Stepping into Rous Iland’s collection is like stepping into the walk-in wardrobe that you’ve always dreamt of owning. Sophisticated, timeless, and ultra fashionable pieces are packed along the walls of this Mayfair basement showroom, which, in addition, contains little more than one individual changing room and one huge standing mirror.
Founded by former lawyers Clare Rous and Kara Iland, the pair scour the world for exclusive clothing labels from Copenhagen to Sao Paulo, London to Sydney. Many of the labels are hard to get hold of in the UK such as the Rachel Gilbert dress, which, after a largely fruitless search to locate in London, was left hanging for me to try on as soon as I entered the boutique.
Once they are familiar with the style a member likes to wear they will chose pieces to suit her tastes and even call once they something in that really must be seen.
Membership to Rous Iland is by invitation only and appointments are to be made before dropping by to see the most recent collection. Many of the members squeeze a visit between yoga sessions and work making the whole process very much like having a personal shopper working away for you while you’re earning money or focusing on your downward facing dog.
Once in the showroom it’s hard to know where to start looking but then you’re not expected to start searching through the hundreds of pieces by yourself. Prior to your appointment Clare and Kara will pull out any pieces they are sure you’re going to fall in love with. Then as you explain what it is you’re looking for they’ll select more tops, dresses, jackets and accessories to create a unique and designer outfit.
With items to suit work, weekend, travel, and social events, working with Rous Iland to build a personal wardrobe of investment pieces is surely a relationship that develops with time. Plus it’s so much better than shopping alone.
Better get that walk-in wardrobe extension underway as your dream wardrobe may have just become an achievable works in progress.
45 Clarges Street, London, W1J 7EP
0845 003 8945
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