Best Boutiques

Antipodium

Antipodium seeks out up-and-coming talent from down under. From Australia there’s men’s streetwear by Schwipe, casuals by PaM, chic modern eveningwear by Gail Sorronda and form-hugging sportswear by Metalicus. New Zealand is represented by Mala Brajkovic and Karen Walker, whose playful womenswear is winning her a loyal fan base.

Antipodium, 5a Carlisle St, W1 (020 7287 3841/www.antipodium.com) Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Rd tube. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm.

Austique

Originally inspired by laidback, girly boutiques in Australia, sisters Katie and Lindy Lopes have assembled a super-feminine collection of clothes, lingerie and accessories here. But the wares aren’t exclusively from down under. While key Antipodean designers include Alannah Hill, Leona Edmiston and New Zealander Karen Walker, the American presence is becoming increasingly prominent: recent additions include sexy cashmere sweaters and party dresses from young-sophisticate label Alice + Olivia and womenswear by New York’s Rag & Bone.

Austique, 330 King’s Rd, SW3 (020 7376 3663/www.austique.co.uk) Sloane Square tube or 11, 22 bus. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-6.30pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

Bread & Honey

One of London’s finest streetwear destinations, Bread & Honey is the brainchild of Laurent Roure (buyer and urbanwear expert) and Laurent Chaumet (nightclub promoter). Menswear has a classic preppy edge, while the women’s collection has a touch of French rock chick. Everything is personally sourced by Chaumet, resulting in a wide range of T-shirts and polos from small French label Artysm through to the more predictable Stüssy and Duffer. Umbro by Kim Jones features heavily, while MHI, Carhartt and Misericordia give you an idea of the denim fits (not skinny).

Bread & Honey, 205 Whitecross St, EC1 (020 7253 4455/www.breadnhoney.com) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Wed, Fri 10am-6.30pm, Thur 10am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm.

Browns

Best for shoes

Joan Burstein’s venerable store has reigned supreme over London’s boutiques for more than 35 years. Among the 100-odd designers jostling for attention in its five interconnecting shops are Chloé, Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga and Jil Sander (to whom an entire floor is devoted). Burstein, who has just turned 80, has always championed up-and-coming designers, such as Central Saint Martins graduate Marios Schwab and Australian Tina Kalivas. A new women’s shoe salon showcases fabulous footwear from the likes of Christian Louboutin, Biba and Yves Saint Laurent, while the menswear section brings together an unrivalled collection, from Dior Homme to current hotshot Kris Van Assche.

Browns, 23-27 South Molton St, W1 (020 7514 0000/www.brownsfashion.com) Bond St tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm, Thur until 7pm.

B store

Having recently moved from Conduit Street round the corner to Savile Row, the place feels a million miles away from the strip’s traditional tailors. New names to look out for in autumn/winter 2006/07 include Central Saint Martins graduates Alex Foxton and Ehud Joseph, who provide modern men’s tailoring. The shop also continues to champion Peter Jensen, whose offbeat men’s and women’s clothing is perennially popular.

B store, 24a Savile Row, W1 (020 7734 6846/www.bstorelondon.com) Oxford Circus tube. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-6pm.

A Butcher of Distinction

This is a haven of traditional fashion sense. The clean-lined butcher theme (complete with meat hooks) offsets the clothes to perfection. Highlights of the stock on offer include checked shirts (£90) from new British label Rushmoor and Milkcrate Athletic printed T-shirts (from £18), in keeping with the shop’s preppy-cool vibe.

A Butcher of Distinction, 11 Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery, E1 (020 7770 6111/www.butcherofdistinction.com) Liverpool St tube/rail. Open daily 10am-7pm.

CA4LA

Best for hats

Pronounced ‘ca-shi-la’ and representing the word ‘kashira’ which means ‘head’ in Japanese, this Hoxton shop is dedicated to hats. The brand is big in Japan, and the formula of its success is clear. Thirteen designers tempt customers with stand-out-from-the-crowd headwear. Stock is replenished every two-three weeks, so there’s always a new topper to woo even the most fickle fashionista. Styles include cashmere and mohair beanies and inventive trilbies. Prices begin at around £30.

