It’s coolest place for discovering the fashion industry’s favorite designers.
It’s a big year for Nordstrom with the retailer celebrating its 125th anniversary. How does a brand thrive for over a century? In this case, it means getting creative and being nimble with the times. And nowhere is that sense of forward thinking more evident than in their SPACE section. Established in 2015, it’s become the place for discovering up-and-coming brands while also stocking fashion fans most beloved IYKYK labels. Set up as a boutique within the designer department, you’ll find everything from clothes to shoes to handbags and accessories, all curated with a keen eye for detail. Can you tell we’re fans? Should you need more convincing, allow us to give you 10 reasons why SPACE should be your go-to next time you find yourself at Nordstrom.
Emilio wears Vaquera t-shirt, Matières Fécales skirt, Balenciaga boots, Chanel sunglasses
The Curation is Fashion Forward At Its Core
Playing home to the likes of Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe, Pleats Please Issey Miyake, and Rick Owens, it’s safe to say these labels set the tone for SPACE. All icons in their own right, these brands spent decades making clothes more than just something you wear, they’re concepts and works of art in their own right.
New York’s Downtown Darlings Have a Home Here
Looking for Bode’s quirky button downs and jackets? Or perhaps Collina Strada’s wide-legged, oversized pants are more your speed? Maybe it’s Vaquera’s irreverent mix of vintage-inspired tees and baby doll dresses? Whatever piques your curiosity, NYC’s favorite independent designers can be found here, just waiting to be added to your closet.
Girlhood, Personified
Should your preferences skew more feminine, don’t worry: SPACE has plenty of that as well. Sandy Liang’s rabbit-printed track jackets sit side-by-side with pastel furry-trimmed blazers that look straight out of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette while Simone Rocha’s twisted take on girlishness complete with grommets and ribbons are featured prominently. Also in that general vibe are Cecilie Bahnsen, with her confectionary-like dresses, and Meruert Tolegan, whose Victorian-inspired details on skirts and blouses are sure to draw the eye.
Alma wears Comme des Garçons top, Diotima skirt, Prada heels
NYFW’s New Vanguards Are Not to Be Missed
Zankov, LII, Ashlyn: get to know these names because they’re the next wave of New York-based labels poised to take over the industry. For those who love color, pattern, and knits, Henry Zankov’s work will be right up your alley while Zane Li’s unique take on sporty fabrics and creative layering is an arty minimalist’s dream (and exclusive to Nordstrom!) And finally Ashlynn Park’s take on sculptural silhouettes with a pared back palette is an elevated take on modern tailoring.
Two Words: Matières Fécales
No emerging brand had a bigger summer than Matières Fécales. The duo comprised of Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran not only dressed Zendaya for the premiere of The Odyssey but also made a custom wedding dress for Gabriette. And now that their name is getting more recognition, it’s only fitting that the label among the latest stocked at SPACE. A couture-worthy pleated skirt with mountains of tulle? Yes, please!
Craftsmanship Around the World Gets Celebrated
While most people immediately zone in on Europe when you hear the word “craft”, SPACE makes it a global affair. Two brands doing it right? Rachel Scott’s Diotima, which celebrates the techniques and artisans of the Caribbean and Pillings, which centers on handknitted pieces, made in Japan.
Diana wears Simone Rocha top and skirt, Maison Margiela shoes, and Prada sunglasses
Evening Gets Less Predictable
Black-tie gala or cocktail affair on the schedule and nothing to wear? Find beauty in the unexpected at SPACE like Colleen Allen’s painterly take on dresses and outerwear that references bygone eras. Or perhaps seek out Milan’s ACT N°1, where unexpected volumes are guaranteed to have you making an entrance.
Basics, That Are Never Basic
If the idea of a capsule wardrobe makes you shudder but you still need closet staples like denim and t-shirts, don’t worry SPACE carries basics too. It’s just that they’re not exactly basic or boring by any means. From jeans and flannels by R13 to Paloma Wool’s knits to Eckhaus Latta’s sliced tees, these are classics reimagined.
All clothes and accessories courtesy of SPACE at Nordstrom and Nordstrom
Don’t Forget The Handbags!
No outfit is complete without a handbag and there are plenty to choose from, be it Simone Rocha’s pillow clutch (a fashion week favorite) to sleek leather styles from Jacquemus to laptop-friendly totes by the likes of JW Anderson and MM6 Margiela.
And Of Course, The Other Accessories Are Pretty Great Too
To finish things off, you don’t need to stray too far, SPACE also has an amazing selection of footwear, jewelry, and more. It’s the place for Maison Margiela’s iconic Tabis, Isabel Marant’s signature Bekett hidden wedge high tops, and Courrèges’ stiletto thigh high boots. But if we’re partial to anything, it’d be the selection of Justine Clenquet, Area, and Lié Studio earrings — flashy and fun to make every outfit feel special.
Photos: Carlos Ruiz