Where to Shop: London
Design: Emily Smith
“Oh, I love London Society! It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just what society should be” - Oscar Wilde. London remains the epitome of Wilde’s timeless vibrancy. There’s no city in the UK quite like it - perhaps even the world. Millions flock each year to the buzzing hub that is London to take advantage of its history, its sights, its art - in 2018, we had 37.9 million inbound visits to our little island. So, with a reputation as a metropolis of exuberance, of chaotic beauty and dazzling genius, London has certainly made youth, colour and individuality it’s trademark in the fashion world. London hosts its own monumental fashion week, one of the most prestigious fashion schools: London College of Fashion, and home to multiple, unique fashion districts housing brands such as Burberry and Paul Smith. As we’re deep within the dates of London Fashion Week right now, we’re reminded of those icons and those brands who have made London into the modern Babylon.
Oxford Street
If you want a taste of all that London’s fashion sphere can offer you, Oxford Street is the place to go. As Europe’s longest, continuous shopping street since the eighteenth century, Oxford Street certainly delivers all its customers’ fashion needs from budget mainstream trends to post-modern, high-culture pieces. One minute you’re perusing Selfridges and Massimo Dutti, the next you’re in Primark. The architecture to tells of Oxford Street’s fashion diversity. It varies from the grandiosity of James Wyatt’s long-lost Pantheon, to those monumental colonnades of Selfridges, down to the tiny, glittering Victorian windows bedecking the small boutiques. All are emblematic of the everchanging yet historical scene that is London’s fashion. Part of Oxford Street’s charm is it’s busyness - it certainly is a sensual experience. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the people as you weave your way out from Oxford Circus underground and onto the street, the roar of the taxi cabs as they race by and the ruby red glints of the London buses. Embrace London in its truest form by visiting Oxford Street.
Address: Oxford Street, Paddington, West End, London W1C 1
Phone Number: 020 7491 2419
Hours: Various
Price Range: £££
Website: https://www.oxfordstreet.co.uk
Covent Garden
Known as “London’s Open Air Neighbourhood”, London shoppers are given a totally unique experience of fashion attributable only to Covent Garden. Covent Garden is located at the heart of London’s fashionable West End. Spanning nine streets and one iconic Piazza, Covent Garden boasts world-class fashion, unique, high-end beauty & lifestyle boutiques as well as more individualistic, ever-changing market stalls that line the edges of Covent Garden’s historic and picturesque arcade. From Chanel to Charlotte Tilbury, Mulberry to Tiffany & Co, Apple to DECIEM, discover it all at Covent Garden. But it’s not just about easy access to our favourite brands - it’s the way Covent Garden tailors its services to the individual. Found exclusively in Covent Garden: discover Chanel's “Burgundy-treasures”, products branded with burgundy are exclusive trinkets to the Covent Garden boutique! Enrol too at Chanel’s School of Makeup, or purchase your own custom look with Paul Smith’s made to measure service, or create and mold your own “scent wardrobe” at Tom Ford where you can build your own personal fragrance collection tailored to your unique style.
As well as its chic and unique shopping experience, Covent Garden is known for its picture-perfect spots, especially at Christmas. Indulge in its aesthetics, by posing beneath the beams of the piazza or snuggled up with a cup of mulled cider under the glittering lights of the Christmas tree. And of course enjoy the delicacies Covent Garden offers. Quench your thirst in the hidden gem that is The Lost Alpaca Bar and snack on the delectably marvelous macarons at Ladurée - they may be a Parisian brand, but there’s one delicious treat only available in London. We won’t spoil it for you, go and find it out for yourself!
Address: Covent Garden, London, England WC2E 8RF
Phone Number: 020 7420 5856
Hours: Various
Price Range: £££
Website: https://incoventgarden.com
Bond Street
Home to luxury shopping, Bond Street dates back to the 17th Century and has rightfully established an international reputation as an historic fashion destination of unrivalled opulence and timeless elegance. Marvel at the beauty of Bond Street’s architecture as you meander down New and Old Bond Street, as you gaze upon the idyllic sights of Berkeley Square, Carlos Place and Mount Street, and of course don’t forget to visit the bespoke boutiques at the majestic Burlington Arcade. Home to monumental, powerhouse designers including Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton, the original Tiffany & Co, and London’s own Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Mulberry, Bond Street is certainly symbolic of high-art fashion. What’s more is we are seeing how Bond Street is creating its own, unique art scene through the lens of historic fashion with the “Art in Mayfair” project. In 2021, Bond Street partnered up with the Royal Academy of Arts which saw Bond Street metamorphise into a vibrant gallery of local artistry. Bond Street is effortlessly juxtaposing its archaic roots and high-fashion status with post-modern trends of art - it’s emerging as an “exciting clash of London’s unique energy and culture”.
