Clothing shopping in London
-
A
Primark
Despite some recent bad press about its manufacturing methods, the flagship store of Primark is still crammed to the rafters with women hunting for bargain fashions that look like haute couture. They don’t call it ‘Primani’ for nothing.
reviewed
-
B
Absolute Vintage
If you don’t mind shoes that have been worn by other feet, enter this huge barn full of stilettos, peep-toes, ankle-/knee-high boots and glittery vintage Manolos. Men’s shoes are stocked, too, and there are frocks and suits at the back. It’s handily close to Spitalfields Market.
reviewed
-
C
Abercrombie & Fitch
It’s hard to know if Abercrombie & Fitch is a clothing store or a disco – music blasts out at 90 decibels, and staff are handpicked for their chiselled good looks. Prices are pretty steep for what is essentially casual jeanswear but it’s certainly a novel retail experience.
reviewed
-
D
Meet Bernard
Who is Bernard? We’re not sure. But his shop in Nelson Rd is crammed full of carefully selected designer clothes for hip, young men about town.
reviewed
-
E
Rigby & Peller Knightsbridge
This old-fashioned place makes the Queen’s bras, but Rigby & Peller’s fitting and alteration service – open to us plebs – is equally legendary. Get yourself measured – many a customer has been surprised to discover they’ve been wearing the wrong size for years. Off-the-peg underwear and swimwear is also available.
reviewed
-
F
Duffer of St George
The first to bring Evisu jeans to London and a good place for Oeuf T-shirts, Duffer remains the meister of London menswear despite growing competition. 'Shield' formal wear like shirts and classic Italian handmade suits, as well as more urban sweats, bags and accessories are all on sale.
reviewed
-
G
Ann Summers
This is one of Britain's most successful stores - so who says the Brits are a reserved lot? Just look at the racy lingerie (usually in flaming reds and fluffy lace), accompanied with furry handcuffs, breast enhancers, G-strings, leather whips, nurse uniforms and other playful accessories.
reviewed
-
H
Dover Street Market
Showcasing the colourful creations of Tokyo fashion-darlings Comme des Garçons, among other labels, Dover Street Market is the place to come for that shirt you only wear on special occasions. There are four floors of clothing for men and women, all artfully displayed.
reviewed
-
Shop at Bluebird
This groovy boutique harks back to the way the King’s Rd used to be in the era of Vivienne Westwood and the Sex Pistols. One-off pieces by chic designers are casually displayed around a room full of art books, DJ decks and papier-mâché sculptures.
reviewed
-
I
Ted Baker
A great British designer, Ted Baker offers stylish retro men’s and women’s wear. Even if you can’t afford the clobber, it’s worth coming into see the shop floor – currently styled like a 1950s ballroom.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Beehive
Part café, part second-hand record store, part cathedral to kitsch, Beehive is leading the bohemian retro wave sweeping through Greenwich. Pop in for a cappuccino and leave with a mod-print dress and a vintage Bakelite telephone.
reviewed
-
K
Diverse
You don’t have to trek out to Mayfair for top designer clothing. This elegant boutique carries punchy gear from designers such as Paul Smith, Chloe and Stella McCartney. Head to No 286 for menswear or No 294 for womenswear.
reviewed
-
L
Reiss
Its sales are constantly rising, as are its prices, and Reiss is now synonymous with quality on the high street. Men’s and women’s street fashion is given a mature edge with quality materials and precise tailoring.
reviewed
-
M
Matthew Williamson
The upscale bohemian creations of Matthew Williamson show clear the influence of the time he spent in India. Starlets like Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley are regularly seen stepping out in his designs.
reviewed
-
N
Steinberg & Tolkien
London’s oldest and most bizarre vintage shop, S&T has had its frocks featured in Vogue, among other magazines; shoppers are always taken aback by its dark and eccentric atmosphere.
reviewed
-
O
Retro Woman
Contains an excellent collection of second-hand designer shoes. More stock is in the unmarked sister store at No 16, while Retro Man is at No 34.
reviewed
-
P
Radio Days
Radio Days loves 1920s and ‘30s clothes, hats and jewellery; also has vintage electric items like phones, record players and radios, and magazines.
reviewed
-
Q
YDUK
Richmond High St is full of chains, but there are some independent stores around. There’s YDUK for street wear.
reviewed
-
R
Ozwald Boateng
Bringing the flamboyance back to Savile Row, Boateng uses striking colours and rich fabrics in his £3000-plus bespoke suits.
reviewed
-
S
French Connection UK
This chain’s clothes are more sober than the FCUK sobriquet suggests, though its advertising’s always risqué.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
T
Rellik
This is a fashionista favourite retro store. It stocks the likes of Ossie Clark, Zandra Rhodes and Vivienne Westwood.
reviewed
-
U
Joseph
Show them who wears the trousers, with classically smart pants and pants suits, plus a whole range of other fashion.
reviewed
-
V
Kilgour
Traditional without being conservative, Kilgour sells ready-to-wear as well as tailor-made suits from £1500.
reviewed
-
W
Karen Millen
An upmarket womenswear store, with glam suit-trousers, voluptuous knits, shiny trench coats and evening frocks.
reviewed
-
X
Jigsaw
Classic women’s clothes, with an emphasis on tweeds and knits, plus some chiffon and glitter.
reviewed
