Ahhh, Regent Street, the legendary John Nash-designed crescent that leads to Piccadilly Circus. It’s as English as tea at Fortnum’s and yet, times are slowly a-changing. Stroll along south of Oxford Circus and you can’t miss the imposing hoardings for Coach, Michael Kors and Polo Ralph Lauren, the American megabrands about to take up residence this summer. (more…)
Today’s news: Banana Republic is coming to London – to the old Dickins & Jones store. I can’t say it appeals to me (a more spendy version of Gap? No ta) and it seems other people think the same. I wonder how it will do?
In the meantime, I hear Phoebe Philo has been quietly designing for Gap. Of course, she has been paid thousands to do this and her influence can already be seen in the spring and high summer collections. The evidence? Lots of preppie-ish cottons, dresses and fine knits in a muted palette and some fabulous (but rather expensive) bags.