Address: 174 New Bond St, London
Phone Number: 020 7629 0888
Hours: Mon-Sat : Various
Price Range: £££
Website: https://www.bondstreet.co.uk
Liberty
Despite being located on yet another luxury street, Regent Street, Liberty has become a fashion destination in itself. Colloquially known as Liberty’s of London, people flock from around the world to gaze upon the archetypally British architecture, to marvel at the unique finery and hidden trinkets inside, and of course to ogle at the bold and floral print fabrics and silks that Liberty is known for. Liberty boasts a high-end façade with its mock-tudor frame, but it is also home to emerging labels. The brand is known to scout out and exhibit the work of young, upcoming designers and Liberty played an essential role in establishing the British Art Noveau style through it’s age-old connections to British art and culture.
Address: Regent Street, London W1B 5AH
Phone Number: 020 7734 1234
Hours: Mon-Sat : 10am-8pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm
Price Range: £££
Website: https://www.libertylondon.com
Selfridges
The flagship Selfridges store opened in 1909 and since that opening, Selfridges has garnered a reputation around the world for the place to remodel the self in vogue, high-fashion looks. Mr. Selfridge was originally from America himself, and the aim of his department store was to dismantle the idea that materialistic consumerism was strictly an American ideology. He welcomed consumerism as an experience, making shopping a form of entertainment, of art, of an expression of the self. Selfridges became a public space for women to unashamedly indulge themselves. This theme of indulgence has certainly stood the test of time. Selfridges is a walk-in wardrobe for designer brands. Peruse the racks for couture pieces from Dior, Jo Malone London, Cartier and Alexander McQueen, peer through the crystal boxes for elegant pearls and diamonds to embellish your body from brands like Vivienne Westwood, Gucci and Missoma, and visit the shoe closet for those iconic red-soled Louboutins you know you need. If you want the glitz and glam of a luxury London shopping trip, Selfridges welcomes you with open arms.
Address: 431-433 Oxford Street, West End W1C 2PL
Phone Number: 020 7318 2375
Hours: Mon-Sat : 10am -9pm, Sun: 11.30pm-6pm
Price Range: £££
Website: https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/
Camden Market
Going a little off-piste now, Camden Market caters to the eccentric, the quirky, the other. If you love alternative fashion, have a unique style, and struggle to express your individuality through mainstream trends, Camden Market’s weird and wonderful market boutiques will serve your tastes perfectly. If you’re seeking retro, throwback fashion, visit the Modfather for those rock inspired Mod outfits, Vintage Bunch, Camden Vintage or Vintage planet for endless possibilities for your Indie couture. If you're into the timeless romance and glamour of the 60s set against a modernist background, visit Collectif, or if you’re a lover of all things knit and want to keep it cosy during England’s rainy winter months, stop by Penny Burdett. But it’s not Camden without a corsets. Visit Burleska for their chic, neo-Victorian, gothic and steampunk finesse - they have it all.
Camden too is the perfect place to seek out statement, one-of-a-kind accessories. Be careful not to fall down a rabbit hole in Mad Hatters Camden, the perfect place to top off your outfit with an indulgent headpiece. Adorn your looks with beautiful bespoke jewellery from Silver2Dream, or if you want something more personal, visit Carved in Stones for custom made accessories. Camden is all about embracing international cultures, bringing them together in one sphere. At Camden you can buy vintage signage from all over the world at Camden Retro Signs, curious and rare editions of books at Secondhand Books and artsy prints and canvases from Red Art Camden.
Be like other famous talents and stop by this beautifully bohemian marketplace: Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Bette Midler, Eric Clapton, Barbara Streisand, David Bowie, Naomi Campbell, Boy George and Sir Paul McCartney. And no doubt you will leave with something interesting and unexpected from Camden Market.
Address: 32 Camden Lock Place, London, England NW1 8AL
Phone Number: 020 3763 9900
Hours: Various
Price Range: £££
Website: https://camdenmarket.com