Maybe it’s the daily changing weather that sees Londoners forever needing to update their wardrobes, or perhaps it’s the fact that we spent our informative years wearing dull school uniforms, but the fear of dressing the same as someone else you know is a constant worry for the city’s fashionistas. Luckily that’s where the many boutiques step in to help. Marie Teather looks at just five boutiques that will help your wardrobe to be unique, exclusive and to never again be confused with that of your best friend’s.
Press
Former creative director at Whistles, Melanie Press, set up Press boutique five years ago and has been busy dressing a league of well-heeled regulars since. Off the main shopping drag in Primrose Hill, Melanie says that the almost secret location is part of the charm. It’s so chic, you even have to ring the bell for entry—something of which Melanie’s celebrity clients are no doubt a fan. Expect three floor of classic and on-trend luxury casuals from Paul & Joe, Golden Goose, Ella Moss, flirty dresses by Burn ’n’ Violet, Chloé bags and shoes, Belstaff boots, Missoni scarves, and Acne jeans.
Press, 3 Erskine Rd, NW3 3AJ
020 7449 0081
Koh Samui
If you want to guarantee that no one else will be wearing the same dress you’ve just spent a fortune on, Koh Samui is the place to head to. Alongside pieces from Phillip Lim, Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Tsumori Chisato, Dries Van Noten, and Eley Kishimoto there is a fantastic collection of designer and vintage accessories, shoes, scarves, jewellery and bags. Buyer Paul Sexton is building up quite a following of fans who trust him to search out new and exciting designers from around the globe.
Koh Samui, 65-67 Monmouth St, WC2
020 7240 4280
Cochinechine
‘Welcome to the wonderful world of Cochinechine,’ states the website and certainly stepping into this airy Hampstead boutique makes the busy London streets feel part of some hectic land far away. Spread over two floors are cool, laid-back pieces from hard-to-get designers or those who rarely available in the UK. Browse through the treasure-trove of established labels and emerging talents to find practical daywear, unique party dresses, accessories, or jewellery.
Cochinechine, 74 Heath St, NW3 IDN
020 7435 9377
KJ’s Laundry
A new addition to Marylebone Lane’s growing fashion enclave, this unintimidating boutique brings together up-and-coming labels alongside established designers. Fashion and beauty insiders, as well as long-term friends, Jane Ellis and Kate Allden have sourced brands from all over the world to present their findings to stylish Marylebone clients. Look out for New York labels S-Sung, Richard Ruiz, and Alice Ritter, as well great dresses from Rebecca Taylor, and Carl and Cacharel.
KJ’s Laundry, 74 Marylebone Lane, W1 2PW
020 7486 7855
The Jacksons
A Notting Hill fixture since 1998, Joey and Louise Jackson have conquered the niche of indulgent scarves, shoes, bags and hats. Shoppers in need of luxury accessories regularly tout The Jacksons as the place to complete any special outfit. Cowskin bags, brightened up with beaded handles, are something of a signature piece, while Louise’s designs continue to wok towards developing social conscience in luxury fashion.
The Jacksons, 5 All Saints Rd, W11 1HA
020 7792 8336
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