In physics, a quantum is the minimum unit of any physical entity involved in an interaction. In Brighton, Quontum sells fantastic locally designed party wear.
Quontum first opened doors in 1986, selling vintage clothing in Covent Garden and Greenwich. After moving to Brighton in 1998, still selling mixed men’s and women’s vintage, Quontum’s style evolved due to the unique customer base of party hungry residents and sun-seeking weekenders that Brighton had to offer.
These days Quontum sells simple, flattering party dresses. If you’re looking for the perfect LBD head to Quontum: Body Con black cotton and mesh are the staples of this season’s collection, on trend with hints of 80s shoulders and Christopher Kane inspired wolf images lending an edge to classic designs. The super-low backed mesh criss-cross dress is elegantly sexy, and the collection eases you through various ratios of opaque fabric to mesh, from the modest mesh sleeves and straps and the fantastic (sold out) circle dress, to daring fully mesh torsos.
The key to Quontum’s style is a simplicity that always has something up its sleeve to surprise you. Slicker than your average LBD but still infinitely adaptable, either as the basis of an outfit (think a flash of mesh stomach under a bright little jacket) or as a showstopper on its own.
The Brighton store, once lodged neatly next to Whistles and Karen Millen in the South lanes, closed in early 2009 due to a rent increase, but Quontum’s designs still channel that quirky Brighton vibe, as owners Paul and Clare still are living, designing and pattern cutting here.
Quontum is available to order online from their website (www.quontumboutique.com) or from ASOS. Quontum can also be found on their own rail in Topshop Oxford Circus or in the fantastic Laden Showroom, Brick Lane.
by Amy Sandiford-Watts
