Damir Doma

Damir Doma’s ravishing new Paris boutique—his first and only dedicated shop—is the most exciting opening in Paris this fall. Set in a courtyard (shared with Comme des Garçons) on the rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, the three-story boutique’s antiqued-mirror ceilings, elegant parquet and marble floors, deconstructed stone walls and sheets of raw steel are a mix of Baroque and minimalist elements that echo the lush, raffiné clothes.

The Croatian-born German designer made a splash in 2007 with his first men’s collection, whose draped, kimono-influenced silhouettes—meant to “adapt to the body rather than change or constrict it”—were a dramatic departure from the rigidly tailored shapes usually seen in menswear. But the same fluid volumes and supple fabrics that seemed surprising in a men’s collection were perfect for Doma’s women’s line, launched in 2010. Soft and unconstrained yet rigorously constructed, the clothes have a pure, intrinsic elegance without being fussy or precious.

For this winter Doma has added more precise tailoring. A high-ruffed collar is the only decorative element on a crisp, unfitted, perfectly cut blouse that pairs beautifully with a pair of slouchy silk pants or an ample skirt with leather stitching, topped by a superb cut-wool cape that drapes to the ground. Fur vests, suede trousers and jackets, and a small selection of shoes and python clutch bags round out the collection. The boutique also carries the lesser-priced line, Silent, with pared-down models in jersey and cotton knit along with some leather outerwear.

54 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, 8th, 01.45.27.09.30. www.damirdoma.com

Originally published in the December 2012 issue of France Today