W2, Ruthven Lane

The Warehouse has a place in Glasgow’s history book. The store – now Peckhams on Glassford Street – was revolutionary in it’s time as it showcased new and unknown designers, selling global fashion to a bemused and excited Glasgow audience - the creative man behind it, David Mullane. I met up with David at his store, W2 (the second incarnation of The Warehouse), to discuss his experiences in Glasgow and the store he developed from the world's last Comme des Garcons Guerrilla Store.

Walking down Ruthven Lane – the average person won't be aware of what's inside W2. But it wasn’t made for the average person. Selling a range of products from black leather Chelsea boots, with big silver buckles from CDG and beautifully made luxury tweed from Margaret Howell to an enviable selection of fragrances from Comme des Garcons Parfum - this is a store only for the most savvy fashion follower.

The original store, named The Warehouse (open from 1978 to the mid 90s) is one I wish I could have the pleasure of experiencing.

“In 1978, we turned the Glassford street building into a fashion emporium. It’s only now that I realise we were selling an experience. Early on, I was told about a new designer in Nottingham who was revolutionising menswear with his coloured suits. I hand-picked a collection, and as it turns out, Paul Smith became quite popular.

It was an exciting time. We held fashion shows of our latest collections (modeled by a young Sharleen Spitteri and Claire Grogan) and opened up the top floor as a café. There seemed to be a constant queue as people wanted to buy our luxury espresso as well as some good old fashioned IRN-BRU from chunky glass bottles. It was a real quality Glasgow experience.”

After living in a big city like New York, I think it's easy to occasionally feel limited in Glasgow, but speaking with David I feel excited and optimistic. His story inspires and shows that you never know what is just around the corner - no matter what city you're in.

“One weekend I was home in Glasgow after a road trip around Amsterdam in my white Mini. I was walking through Royal Exchange Square and a gentleman stopped me. He complimented my outfit, saying I really stood out and from there, we got chatting.”

It turned out the man owned one of Glasgow’s largest stores and they were expanding their fashion range after a successful run with Mary Quant designs. Within weeks David was setting up a menswear offer and traveling around Europe to fashion shows sourcing stock.

“I gave up a job offer in the South of France to stay in Glasgow. I thought I’d regret it forever, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made”

By the early 90s, the company had a turnover of more than £1m and employed over 40 staff. Quite the success story.

Over the years, David developed a close relationship with Comme des Garcon, most recently in operating their second Glasgow guerilla store, which closed last year. The project became one of the most successful guerilla store's CDG has opened, proving the desire that Glaswegians have for unique style.

“I love the 'Comme' design ethic. They have no business plan. It’s the most art-focused design house I know and I think that’s what makes it so successful.”

The art-driven design ethic is what led David to open W2. He has successfully managed to place the avant guard beside the timeless, simple and chic. By collating British designer Margaret Howell and New Yorker Adam Kimmel, with the Japanese CDG brand, he's created a store which is exciting to browse. W2 is one of Glasgow’s best kept secrets. As much I would have loved to see The Warehouse, I’m more than happy to settle for W2.

-- Jonathan