consider the fact that the items on sale are a little out of my reach at the moment. Carmen’s idea of a business that would transcend seasons and celebrate workmanship, quality and mastery of materials is created for a niche market of people who value individuality (by owning hard to find or one-off pieces), support creativity and artisanal techniques. Since time is the ultimate luxury for many, wouldn’t it be clever to own such timeless pieces?

CoutureLab

37 Davies Street 

London

W1K 4LS