In the Mode for Moscow's Club Scene

Looking around in any of the capital city's growing number of nightclubs and cafes, one begins to wonder just where Moscow's extravagant hipsters manage to buy their very trendy outfits. There are plenty of modish people around town, and they must be shopping somewhere. But "high fashion" shops -- outrageously fancy places selling the clothes of only the best known designers at hideous mark-ups -- probably aren't the place. Nor are kiosks, which sell either tacky imitations of European street fashions or scandalously expensive merchandise in equally dingy and unattractive settings.Keeping up with the most important sartorial trend is quite a challenge. Are there no slightly affordable upbeat trendy shops that you can walk into, look around, and try things on in the manner that you would anywhere else in the world?The Soho Club Shop is the answer for any self-respecting hipster asking that very question in anticipation of a night on the town. Located on the premises of the Soho Club, the latest trendy addition to Moscow's nightlife scene, located just underneath the ever-hip Pilot, this boutique caters to Moscow's growing breed of fashionable young female club rats.The tiny shop sells just about everything one needs to be perfectly and extravagantly "fashionable." With summer presumably in full swing in Moscow, the store has a complete range of summer women's apparel and accessories. In keeping with the season's paler colors -- or was it perhaps last season's? -- the predominant hues are heather-gray and off-white.The selection of clothing for the most part is Italian and features mid-range name brands unheard of outside Europe. A long print beige dress in an attractive synthetic crepe is yours for approximately $190. A very long knit beige suit goes for about $250. Trendy, loosely knit jumpers are just under $100 dollars and tiny silk midriff T-shirts are a mere $50.You can also find a useful tight elastic little black dress for $150 and a fancier version with white lace trim for $180. Black crepe bell-bottoms, which could certainly prove very handy in Moscow these days, cost approximately $100. One pair of Italian flared black trousers -- hardly a steal at $149 -- is utterly charming, with bands of floral patterns running up and down each leg.A variety of canvas and suede off-white wedge-heeled and platform shoes from Spain are given prominent display on the store's shiny white floor. They range from $80 to $100. And nice, bulbous-toed imitation Doc Martens are about $80.Accessories to the groovy look are plentiful. Strings of colorful wooden beads and wooden pendants can be had for about $35. There is a surprising collection of Anne Klein II earrings and a lot of Ray-Bans in various mod styles. There is also a fine selection of expensive textured and patterned tights by, among other mysterious brands, Hue and Chantal Thomas, costing anywhere between $30 and $50. And for $49 you can buy any one of a selection of extremely attractive straw hats decorated with large artificial flowers or fancifully shaped burlap caps.The Soho Club is just about perfect for a little shopping and then an espresso in the adjoining ultra-design cafe; at a later hour, perhaps a cocktail and a game of pool. And since the store is so hip that it is open 24 hours a day, you could stop by the shop on your way to a rock concert at Pilot and kit yourself out accordingly.The Soho Club Shop is located on 6 Tryokhgorny Val and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Prices are the ruble equivalent of dollar listings; Rubles and credit cards accepted. Tel. 205-6209. Nearest metro: Ulitsa 1905 Goda.