LONDON NOW (APRIL -
MAY)
STELLA MCCARTNEY
91-97 Fulham Road, London SW3 6RH T: 020 7589 0092
This is Stella's second London store, a short walk from Number
Sixteen and the Knightsbridge Hotel. With panoramic windows,
neutral wall covering and parquet flooring it certainly makes for a
relaxing shopping experience. Upstairs you'll find the casual,
wearable pieces by the established British designer, while
downstairs you'll find luxurious underwear and eveningwear. There's
also a little-girls section which mirrors the adult
collection.
JACK SPADE AND WOLSEY
83 Brewer Street, London, W1 T: 020 7036 0212
Two fantastic menswear stores have opened next to each other in a
shiny new development at the bottom of Brewer Street in Soho. Jack
Spade is the first British store from this successful US brand that
was created by an ad man called Andy who wanted to originally
design men's bags. They now design blue-collar clothes for the
white-collar man, not just basics, but simply designed classics.
Wolsey, right next door, is a 250 year old British brand that is
finally breaking onto the boutique high street with contemporary
styling of iconic menswear classics.
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PREVIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS
AESOP
41 Lexington Street, London W1F T: 020 7148 0237
The Australian beauty brand has opened another London shop, their
5th, this time on Soho's earthy Lexington Street. Aesop was one of
the first companies to launch a scientifically-based range of
botanical skin, body and haircare products. All the products, over
70 of them, smell divine and come in their signature pharmaceutical
bottles, wrapped in simple black and white labels with
philosophical quotes. Products sit on steel shelves set against
white tiles and there's even a butler's sink in the middle of the
room.
SUNSPEL
40 Old Compton Street, London W1 T: 0207 7344 491
Sunspel has always been responsible for luxury British basics for
men, until recently. They have now launched a women's capsule
collection so that both sexes can enjoy the traditional yet
innovative clothing. The company has been going since 1860 and all
of the clothes are made in the same factory in Nottingham. It's
great for t-shirts and casual essentials.
CIRE TRUDON
36 Chiltern Street, London W1U 7QJ T: 020 7486 7590
This beautiful new opening in fashionable Chiltern Street is home
to one of the oldest candle making names in the world. Magnificent
candles can be seen throughout the shop and the dark wood cabinets
and shelves burst with coloured wax. Orderly rows of bell jars
stand to attention as a divine combination of scents wafts around
the room.
KATE SPADE
2 Symons Street, London SW3 T: 020 7259 0645
Manhattan original Kate Spade has opened a second London shop in
Chelsea. The shop itself is like a jewel box with elaborate light
fittings and display cabinets but the offer is exceptional too.
There are beautiful costume jewelry pieces, simple totes, shoes,
luggage, clothes, home wares and stationery. It's American preppy
but also grown up glamour for women.
NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD
5 Mount Street, London W1K 3NE T: 020 7290 1404
High fashion shoe designer, Nicholas Kirkwood has recently opened
his latest shop on trendy Mount Street in Mayfair. Nicholas had an
input into the design of the shop but artist, Richard Woods
specifically created the floor on which the shoes would walk.
Striking lacquered display fixtures in white are set against a
minimalist, flowing wooden floor to show off his beautiful
shoes
PAUL. A YOUNG
143 Wardour Street, London W1F 8WA T: 20 7424 5750
This is the new flagship store from award winning chocolatier Paul
A Young. Situated in the hustle and bustle of Soho it houses some
of the most creative chocolates you will find in the capital.
There's also an altar inside used for display which is worth seeing
just by itself.
RICE
19 Neal's Yard, London WC2H T: 020 7836 9580
Rice is a Danish brand, famed for cheerful accessories and
melamine tableware. This new store has a large range of products
and is great for present shopping. Expect to find quirky camping,
picnic and barbeque accessories.
MISSONI
138 New Bond Street, London W1U T:020 8749 5398
This is the classic Italian knitwear brand's second stand alone
store in London. Missoni is famous for its geometric, stripy and
abstract floral patterns in a diverse range of colours. Garments
and accessories can be found in wool, cotton, linen, rayon and
silk.
HUBLOT
New Bond Street, London W1U
The luxury Swiss watchmaker, Hublot was established in 1980 by
Carlo Crocco, a member of the Italian Binda dynasty that made Breil
watches. Now a beautiful new store has opened on fashionable New
Bond Street and is sure to be very popular with the watch
enthusiasts that shop in that area.
LOEWE
125 Mount Street, London W1 T: 020 7499 0226
This is the first standalone store for the Spanish brand in
London. Famous for its luxury leather goods, Loewe brings Madrid
style to London. It has been around since 1846 and in its latest
store launch there is a new personalized level of service, a
made-to-order service and a leather icons range. Ideal for present
buying and personal accessories.
BUBBLEOLOGY
49 Rupert Street, London W1D T: 020 7494 4321
Bubbleology is a brand new concept store in Soho selling quirky
snacks with a healthy angle. Bubble Tea is a range of refreshing
flavoured fruit teas and milk served hot or cold with chewy tapioca
balls that are eaten through a straw, definitely one to try on a
hot London summer afternoon.
