Alaïa: Books and Friends

Finding moments of rumination can be a challenge in central London, yet the Alaia flagship is offering up a super tempting haven on the 3rd floor of the boutique giving ample space to a Claire du Rouen curated bookstore and a Violet Cakes café. The floor segues from deep charcoal and generous floor to ceiling shelving into a steel-clad counter laden with cakes and cookies topped by an impressive La Marzocco coffee machine. Marc Newson’s giant ‘donut’ lights illuminate from above.

Du Rouen specialises in rare fine art, fashion and photography books and the selection here spans a whole range of visionaries from Ed Ruscha to American photographer Peter Hujar and Cecil Beaton to a selection of Fitzcarraldo Editions paperbacks in signature sapphire blue, one of the few independent publishers remaining. Meanwhile, baking is a Claire Ptak speciality with her provocative blend of ingredients such as tahini and halva in its delicious brownie.

The venture follows a launch in Paris with Rare Books and is part of Pieter Mulier’s vision to wrap cultural conviviality right into the heart of the brand. Azzedine Alaia was a legendary host, known for his salon dinners at his atelier in Paris that went on until the early hours with guests chatting through a myriad of topics, exchanging ideas. Mulier continues that tradition, filling stores with contemporary artworks and now books.

So, drop a pin on 139, New Bond Street and settle into bibliophile mode.