Haute hoarder Kiki Niesten reveals a 35-year addiction to high fashion via her marvellous Amsterdam boutique Keuze van Kiki.
Kiki Niesten is so last season, and we mean that in the most fabulous way. The globe-strutter and gimlet-eyed womenswear buyer is beloved in her native Netherlands for being one of the first retailers to amass a slew of directional designer labels under one roof (among them Lanvin, Marni, Celine and Balenciaga), long before the multi-brand concept shop became ubiquitous.
During her colourful 35-year career, Kiki has done her fair share of buying trips across Europe and – like any gal with a weakness for fashion and a credit card in hand – just couldn’t resist splashing out extra on standout items for her own private archive. At last, and we can’t contain our squeals of glee, Kiki has put this mint condish cache on show in her new Canal Ring boutique, Keuze van Kiki, meaning ‘Kiki’s choice’.
Here, however, is the (arguably controversial) best part – Kiki has cleverly and meticulously removed the label from each and every shoe, gown and accessory so that shoppers can covet each item not for its A-list affiliation, but for its design, quality, form and fit. Sadly, the store will only stay open while stock lasts, so click those heels and trot to it quicksticks!
Keuze van Kiki, Herenstraat 32, Canal Ring, Amsterdam. +31 20 638 3073, kikinieste.nl
Hero image: Gert-Jan van Rooij
For more fab fashion in Amsterdam, check out the LUXE Amsterdam guide!
