London for shoppers
From high-street brands to niche boutiques, London is one of the best cities to head to when in need of a chic wardrobe update.
Both local designers and big names in the industry have settled in the British capital to offer shopping addicts the best of fashion and trends. We’ve selected 5 of the top shops to visit when holidaying across the Channel.
Featured department store: Liberty London
A short hop from Oxford Circus, discover London’s favourite department store Liberty. Benchmark for fashion and beauty, prized as much for its razor-sharp edit of high-end labels as for its exclusive customer service, Liberty London is worth taking the time to explore at your own pace.
How to get there: Regent St, Soho, London W1B 5AH - Oxford Circus.
An iconic façade
It’s impossible to miss Liberty’s half-timbered neo-Tudor façade, which lends the store the airs of a medieval manor house. The entrance, which is impressive in its own right, plays host to florist Wild at Heart. The stall’s wild bouquets, echoing the Arts and Crafts florals found on the textiles and objects inside, make the perfect backdrop for a souvenir selfie.
Afternoon tea at Arthur’s
After a strenuous shopping session, make time for afternoon tea on the velvet banquettes of Arthur’s. On the second floor of the department store, the Instagram-worthy Art Deco-style restaurant, designed by architect Nick Leith-Smith, turns out raisin scones, Dorset clotted cream and dainty sandwiches. Best washed down, of course, with a "G & tea" – an Earl Grey-infused cocktail.
A floor for everything
The department store has six floors: beauty and fashion occupy the lower levels, and homewares the top. Its ready-to-wear collection blends tradition and modernity, with brands running the gamut from Barbour to Petar Petrov via APC. But Liberty’s real calling card – on the third floor – is its vast array of printed fabric rolls, sold by the metre. On the fourth floor, don’t miss the display of exotic carpets.
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Wolf & Badger
32 Dover St, London W1A den for stylish Londoners, Mayfair-based Wolf & Badger combines independent brands with its own designs and a line of unique fragrances. In the basement, a gallery houses all sorts of performances (music gigs, food and art expos) that add to the edgy feel of this trendy location.
Dover Street Market
18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Recently moved from Mayfair to a new store in South West London, Dover Street Market offers an eclectic, well-edited range of designer clothes. Head to this beautiful shop to purchase stunning accessories that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
Beyond Retro
58-59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1With one shop in central London and another one in Dalston, Beyond Retro is one of locals’ favourite vintage, yet affordable, stores. To carefully rifle through each of the many racks of clothing is the best way to get your hands on extraordinary pieces you’ll want to show off when you’re back home.
Paper Mache Tiger
26 Cross Street, N1Fashion agency head honcho Kyle Robinson is behind this new address – a jungly, light-flooded café and shop, set in a former pipe factory. Pieces run from plants and prints to Robinson’s clothes lines: covetable sweatshirts from être cécile, and Herculie’s cool unisex essentials.
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