The HOSTEM Store sits amongst the refreshing range of independent shops and bars on East London's Redchurch Street, which is fast becoming one of London's leading fashion destinations. Owned by James Brown, HOSTEM is a must for anyone seeking independent menswear. Why? Firstly, in keeping with the overall ethos of its location in the creative Shoreditch, it's a million miles away from a conventional store, offering a characterful and independent shopping experience. The shop itself which has been designed by artist and designer duo JAMESPLUMB, is a delight to the senses from the moment you step inside.  With its  quality and wit, this is a space that's been designed to inspire. HOSTEM is more than you've come to expect from a regular menswear shop, it offers a lifestyle and aesthetic that merges the classic with the  contemporary and invites you to become a part of this.

Designers JAMESPLUMB, aka James Russell and Hannah Plumb , who studied at The Wimbledon School of Art, focused their design for HOSTEM on the preservation of a sense of history and belonging. The intelligent design is subtle yet at the same time captivating because of the attention to detail, materials and craftsmanship. They've have assembled a range of antique and found objects as displays as well as decorative items thereby making the space feel more like a gallery than a shop - exhibiting a lifestyle, a history and a range of menswear from some of the world's most exciting menswear designers. Exclusive Japanese labels alongside avant-garde names like Haider Ackerman, Ann Demeulemeester, Damir Doma and Rick Owens are on offer in this gem of a store. Vintage US Trouble Lighting hangs at varying levels casting subtle light on the exciting stock that consist of a range of menswear that's been as carefully considered as the design in which it's presented.

There is a robust feel to this design, with rails made out of iron or cast in concrete - bespoke designs created by hand by master ironworker and designer Alex Pole. The draker second room has grey hessian walls and bespoke leather and incredible designs hanging from traditional ladders. These spaces feel raw but not at all industrial because of the space’s relatively compact size, a striking tented ceiling and the use of natural materials. HOSTEM is a masculine boutique. The use of neutral palettes and natural materials gives the shop a relaxed and welcoming attitude. The design has a feel of resurrection and a fresh feel as a result of the inclusion of a church pew - now a striking front desk - and various other found objects uncovered at car boot sales, in skips and at the side of the road all brought back to life within this special space. The design is freshly traditional and quirky, very fitting with the overall character of this vibrant area.

photo © HOSTEM

Stripped floors of mismatched reclaimed boards and linen lined walls make the space feel earthy and reflect the transient and evolving ambition behind the Hostem Shop. It has evolved by expanding into the Chalk Room of the basement where they host pop-up shops and gigs. The Hostem Store continues to be at the forefront of its surrounding art and design scene not only by sourcing and fore fronting new designers, presenting new artworks and bands but by also producing an arts based store magazine. Each issue is named after a different man and therefore takes on an altered persona.

The HOSTEM Store is top of its league when it comes to London's expanding array of independent men's store. Its pared back design is quite reminiscent of New York's Soho, but at the same time this shop captures the off-beat transient creativity of East London. HOSTEM is set to continue to inspire shoppers from near and far, whilst pioneering fresh creativity within both its local community and the wider world.