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First look: Louis Vuitton London Maison





When I mentioned the opening of the Louis Vuitton UK flagship to D (aka Mr Disneyrollergirl) on Tuesday, he didn’t hide his disdain. “I’ve seen it. I passed it yesterday, it looks like something out of Dubai airport via Stanstead. Deeply tacky,” was his damning assessment. He may have curled his lip. (more…)

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Bicester Village supports young designers



Despite my not-so-subtle hints, Bicester Village has sadly not fallen for my self-serving genius idea of a pop-up shop in London. I shouldn’t cry too hard though as it has gone for something else, even cleverer.

Last Wednesday saw the launch of the British Designer Collective, a Bicester Village pop-up shop (open 31 Mar – 7 May) to celebrate emerging British design talent and expose it to the quality-conscious customer who loves original design but would like it not to be super-expensive. The beauty of Bicester Village is that its collections are two seasons old. So if you’re buying in April 10, you’ll be buying April 09’s collection. For young British designers like Erdem, Emma Cook and Atlanta Weller, it’s a way to make money on the pieces that didn’t sell while giving customers a second chance to buy from a past collection.
Like a sample sale then? God no! Unlike a sample sale, the merchandise is beautifully presented in a boutique setting. There are fitting rooms! They take credit cards! You can return it if you change your mind! Yes, it’s exactly like a proper shop, except the prices are generously reduced. In the current still-cautious climate, these value-conscious initiatives are more than welcome. For online customers there is Brand Alley, Gilt Groupe, Vente-Privee, The Outnet and Ebay’s new ‘flash fashion’ sales. For those who like shopping in shops, there’s Bicester Village. And for those who favour Maria Francesca Pepe over Marni, there’s the British Designer Collective.

MARIA FRANCESCA PEPE

EMMA COOK
GEORGINA GOODMAN
THE DECOR
HOUSE OF HOLLAND

ATLANTA WELLER
LOUISE AMSTRUP

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Anthropologie King’s Road (SPOILER ALERT)- first look



Ahhhh, I’m in retail heaven this week. Today saw the launch of the Harvey Nichols Hub and tomorrow sees the opening of Anthropologie in the King’s Road (why is it called thee King’s Road?). Being Miss ‘I was there first’, I have had a preview and I can tell you it is just as awe-inspiring as any other Anthropologie store. Pictures speak louder than words so here goes:

Before it was Anthropologie, the building was home to Antiquarius, a well-loved but ultimately past-its best warren of fusty antique dealers (and there has been quite the furore over the Anthro takeover). But before that, the building was a gentlemen’s club. This area is a tribute to the ‘library’ area of the former premises…

???Love the pattern clash and these funny little typewritten postcards dotted around ???



I have to admit the homesy merchandise appeals to me more than the fashion buy…


Monogrammed faux pockets stitched to the wall
Natty nautical sailor-esque top. Mmmmm
Ooh, an Elizabeth Lau dress!

Yay for African print skorts!
The book buy at Athro is exceptional…

Oil paintings and pampering products






Canape-watch: Goats cheese, honey and pine-nut tarts!
Canape-watch: Quails eggs!

The store opens to the public tomorrow. Next door is a space that Anthropologie will rent out to various cafes on a pop-up basic, starting with a tea specialist (apparently – it wasn’t ready when I was there). Inside there is also a gallery space that will host 6-week selling exhibitions curated by Anthroplogie’s Keith Johnson. As I’ve said before, what I love most about Anthropologie is the lovingly attended merchandising of the product. The bazaar-like experience of discovering things in the store and the juxtaposition between ultra-expensive antiques, handmade one-offs and £2 soaps is a key part of the Anthro high-low experience. (I had been to a press day earlier at Few & Far and admire the similar high-low bazaar mix there too.) But if you can’t get to the store or you just want to get your hands on the product then guess what, Anthropologie’s UK etail site launches tomorrow too. Let’s shop!

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Fun in the sun: Harvey Nichols pop -up ‘hub’




It’s officially official – spring has sprung! High five to Harvey Nichols for picking the warmest and sunniest day of the year so far to launch their clever new retail concept. It’s a pop-up… caravan! Kind of. The ‘Hub’ arrived at Hanover Square today, a touring trailer that has cherry-picked the funnest wares from Harvey Nichols’ new fourth floor.

The Hub goes on a mini London tour for the next few days so tomorrow it’s at the Southbank Centre (10-7), Saturday it’s at Westbourne Grove (10-5) and Sunday it’s at Spitalfields Market (10-5).

I arrived at Hanover Square in time to witness a wee gig by Daisy Dares You – never heard of them but readers, J’adore!


Inside the hub it’s a veritable fun-fest (how many times am I going to say ‘fun’ in this post? Lots) – vending machines, a photobooth, temporary Will Broome tattoos and all the knick knacky (read: affordable) bits of the Harvey Nicks fourth floor offer. I saw Assouline fashion books, Comme des Garcons wallets, Kidrobot figures, Audio Chi headphones (I have a pair of these… ???), oh and many, many trendy trainers from the Harvey Nichols Trainer Wall.

Trainer mania. It’s insania!
Win a Markus Lupfer crystal bear!
Chanel tats? Pfft, très passé. It’s all about a Will Broome transfer…
Lanvin alert!


All in all a great, fun concept. Loving your work Harvey Nichols peeps.

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