CA4LA, 23 Pitfield St, N1 (020 7490 0055/www.weavetoshi.co.jp) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Sat 12noon-8pm.

Cochinechine

Eftychia Georgilis’s airy boutique brings an interesting selection of designer labels to Hampstead. Spread over two floors are cool, wearable clothes by hard-to-find designers, such as dresses by Dutch brand Spijkers & Spijkers and Brazilian designer Maria Bonita’s Extra diffusion line, along with current boutique favourites Sharon Wauchob, 3.1 Phillip Lim, 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent and Vanessa Bruno. The store is also the only UK stockist of American designer Rachel Roy’s precisely pleated, draped or voluminous dresses and tailored separates.

Cochinechine, 74 Heath St, NW3 (020 7435 9377/www.cochinechine.com) Hampstead tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Coco Ribbon

While Alison Chow and Sophie Oliver’s original Notting Hill store is a shabby-chic paean to femininity, their second shop is more like a 1930s starlet’s boudoir. The stock is glamorous, including vintage sequinned and beaded evening gowns by Collette Dinnigan and Temperley, and Yes Master bra and French knicker sets fit for a Marcel-waved pin-up. New lines for autumn/winter 2006/07 include hip retro-print jersey dresses by LA label T-Bags, posh, slouchy Vanessa Bruno bags and the latest hyped-to-the-hilt jeans label, J Brand.

Coco Ribbon, 133 Sloane St, SW1 (020 7730 8555/www.cocoribbon.com) Sloane Square tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12.30-5pm.

Comfort & Joy

Best for bargain womenswear

Bored with identikit brands but lack the funds for niche designer gear? Comfort & Joy is a great source of unusual, good-quality clothes at high-street prices. Most of the unique garments sold here are made by partners Ruth and Anthony Wilson, supplemented by items from other independent designers, such as Blue Stone, Dress Up, Lumi and Korean label ODD.

Comfort & Joy, 109 Essex Rd, N1 (020 7359 3898) Angel tube. Open Tue-Sat 10.30am-6pm.

Comfort Station

Designer Amy Anderson has come a long way since selling stylish neckscarves from market stalls five years ago. Autumn/winter 2006/07 sees the introduction of playful jewellery ranges featuring silver spoons engraved with the plea ‘feed me’, and Victorian pictures of cakes (£54-£200). Unisex cuffs made of silk adorned with silver chains are popular, and make sure you check out the belts with walnut buckles.

Comfort Station, 22 Cheshire St, E2 6EH (020 7033 9099/www.comfortstation.co.uk) Liverpool St tube/rail. Open by appointment only daily 11am-6pm.

Designworks

This hip Japanese brand is known for classic, understated clothing in a range of experimental fabrics. The quality of the clothes is extremely high, but some of the more fashion-forward items aren’t for the faint-hearted. Designworks is a perfect example of a concept store that works, with a carefully considered harmony between the interior, the staff and the products that appears effortless and inviting. Snooty British brands ought to take note.

Designworks, 42-44 Broadwick St, W1 (020 7434 1968/www.abahouse.co.jp) Oxford Circus tube. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm.

Diverse

An N1 institution with two shops on Upper Street. The line-up at the women’s shop (number 294) includes Rick Owens, Chloé, Marc by Marc Jacobs and jeans by Tsubi and Notify. Emma Cook and Preen have also been thrown into the mix for the autumn/winter 2006/07 collection. A small but wisely chosen range of accessories, including pieces by Chloé and Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, finishes off the selection. The men’s shop (number 286) also stocks both established and younger labels. Upstairs is more fashion-oriented. A good selection of Day Birger et Mikkelsen and Margaret Howell sits alongside denim labels for the skinny-limbed, like Nudie and Cheap Monday.

Diverse, 294 Upper St, N1 (020 7359 8877/www.diverseclothing.com) Angel tube. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 10.30am-6.30pm, Thur 10.30am-7.30pm, Sun 12.30-6pm.

