London offers some fantastic shopping – from the luxurious department stores such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Liberty, to the high-end shopping streets of Bond Street and Sloane Street to the cool Lamb’s Conduit Street and the quirky boutiques of Shoreditch.
Here we highlight some of the best boutique clothes shops in London.
Wolf & Badger, Mayfair
Adding to the fashionable boutiques on Dover Street, Wolf & Badger describes itself as an exciting and unique retail concept, which promotes and supports exciting, independent design talent with a focus new generation brands in fashion, jewellery, accessories and interiors.
We’re big fans of Wolf & Badger at Bon Vivant, having picked up a few choice pieces over the last few months – remember to return often as the stock changes regularly.
Stowers, Mayfair
Stowers is a traditional bespoke tailors based on Savile Row. Working closely with their clients, they advise the style, fit and design of every item of clothing to meet the desired look of each individual.
Expect the highest quality products and service.
KJ’s Laundry, Marylebone
Named after owners Kate Allden and Jane Ellis, KJ’s Laundry is a wonderful boutique that stocks a small collection of lesser known designers. The unpretentious and inviting nature of their shops mean that this is a good contrast to the bigger options on the high street.
The spaces are beautifully designed so you really do feel like you are walking into the wardrobe of two very stylish ladies.
Dover Street Market, Mayfair
With six floors of designer wear, Dover Street Market is a great place to find that particular niche item. The shop is cool and trendy with the feel of being in a market – there’s concrete everywhere, open metal beams and even an art installation standing proud on the ground floor.
Their stock includes dedicated spaces for Comme des Garcons, McQueen, Jil Sander and Celine, making this one of the most impressive boutique clothes shops in London. Head to the Rose Bakery on the top floor when you’re done with shopping.
Folk Clothing, Bloomsbury
With shops for both women and men on Lamb’s Conduit Street near Holborn, Folk Clothing stocks an array of independent contemporary British and European labels, with further stores on Brick Lane and Shepherd Market.
Margaret Howell, Marylebone / Fitzrovia
Margaret Howell‘s flagship shop, hidden behind the masses scurrying along Oxford Street, is a welcome retreat. This is not only a clothes shop but a place to find individually crafted furniture, vintage homeware and Japanese ceramics.
The clothes sit comfortably between sophisticated simplicity and utilitarian cuts. The quality of the fabric and the finish of the clothes are particularly good. The store is well-lit and organised to emphasis the beauty of the collection and the staff are all incredibly knowledgeable and happy to help you find the perfect piece.
Bamford, South Kensington
Stemming from their farm in Gloucestershire, Bamford is a shop for the denizens of South Kensington. It offers luxurious knits and fabrics for the particularly discerning shopper. The clothes are all made using natural materials and in keeping with their wish to preserve traditional and dying craftsmanship.
They have a strong link with all their producers and their staff are very well versed about the making and heritage of each piece. The attention to detail and finish is stunning, making this an ideal place to find that unique and lasting item.
Luna and Curious, Shoreditch
Luna and Curious is a charming neighbourhood shop hidden from sight in London’s east end. It stocks locally made treasures such as simple jewellery and hand made items. There is also a selection of quirky children’s clothes, wonderfully different ceramics and a small selection of clothes.
This is a place for those looking for true craftsmanship and beauty, with the attached barber shop adding to its appeal.
Trunk, Marylebone
Just off the main concourse in Marylebone is a street dotted with brilliant small independent shops. Trunk serves up a cocktail of simple knits, beautifully crafted tailored pieces and manly accessories.
The shop is laden with memorabilia, from the frayed books to the old fashioned cameras sitting neatly next to delicately folded clothes. This is a shop that is deeply respectful of traditional men’s tailoring and this is clearly shown by the attentive but unobtrusive staff; happy to inform but not inclined to interfere.
You Must Create, Soho
The appeal of YMC is clear – simple well made clothes. The shop sits in the middle of Soho and offers a calm alternative to gregarious high street fashion. The small selection of clothes will appeal to people looking for well priced, carefully made clothes with thoughtful understated details.
The Best Boutique Clothes Shops in London
For a more extensive list, read the excellent selection of the best boutique clothes shops in London over at Hip Shops.
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