Invisible shops

Commes des Garçon, Hong Kong © bella

Martin Margiela's boutique, Tokyo (photo: Isreal Kandarian)

Discreet shops are in. Shopfronts are no longer confined to main streets, with huge signage or prominent displays. Shops such as Commes des Garçon on On Lan Street, Hong Kong, and Martin Margiela's boutique in Dalkanyama, Tokyo, are so hidden that many have trouble locating them. 

Following the Japanese tradition of having entrances of residences and restaurants designed to be as discreet as possible (and preferably tucked away from the main street), shops are differentiating themselves with this unlikely strategy.  

Commes des Garçon's boutique entrance is marked by a subtle recess on its white facade. This recess is really a sliding door, which automatically slides open when one stands in front of it. Don't be fooled by the non-entrance and non-existent handle bar. It isn't closed, really. 

Martin Margeila's boutique is located in a refurbished house in a suburban area in Tokyo. There is no signage, except markings along the route to the shop. Look out for clues, such as white foot-prints and street cones.