Doors by Jas MB

Best for men’s accessories

Jas Sehmbi stocks a variety of clothing and accessories labels in his classy shop off Carnaby Street, but the highlights are his own-design luxury leather bags, which have an edge, despite being crafted from super-soft Italian leather. Brass frames, shoe-nuts and knuckledusters adorn the bags, which come in various permutations from eccentric doctors’ shapes to spherical creations as well as more functional designs. Prices range from £150 to £600. On the clothing front are styles by Acne Jeans for both sexes.

Doors by Jas MB, 8 Ganton St, W1 (020 7494 2288/www.doorsbyjasmb.com) Oxford Circus tube. Open Mon-Sat

11am-7pm, Sun 1-5pm.

Dover Street Market

Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo’s groundbreaking six-storey space combines the edgy energy of London’s indoor markets with rarefied labels. High-profile concessions here include Alaïa, Lanvin and, new for autumn/winter 2006/07, Anne Demeulemeester. For his latest collection for Lanvin, Alber Elbaz has created a witty installation featuring a hotel bed scattered with assorted detritus and accessories. All 14 of the Comme collections are here, while other highlights include Didier Ludot’s perfect little black dresses.

Dover Street Market, 17-18 Dover St, W1 (020 7518 0680/www.doverstreetmarket.com) Green Park tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Thur until 7pm.

Dragana Perisic

The latest addition to Cheshire Street’s eclectic set of shops, Serbian designer Dragana Perisic’s boutique is sprinkled with details as distinctive as her clothing. Current designs include cotton rain macs in forest green illuminated by an underlying layer of coral red; and a simple black skirt made interesting with irregular pleats, sweet cross-stitch and a silk organza belt. Suffolk puffs are another signature design – miniature, multicoloured silk scraps used to decorate accessories.

Dragana Perisic, 30 Cheshire St, E2 (020 7739 4484/www.draganaperisic.com) Aldgate East tube. Open Fri-Sun 11am-6pm or by appointment.

Duffer of St George

This once-pioneering bastion of British casualwear is still doing what it does best: good quality, own-brand polo shirts and bold-lettered hoodies complete with the distinctive Duffer logo. Sophisticated gents will like the stripey knitwear and shirts in muted colours.

Duffer of St George, 29 Short’s Gardens, WC2 (020 7379 4660/www.thedufferofstgeorge.com) Covent Garden tube. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-7pm, Sat 10.30am-6.30pm, Sun 1-5pm.

Fenchurch

Having been open for just a year, the flagship store is already a key destination on the urban fashion scene. The clothing makes more than a nod towards seasonal trends (particularly with colour) but stays true to its skater origins. Jeans are wide-leg, straight-cut and refreshingly wearable. Jumpers are two-tone and fitted, T-shirts are gently embroidered with the signature Fenchurch stitch and jackets are preppy without falling into the American jock camp.

Fenchurch, 36 Earlham St, WC2 (020 7240 1880/www.fenchurch.com) Covent Garden or Leicester Square tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Griffin

Best for men’s jackets

Owned by designer Jeff Griffin, this shop offers loose, low-crotched trousers, heavy knitwear, distressed jackets and more fitted T-shirts. Linen and cotton materials provide the backdrop for a range of interesting graphic designs. A recent collaboration with London-based photo-montage artist Peter Kennard has thrown up a striking limited-edition range of T-shirts with a military vibe, while an impressive teaming with Nike has produced T-shirts with the word ‘Love’ above the iconic tick logo.

Griffin, 297 Portobello Rd, W10 (020 8960 9607/www.griffin-studio.com) Ladbroke Grove tube. Open Wed-Sat 10.30am-6pm.

Hoxton Boutique

At this much-loved gallery-like shop done out in Studio 54 style, complete with mirrorballs, you’ll find an excellent selection of hard-to-get, desirable labels including Hussein Chalayan, Isabel Marant and Doctor Denim. The addition of a vintage section and accessory department have made this even more of a must.

Hoxton Boutique, 2 Hoxton St, N1(020 7684 2083/www.hoxtonboutique.co.uk) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-6.30pm, Sat 11am-6pm.

Hub

Hub’s charming brace of boutiques quietly dominates the Stoke Newington fashion scene, with a wide range of interesting labels. The original shop at number 49 is the smarter, and pricier, of the two and caters for both sexes. Alongside clothes by the likes of Spanish label Hoss, Acne and John Smedley are co-owner Beth Graham’s simple but striking designs ; the winter 2006/07 collection features Liberty fabrics, tailored wool skirts and jackets (from £80). The branch across the road (number 88) stocks more casual womenswear like Australian dance-inspired label Body (skirts, £85) and Finnish brand Nanso.

