A Fashion Lover’s Guide to London

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Image © Liberty London via Facebook

London Calling's guide to London's fashion hot spots.

London is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Home to some of the most iconic department stores and fashion brands, London offers a plethora of ideas for the trendy and fashionable. Whether you enjoy the irresistible buzz of central London shopping or you're looking for something more off the beaten track, we’ve got some insider tips in our fashion lover’s guide to London.

Those seeking a sartorially savvy day in the capital should start their day at the Thomas Café. The Thomas Café is located in Burberry’s flagship store at 121 Regent Street and is the fashion brand’s first venture into the world of restauranteering. The all-day eaterie - named after the brand’s founder Thomas Burberry - has a wonderful menu devised of British produce. A place for a perfect breakfast pit stop, you can savor their AGA baked scones and crumpets whilst taking a look around the café’s dedicated gifting area, featuring a wealth of seasonally updated Burberry goodies (that can all be personalised and monogrammed).

Burberry Café, courtesy of What Olivia Did

After your chic breakfast, head north up Regent Street to visit some of the capital’s most iconic flagship stores including Chanel, Michael Kors, Longchamp and Vivienne Westwood. You can also nip into the legendary Liberty of London before the hubbub of tourist shopping reaches its peak. Situated in a beautiful Tudor revival building, Liberty has nearly 150 years of expertise in fashion and cosmetics, stocking archetypal designers and an exclusive range of new designers.

Liberty. Image credit: Darren Elliot

Those interested in contemporary fashion should head towards Mayfair, where Rei Kawakubo’s Dover Street Market reigns supreme as the top choice for the who’s who in fashion. Dover Street Market, located on Haymarket, is a concept store created by Kawakubo and stocks the archival Japanese label Comme de Garcons, as well as a selection of complimenting and upcoming labels. The lower floors of the market have a curated selection of more affordable stock whereas the middle and top floors showcase statement and designer pieces from the likes of Gucci, Loewe and Molly Goddard.

Dover Street Market is also notorious for its sample sales providing discounts as big as 80% off its brands - keep an eye on their Instagram and social accounts for information on their upcoming sales. If Dover Street Market ignites your interest, it is also well worth exploring the uber chic LN-CC on Shacklewell Lane, Dalston. A futuristic concept store with a wide collection of contemporary designs, LN-CC offers the best in niche designs.

Dover Street Market. Image credit: Denna Jones

Bargain hunting fashionistas should head for Pimlico’s famous Capital Carboot. Open every Sunday, this is a perfect opportunity to rummage for a designer bargain or a vintage treasure. General admission is available from 11.30am for £1 but it is recommended to pay the £5 early-bird free to enter at 10.15am to get a prime rummaging spot! Those interested in vintage or original finds should also take a trip to Spitalfields Market to explore the huge range of clothing, accessories, home wares and ethical goods from 88 independent designers and traders.

No fashion lover’s trip to the capital is complete without a trip to the V&A, in South Kensington. Boasting a world-class selection of historical fashion, the V&A houses seminal designs from key fashion houses such as Coco Chanel, Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Elsa Schiaparelli and many more. The V&A also has one of the most comprehensive jewellery collections in the world - forget Tiffany and take a look at The William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery, which displays 3,500 jewels. The gallery showcases some awesome feats in jewellery design, including two diamond tiaras by Cartier, a rare plique-à-jour enamel and pearl bracelet by Boucheron and a gold Chaumet bangle.

Finish off your day at Sketch, one of London’s most fashionable restaurants. Located at 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, Sketch is located in a former Christian Dior boutique and currently holds two Michelin stars. Including a variety of dining rooms and menus, Sketch is famous for its sumptuously pink dining room, decorated by artist David Shrigley.

Sketch. Image courtesy of Sketch, Mayfair