Savvy fashion retailers have long cottoned on to the idea of stocking the limited-edition dress as a means to satisfy the 'person who has everything'. Rarely though, does this result in the emporium-like offering of ‘Cabinet de Curiosites de Thomas Erber’ at Browns – a heady selection of pieces encompassing everything from fashion and furniture design, to travel packages and artworks.
For his collaboration with the London store, former journalist and fashion consultant Erber has gathered 25 internationally renowned artists and designers to fill his cabinet with the rarest and most unique creations.
Craftsmanship is a key point in Erber’s 21st century take on the Victorian cabinet of curiosities concept, which means the chosen artists - all of whom are independent and have at some point shared a history with Erber and Browns - have been asked to create pieces that aren't the result of a watered down money-making agenda, but rather a showcase of individual expertise and technique.
On top of snagging the likes of fashion mavens Manolo Blahnik, Pierre Hardy and Rodarte, enlisting the talents of furniture designer Paul Kelley and upping the lifestyle element with the involvement of bike craftspeople Schindelhauer, Erber has even thrown in two luxury holidays from travel giants Kuoni into the mix, ensuring a rich collection of unique things to covet.
Displayed on the table in the shop's front window is the work of fashion designer and artist José Lévy. Made from poli mirror sheets of aluminium, the notebook-like artwork is designed to be attached to a wall or placed on a table
'Nappa leather and mink ankle boots' by Pierre Hardy
'Girl and Clouds, Sicily', 2010, by photographer John Pepper, which is being sold as a one-off print
Rodarte's first-ever publication - featuring the work of photographers Catherine Opie and Alec Soth - is topped off by hand-painted covers by artist Rebekah Miles for the Cabinet de Curiosités
'Tamo ash wood jewellery box' by iWoodesign
'Handmade cashmere hooded poncho' by Wommelsdorf
London-based designer Paul Kelley's 'Desk / Dresser' table
'Crocodile shoe tree pumps' by Manolo Blahnik
Pinel & Pinel has created this Van der Rohe-inspired 'Chair trunk boudoir', which integrates functions such as a relaxation space and a sound system
'Ludwig XIV CS elite touring bike' by Schindelhauer
One of the designs from spectacles and sunglasses specialists, Maison Bonnet
'Techno-wool membrane jacket' by Aether
'Wool coat with alpaca inner-jacket' by Melinda Gloss
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