Hub, 49 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 (020 7254 4494) 73 bus. Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-6.30pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

The Jacksons

Best for original accessories

A Notting Hill fixture since 1998, selling scarves, shoes, bags and hats for shoppers in search of standout accessories. Cowskin bags, brightened up with beaded handles, are something of a signature piece. The beads are made by Kenyan Masai and the colour combinations can be customised. A less expensive choice is a deep suede tote with studded handles (£150). For autumn/winter 2006/07, there’s also a glamorous range of shoes. The Marilyn is a high-heeled Mary Jane style with a 1920s feel (£135). The Grace, a suede peeptoe, comes in a choice of heel heights and an elegantly muted palette.

The Jacksons, 5 All Saints Rd, W11 (020 7792 8336/www.thejacksons.co.uk) Notting Hill Gate tube. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm,Sat 11am-6.30pm.

Jezebell

Best for shabby-chic ladieswear

Owned by Joanna Berryman (wife of Coldplay’s Guy) and Kate Brindley, Jezebell sells clothes that tend to be grown-up with idiosyncratic elements – the oversized shirt-dresses and chiffon smocks designed by menswear-trained Richard Nicoll, for example, or demurely sexy blouses, dresses and pencil skirts by New York label Lyell. Complementing the elegant clothes are showstopping accessories – shoes by hot British designers Rupert Sanderson and Georgina Goodman, cobwebby scarves and shawls by posh male duo Rodnik and adaptable multi-chain necklaces by New York-designed Bang Bang (which caught the eye of that other Coldplay wife, Gwyneth Paltrow).

Jezebell, 59 Blandford St, W1 (020 7935 7109/www.jezebell.co.uk) Baker St or Bond St tube. Open Mon 11am-6.30pm, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10.30am-6.30pm, Thur 10.30am-7pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

JW Beeton

JW Beeton’s quirky charm appeals to a wide cross-section of shoppers. Owner Debbie Potts’s strategy is to buy small quantities of several European labels. The selection is constantly changing, but for autumn/winter 2006/07, there’s Rützou from Denmark, Stella Forest from Paris and cool casuals by Transit from Italy. Keep an eye out too for childrenswear by Fake London in 2006/07 – JW Beeton is one of the few stockists of the exciting new range. Potts is currently focusing most of her attention on womenswear, but there are also some menswear items for sale.

JW Beeton, 48-50 Ledbury Rd, W11 (020 7229 8874) Notting Hill Gate tube. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12noon-5pm.

KJ’s Laundry

The latest addition to Marylebone Lane’s mini style enclave, this unintimidating, understated boutique is a good bet for highly wearable clothes with an edge. Fashion and beauty insiders Jane Ellis and Kate Allden have worked hard to d dsource lines you won’t see all over town – they also man the shopfloor. Exclusives include Australian Lee Mathews’ feminine, handmade slip dresses, tailoring by his compatriot Carl, and Japanese knitwear designer Hiromi Tsuyoshi’s intriguing, drapey buttonless cardigans, which can be worn in two different ways. There are also some interesting finds by talent closer to home: Osman Yousefzada’s clean-lined minimalist tailoring and East by East West, designed by a Korean-born Londoner; the 1940s-influenced dresses and coats have an elegant oriental simplicity. While the clothes here aren’t exactly cheap, nothing costs more than £350. Great beauty buys include delicious vegan skincare from San Francisco’s Fresh Body Market.

KJ’s Laundry, 74 Marylebone Lane, W1(020 7486 7855/www.kjslaundry.com) Bond St tube. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-7pm, Thur 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

Koh Samui

Alongside an eclectic mix of heavyweight labels like Missoni, Marc Jacobs and Chloé are hand-picked vintage finds sourced from collectors’ fairs around the world. While securing the must-haves of the season, like autumn/winter 2006/07’s Chloé puffball dress or Marc Jacobs’ clutch, buyer Mark Sexton prides himself on an ability to root out new and exciting designers. These include cute Japanese label Tsumori Chisato, and innovative knitted T-shirts from British label Gafé. The shop is one of the few stockists of Lou Lou and Law – the collaboration between Ann-Louise Roswald and illustrator Natasha (sister of Jude) Law – expect a range of sweet illustrated tops

in slinky cuts.

