They gave up their countries of origin and global capital cities for quiet, sunny Lisbon. And since then, they've really kept their hands on the wheel.
When we come across the large red door, we were left in no doubt that something has been eluding us. Sheet-1, which is just a few metres from the Jardim das Amoreiras, may have gone unnoticed for more than two years (it opened in October 2020), but once you are here there is only one thing to do: ring the bell.
It takes just a few seconds for the door to open, but it takes a bit longer to read the room. In an installation combining fashion and sculpture, the colours of Marni's latest collection stand out - warm, spring-like tones that are prominent against the white of the walls. On the floor, a shag pile carpet accentuates the contrast between the whiteness of this almost-gallery and the colours that are dictated by current trends. David Wojtowycz is the name to be introduced. An artist of Ukrainian origin who is based in Lisbon created three equally vibrant pieces - piles of melted plastic made from discarded objects.
The space, which is intended for a luxury brand and a guest artist, changes periodically. After updating Instagram, it is on the lower floor that the shopping fever shoots up. "We work with established brands as well as with more progressive designers,” says Rune Park, one of the founders of this boutique. Originally from South Korea, he traded Copenhagen for Lisbon. He has worked in the fashion industry for more than 20 years. Robby Vekemans, the other half of the duo, is Belgian and has an equally long career. “In fact, we have two businesses. We do consulting and strategy for fashion brands around the world. Then we opened this store, where we sell to end customers and work with brands and suppliers that we already deal with in the other segment,” adds Robby.
Burberry, Versace, Moncler, Comme des Garçons, Courrèges, Jil Sander, Margiela, Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler, Issey Miyake and Moschino - a brief pause to catch our breath - Raf Simons, Simone Rocha, Thom Browne, Ganni, Yohji Yamamoto, Acne Studios, Junya Watanabe, Jacquemus and Lanvin. In the meantime, a few labels from the new generation, such as France’s Marine Serre, the media-savvy Coperni, Bulgaria’s Kiko Kostadinov and Denmark’s Cecilie Bahnsen.
The setting is that of a playground for luxury fashion enthusiasts, with statement pieces like Thom Browne’s canines, Donatella Versace’s Mary Janes and Jacquemus’ iconic Paquito. “It’s a playground, but its also a laboratory for testing new things and playing with brands, as happens in the installation upstairs. We're not that traditional boutique where things are on hangers for the entire season waiting to be sold. Everything is in constant movement and rotation,” says Vekemans. New pieces are placed in the display cases every ten days, although the online store always has the full catalogue. Other brands can only be found here, in the physical store.
Treasures that only fashion insiders will recognise are added - such as Matsuda sunglasses, which are still handmade in Tokyo, or The Row, the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen brand - as well as rare editions and collaborations by brands such as Vans, Converse, Birkenstock and Reebok. The same idea of exclusivity extends to customer service. The door is kept closed to ensure privacy for public figures. Rune and Robby know what they are doing, as they were also responsible for another fashion project in Lisbon: Tem-plate. Here, the luxury is about to gain more space as Sheet-1 will expand to include another floor by the end of the year.
Travessa da Fábrica dos Pentes, 10A (Amoreiras). 912 441 722. Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm
