H5 lab is a concept store for archival designer clothing, with a café, weekend flowers and a space for screenings, pop-ups and book meetings. Our selection leans on the three pillars of Japanese fashion: Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto, alongside labels that share their way of thinking.
The selection is built around designers who changed how clothing is cut, pleated and worn. Each piece is chosen for form, history and point of view, not for a logo.
Pleats Please, HaaT and the technical, sculptural work of the Miyake studio.
Rei Kawakubo’s anti-fashion language, from deconstructed tailoring to the lines around it.
Black, volume and drape, from the main line to Y’s.
A few pieces recently listed on our Instagram. Every item is one of one; message us to check it is still on the rail.
H5 lab is a place to stay a while. Order a matcha at the café, pick up a bouquet when the flowers are in, or join one of the evenings we host with friends from the neighbourhood and beyond.
H5 lab was started by Mustafa Al Hammad, who spent years working in Dubai fashion retail, from the shop floor to buying. The lab began as a pop-up model: a way to show archival pieces without feeding the cycle of overproduction and markdowns. It became a home in Alserkal Avenue for people who come for form and history, many of them from the art world around us.
We are in Warehouse 32A on Lane 4 of Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. Opening times change with our programme, so check our latest Instagram post or send a DM before you come.
Guides to archival Japanese fashion, sizing and the neighbourhood.
What "archive" really means, what to check before you buy, and how to build a wardrobe of Japanese design one piece at a time.
Garment pleating explained, how Pleats Please fits, and the simple care routine that keeps pleats sharp for years.
A short history of Rei Kawakubo’s label and a map of its many lines, from the main collection to PLAY.
Archive pieces are one of one and sell in-store and through direct messages. The prices on this site are the ones we published on Instagram; please send us a DM to confirm a piece is still available before you visit.
You can buy in-store at Warehouse 32A, Lane 4, Alserkal Avenue, or message us on Instagram to ask about a piece. We reply with availability and the next steps.
Many Japanese labels use numbered sizes such as 1, 2 and 3, and the fit varies between brands and lines. When we can, we note how a piece actually fits, for example a size XL that fits like a large. Ask us for measurements if you are unsure.
Our main pillars are Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto, with labels that share their sensibility, such as MM6 Maison Margiela and Sophnet, plus vintage and graphic t-shirts and Japanese magazines.