Koh Samui. 65-67 Monmouth St, WC2 (020 7240 4280/www.kohsamui.co.uk) Covent Garden tube. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 10.30am-6.30pm, Thur 10.30am-7pm, Sun 12noon-5.30pm.

Kokon To Zai

This is the place to come if you want to stand out from the crowd. The shop’s creative director, Marjan Pejoski, was responsible for Bjork’s famous swan dress – which should give you an idea of the style. The rails are dominated by Pejoski’s designs, which take in the weird and wonderful (lime green leopard-print jeans, £155) as well as the wearable (vest top with skull motif, £95). The shop’s own label, KTZ, is young, colourful and casual, and features lots of quirky prints (graphic T-shirts, £45). There’s also clothing by a changing selection of young graduate designers, plus special pieces made exclusively for the store.Kokon To Zai, 57 Greek St, W1 (020 7434 1316/www.kokontozai.co.uk) Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Rd tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-7.30pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Labour of Love

Best for frocks and frills

Designer-owner Francesca Forcolini brings together a beguiling blend of fashion in this fun-to-browse boutique. Forcolini’s own Labour of Love label achieves a classic style with a twist – characteristic pieces include a tweed shirt suit with cheeky frills on the derrière, knitwear with built-in bustiers and a full-length, silk-lined wool gabardine mac (prices range from £85 to around £350). Other temptations on offer include Baum und Pferdgarten’s silk polka-dot dresses and bell-sleeved coats, Louise Amstrup’s tailored separates, and cashmere sweaters from Tse Say (£90-£200). On the accessories front there are metallic handbags by Miss Budd (£45-£120), Lowie’s charming hand-knitted capes, gloves and berets (£50-£100), and shoes by Buddhahood, Eley Kishimoto and Odd and Even.

Labour of Love, 193 Upper St, N1 (020 7354 9333/www.labour-of-love.co.uk) Highbury & Islington tube/rail. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-6.30pm, Thur 11am-7pm, Sun 12noon-5.30pm.

The Library

Designer labels and literature may seem an unlikely combination, but this fantastic emporium will convince you otherwise. Stock from seasoned greats like McQueen and Westwood hangs alongside that of newer fashion stars like Kris Van Assche. Also look out for lesser-known label G Guaglianone, whose combination of Italian street style with traditional British tailoring makes for a sleek, wearable line of smart and casual clothes. There’s also a small selection of gift-friendly womenswear (cashmere, Balenciaga bags). Although the interior could do with an update, selling secondhand fashion and art books alongside clothes adds another dimension to the experience.

The Library, 268 Brompton Rd, SW3 (020 7589 6569) South Kensington tube. Open Mon, Tue, Thur-Sat 10am-6.30pm, Wed 10am-7pm, Sun 12.30-5.30pm.

Matches

Best for coats

One of three branches, the main shop at 60 Ledbury Road sells heavyweights such as Balenciaga, Lanvin, Missoni, and Marc Jacobs, along with all the fabulous accessories created to accompany the clothes (menswear is downstairs). Across the street is Matches Spy, where you’ll find a slightly quirkier mix, including popular diffusion lines (Miu Miu, Marc by Marc Jacobs), as well as new labels (Alexander McQueen’s McQ diffusion line and 3.1 Phillip Lim, for example), plus piles of premium jeans. The dedicated Diane von Furstenberg store at No 83 is also part of the empire.

Matches, 60-64 Ledbury Rd, W11 (020 7221 0255/www.matchesfashion.com) Notting Hill Gate tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Microzine

Combining fashion, furnishings, books, gadgets and even art, Microzine houses a magazine’s worth of stock under one roof. Clothing is the right side of laddish with Kim Jones’s range for Umbro and DKNY featuring heavily. ReHash denim (from £120), with a cinch-back and boot-leg cut, reflects the house style – the look is trend-aware but not too ‘worked’. Masculine furnishings are perfect for that city bachelor pad with key design classics such as Philippe Starck’s Gun light. Gadgets are similarly slick.

