Shopping in London
The beauty of the neighbourhood is the individuality of each and every brand, which echoes the vibrancy of the area. It is also home to the Pimlico Road Design District – London’s premier destination for interior design, art, antiques and fine furniture. So whatever you’re searching for – whether it’s for a whole new look for you or your home, shopping for a gift or you are in a browsing mood, here are a few hints which will make you just have to pay a visit. Passionate designers and creators are waiting to welcome you.
Beautifully aware
Shopping in London is different in Belgravia, you’ll find true independent thinking. Eponymous brands have decided to make their home in Belgravia safe in the knowledge that they’ll be surrounded by like-minded thinking – where their creativity, design skills and passion are of paramount importance – and where they can have a personal relationship with each and every one of their customers. Responsible thinking and behaviour also translates effortlessly into their narrative. Take ME+EM on Elizabeth Street, whose philosophy stems from the belief that the modern woman shouldn’t have to choose between quality and cost. Believing in ‘intelligent style’ they have taken the brave decision to go it alone – working directly with suppliers so that there are no hidden mark ups – so you don’t have to choose between luxury and cost.
Or there’s Beulah – where fashion and kindness is not a great combination – it’s a requirement. Beulah empowers vulnerable and trafficked women through the business of fashion and their mission is to fight slavery through fashion – looking ever forward to a world where slavery no longer exists. Responsibility extends throughout the value chain and they place a strong emphasis on collaborating with partners, suppliers and customers to achieve a greater impact and swifter change. Working with eight partners in five countries, the result is a beautiful collection of ready to wear, occasion wear and accessories, which will leave you feeling as good as you look.
Independent thinking
If you’re shopping in London, a visit to My Wardrobe HQ on Elizabeth Street is also a must. As close to fashion heaven as you can get, this is the chance to change your mind as much as you like – a diva one day, an understated charmer the next. This is the place that you’ll find occasion and everyday wear, bags and accessories from over 500 designers – which you can rent for the time you need it. There are also a number of items that are listed for sale at a fraction of the price and are perfect if you’re looking for that classic piece that you didn’t managed to nab from a previous season.
And if bespoke is your thing, head to Tailor Made on Eccleston Place, which is the only British men’s tailor combining traditional tailoring craft with state of the art body-scanning technology.
Their ingenious four-step process means that you are assured a beautifully made, perfectly fitting garment in just a few weeks from order. Each garment (and there are lots more apart from suits including jackets, shirts overcoats, casual wear and accessories), is individually cut from your unique pattern and expertly finished, using only the finest materials for a luxurious comfort and fit.
Pimlico Road Design District
Belgravia is a treasure trove of fabulous furniture designers and retailers, which will excite and inspire. If you’re looking for some good ideas or just fancy discovering something fabulous, Belgravia is the perfect place to gather some interior inspiration. From the classic to the contemporary, there is so much to discover along with the unique opportunity to meet the minds behind the designs.
Take Carl Hansen & Søn. Here you’ll find iconic Nordic design from a philosophy that stems from simplicity and aesthetic function. There is a strong focus on preserving design classics but there is also a focus on expanding the collection to represent influential new designers so that the selection has become one of the most iconic modern furniture collections under one roof. Their strong commitment to sustainability means that every piece built lasts a life time and can be passed from generation to generation – a rare thing in this fast paced world.
If antique energy is more your thing, don’t forget to visit Howe London. Christopher Howe has been sourcing antiques for over three decades and in that time, has during that time developed a deep understanding and appreciation for design and craftsmanship, which he has brought to his collection. He’s also translated his knowledge into HOWE furniture and lighting – each new design is hand crafted in Britain by highly skilled craftspeople and customers are also able to commission pieces if they don’t find exactly what they’re looking for.