COX COOKIES AND CAKE
13 Brewer Street, W1 T: 020 7351 2227
Canadian shoe designer Patrick Cox opens up shop with master
patissier Eric Lanlardis in September. With a range of baked goods
including cupcakes with Andy Warhol pop art inspired motifs, this
is a must try for fashionistas with a sweet tooth.
ACNE
13 Dover Street, W1 T: 0207 629 9374
The Swedish fashion brand has gone from strength to strength since
opening in the 90s. Previously only available to Londoners via
concessions in department stores, this new concept store, spread
over a 5 storey townhouse, opened in July.
PRETTY GREEN
57 Carnaby Street, W1 (Open from Aug to Oct)
This upfront, straight talking, British clothing range owned,
founded and designed by Liam Gallagher opened on Carnaby Street in
August. The temporary store is a haven for the contemporary
Mod-boy.
AVERY FINE PERFUME
27 Avery Row, W1K T: 020 7629 1892
This small but airy Mayfair boutique which opened at the end of
May carries obscure, niche perfume brands tucked amongst hanging
plants and bird-inspired deco
THE STING
55 Regent Street, W1
The popular Dutch fashion retailer opens its first London store in
July within the iconic Piccadilly building once housed by Tower
Records. Known for cutting edge fashion and in house music and
video installations, it will house over 25 different brands for men
and women.
THE GENERAL TRADING COMPANY
91 Pelham Street, SW7 T: 020 7225 6470
Despite a brief closure in 2008, the iconic London retailer made a
welcome return to Kensington in May. With a strong focus on British
design and manufacture, this boutique sanctuary stocks a range of
items from bath products and stationery to house wares and modern
British furniture.
SKITSCH
270 Brompton Road, SW3 Tel: 020 7589 1154
Having launched the spacious flagship store in style capital Milan
last year, March saw the opening of the London branch of this
one-stop design shop. With collections by top names such as Peter
Marigold, Marcel Wanders and Maarten Baas, design lovers are sure
to be impressed.
ANTHROPOLOGIE
131-141 King's Road, SW3 Tel: 020 7349 3110
The hit US store opened its second London branch in March. With
extraordinary visual merchandising and unique ranges of home-ware,
clothes and accessories, this is every woman's haven.
ONE.TWO.FIVE PRESENTS
125 Ledbury Road, W11 Tel: 020 7243 4118
April saw the launch of this old world boutique in London's famous
vintage shopping area, Notting Hill. From haute couture Chanel to
'90s Comme des Garçons, the collection brings together finds from
vintage dealers all over the world.
LUCY IN DISGUISE
10 King Street, WC2 T: 020 7240 6590
Likely to be the biggest celebrity store opening of the year,
singer Lily Allen and her half-sister Sarah Owen have created a
haven for the vintage fashionista. With an array of high quality
pieces to rent or buy and an all day vodka bar, this is a great
place to find a one off vintage item or for an afternoon pick me
up.
LABOUR AND WAIT
85 Redchurch Street, E2 T: 020 7729 6253
Originally an old pub, the premises offer substantially more room
to house the tasteful and timeless homeware collection which has
proved so popular at the Cheshire Street store.
TRUNK CLOTHIERS
8 Chiltern Street, W1U T: 020 7486 2357
This innovative new boutique in Marylebone features collections of
the best menswear from Japan, Italy and beyond and is also the
first UK stockist of American favourite J Crew. Owned by Swedish
native, Mats Klingberg, who has hand picked every item, the cosy
store aims to become a top shopping destination in Europe.
BILL'S PRODUCE
St Martin's Courtyard, WC2 T: 020 7240 8183
Just opened, this is a unique cafe and produce store created by a
team of people who are passionate about food. Unlike anything that
exists in the UK, Bill's offers a wonderful shopping and eating
environment, incorporating a cafe, fresh and organic fruit and
vegetables, herbs, groceries and hampers.
MURDOCK
18 Monmouth Street, WC2 T: 020 7240 8880
Known for their classic wet shave services and traditional barber
shop style, this high end men's grooming store opened its third
(and largest shop) in Covent Garden in December. As well as wet
shaves, haircuts, facials and shoe shines, the store stocks its own
individual line of apparel including scarves, neckerchiefs and
leather goods.
MACKINTOSH
At 104 Mount Street, W1K T: 020 7493 4678
Legendary Scottish waterproof Mackintosh has returned to the
London shopping vista with a stunning minimalist flagship store on
fashionable Mount Street in Mayfair. With sharp new designs that
keep this classic staple up-to-date.
LIBERTY
At Great Marlborough Street, W1B T: 020 7734 1234
Finally a new stationery room has opened in one of London's oldest
department stores. Stocked full of beautiful and individual items
it showcases the most luxurious in stationery from designers such
as Vivienne Westwood and Manolo Blahnik and Liberty's own range of
fabrics cover notebooks and photo albums. All your stationery needs
are covered.
FIND
At 228 Battersea Park Road, SW11 T: 020 7720 2234
London is a mecca for vintage hunters and this new pre-owned
designer clothing shop is well placed in up and coming Battersea.
Its collection has also been edited by a former stylist and retail
expert and there are no musty smells or bad purchases - advice is
included.
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