Microzine, 3-4 Little Portland St, W1 (020 7636 8969/www.microzine.co.uk) Oxford Circus tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm.

Mimi

Best for bold bags

Mimi Berry’s work has a girlie bent, evident in the squishy, prettily dyed clutches and purses, though certain designs will be loved by those who prefer simplicity. Among the most popular styles are the jokily named Numpty, with a cleverly designed, zipped foldover flap, and the Isaac shoulder bag, with a wide strap and buckle detail (both £130). New for autumn/winter 2006/07 is Elsie, a grown-up satchel in colours like buttercup yellow and sunset orange, and May, a roomy shopper.

Mimi, 40 Cheshire St, E2 (020 7729 6699/www.mimimika.com) Liverpool St tube/rail. Open by appointment only Tue-Thur, Fri-Sat 10.30am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm.

No-one

Owned by style-setting siblings Teresa and Nick Letchford, the brains behind hip bar DreamBagsJaguarShoes, No-one is very much part of the Hoxton scene and its range of cool labels, jeans and sneakers caters to local tastes. For autumn/winter 2006/07, the round-up includes cult favourites PPQ, Danish designer Henrik Vibskov and Norwegian-born, London-based Siv Stoldal. For denim aficionados there is a good selection from Swedish label Cheap Monday (skinny jeans, £40). The store has a friendly vibe aided by the coffee shop and personable staff.

No-one, 1 Kingsland Rd, E2 (020 7613 5314/www.no-one.co.uk) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

London's 50 best boutiques

page 8 of 11: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

85 CO Bag.jpg

Leather bag at RelaxGarden

No-one

Owned by style-setting siblings Teresa and Nick Letchford, the brains behind hip bar DreamBagsJaguarShoes, No-one is very much part of the Hoxton scene and its range of cool labels, jeans and sneakers caters to local tastes. For autumn/winter 2006/07, the round-up includes cult favourites PPQ, Danish designer Henrik Vibskov and Norwegian-born, London-based Siv Stoldal. For denim aficionados there is a good selection from Swedish label Cheap Monday (skinny jeans, £40). The store has a friendly vibe aided by the coffee shop and personable staff.

No-one, 1 Kingsland Rd, E2 (020 7613 5314/www.no-one.co.uk) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Article continues

ADVERTISEMENT

Per Lui

Four stores (in Uxbridge, Watford, Enfield and Luton) and a clearance shop (also in Watford) make Per Lui a shopping mecca for the fashion-conscious suburban male. It boasts outfits for most tastes: Hackett, Paul Smith, Pringle and Jeffery West shoes for the quintessential English dresser; Penguin, Lyle and Scott and a nifty range of Lacoste footwear for the geeky urbanite; and, more predictably, a healthy selection of Ted Baker, Duffer and G-Star denim.

Per Lui, The Chimes Shopping Centre, 197-198 Uxbridge High St, UB8 1LD (01895 810066/www.perlui.co.uk) Uxbridge tube. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 9am-6pm, Thur 9am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

The Pineal Eye

This Japanese-run, avant-garde store has an impressive range of fashion from current and future names – but an air of superior disinterest among the staff creates an uninviting atmosphere. Try not to let this detract too much from the impressive stock. Relatively mainstream names such as Dior Homme, Raf Simons, Yohji Yamamoto, Viktor & Rolf and Comme des Garçons sit alongside Bernhard Willhelm, Lutz, Boudicca, Henrik Vibskor and Wolf. This is certainly a haunt for fashion folk, where the more established a name becomes, the less likely it is to be stocked.

The Pineal Eye, 49 Broadwick St, W1 (020 7434 2567) Piccadilly Circus tube. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 12noon-7pm, Sun 1-5pm.

Precious

Owned by former Harvey Nichols and Harrods fashion buyer, Kate Evans, Precious is an elegant little boutique stocking mid-priced and designer names such as Gharani Strok and Diane von Furstenberg, plus high-end accessories from the likes of Megan Park and Mulberry. Alongside the fashion are gorgeous perfumes and scented candles from her mother’s shop: Jane Flanders – close by on Columbia Road.

