Last week I was invited along to the re-launch of the shop at DCA. I already had dinner plans with my dear friend Trina, so we decided to eat in the restaurant at DCA before heading along to the opening. We caught up over delicious lamb kebabs with yoghurt dressing and flatbread and a crisp glass of Pinot, saying again how great the ambiance is at DCA regardless of day or time. Then it was time to see the shop.
The first thing we noticed about the new design was how bright it was; the shop isn’t huge, but somehow the light now bounces around, creating a very sophisticated but warm space perfect for spending time and money on a little retail therapy. Or a lot of retail therapy. Plenty of curious folk had gathered to see the refurb (by award-winning Glasgow practice, Do Architecture), all enjoying DCA-inspired biscuits courtesy of Kitschnbake, perusing the stock and checking out the prints upstairs.
The new interior is described as “quiet, flexible and industrial” by Adrian Stewart of Do Architecture. They’ve used a simple palette of materials such as cement particle board and ply to create an industrial workshop-like interior, and Joe King was commissioned, using a bespoke approach with flexible modular storage that will allow the space to evolve and change as times goes on. Creativity with a vision. DCA Director, Clive Gillman says, “The small but perfectly formed retail space is curated with as much thought as the art exhibitions that take place in the galleries across the way.”
What will you find in the shop at DCA? Established Scottish designers such as knitwear queen Hilary Grant and Johanna Basford, whose exhibit at DCA last summer went down a storm. There are also international designers and emerging talent sourced from art schools and graduate design programmes across the country.
Looking around the new shop, Trina fell in love with the Glacier ring by super-jeweller, Jane Gowans, while I pointed out the Nikki McWilliams Tunnocks Tea Cake cushion that I bought for Mr Man last year. We both admired the selection of unique cards, of which Trina bought two of for her sister’s engagement, because she simply couldn’t choose between them! The jewellery in the shop is stunning and will be a real treat, whether for yourself or someone special. One of my favourite finds? The notepads. I do love a good notepad.
Images: Courtesy of DCA