Precious, 16 Artillery Passage, E1 (020 7377 6668) Liverpool St tube/rail. Open Mon-Wed 11am-6pm, Thur, Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm.

Press

You have to ring the bell for entry to this repository of Primrose Hill chic, but don’t let that put you off – there’s a friendly, welcoming vibe inside. The interior is larger than you might imagine, with three rooms containing covetable womenswear and accessories, such as low-key casuals by Ella Moss and Vanessa Bruno, flirty dresses by Burn ’n’ Violet, Chloé bags and shoes, Belstaff boots, Missoni scarves and Acne jeans, plus a few vintage items. Press, 3 Erskine Rd, NW3 (020 7449 0081) Chalk Farm tube. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-6.30pm, Thur 10am-7pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

RelaxGarden

Away from edgy Kingsland Road, Relax Garden lives up to its name. Buyer Eriko Nagata sources most of the stock in Japan and Italy, and also co-designs the shop’s own RelaxGarden label, which is the real highlight here. These simple, feminine separates are fantastic value – you can pick up a pretty, vintage-style top for just £35 or a jersey dress for £40. Alongside, you’ll also find a changing selection of stock from little-known labels, such as customised vintage clothing from Les Briqu’ a braque by Japanese designer Koko Yamase and semi-precious jewellery by London-based Millie & Me (£25-£80).

RelaxGarden, 40 Kingsland Rd, E2 (020 7033 1881/www.relaxgarden.com) Old Street tube/rail. Open Mon-Wed 1-7pm, Thur, Fri 1-8pm, Sat, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Saloon

Keiko Kim-Hindley’s sweet little shop combines fashion with interior items, stationery and a bit of art. Her excellent eye for pieces that are original but wearable takes in less familiar finds such as Finnish label Ivana Helsinki and Parisian chic courtesy of Néologie, plus a few vintage dresses (£150-£200). The small selection of casual menswear includes the likes of Peter Jensen shirts and graphic sweatshirts by London-based artist Rachel Cattle. There is also an array of fantastic jewellery by independent designers, including cute charm necklaces by Emma Burgin and men’s silver jewellery by Jacey Withers.

Saloon, 23 Arlington Way, EC1 (020 7278 4497/www.saloonshop.co.uk) Angel tube. Open Mon, Wed, Fri 11am-7pm, Tue 11am-6pm, Sat 12noon-6pm.

Santos & Mowen

Principally stocking DSquared and Dolce & Gabbana alongside smaller niche brands such as Andrew Mackenzie and Junk de Luxe, this small boutique avoids Eurotrash accusations thanks to its careful selection of pieces. The large range of clothes – from leather trousers through preppy, checked chinos to monochromatic, soft cotton T-shirts – throws up something for everyone. It feels a bit as if you’re rummaging through someone’s wardrobe. The place is a must-visit for designer-conscious, but less flash-fashion dressers with cash to splash.

Santos & Mowen, 10 Earlham St, WC2 (020 7836 4365/www.santosandmowen.com) Covent Garden or Leicester Square tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.

Sefton

Costume National, Miu Miu, McQueen and Comme des Garçons are prominent at this high-end boutique, while a good selection of Junk de Luxe and Yohji Yamamoto will please those with quieter tastes and a slimmer wallet. There’s a pleasing range of knitwear from John Smedley and Cash Ca and incredible elephant-print tops from lesser-known label Herion. Accessories include skinny, knitted block-colour ties, Thompson of London cufflinks and Tom Ford sunnies. The store itself is thoughtfully designed and arranged.

Sefton, 196 Upper St, N1 (020 7226 7076) Highbury & Islington tube/rail. Open Mon-Wed, Sat 10am-6.30pm, Thur, Fri 10am-7pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Sera of London

Burlesque is back in vogue and entering this ‘fancy ladies’ shop and interior decoration service’ is like slipping into a cabaret queen’s boudoir. Exotic wares such as ‘Rude’ satin corset lampshades with marabou feather trim (£680), intricately hand-etched kid gloves (£700) and frilly parasols designed by the original sex kitten herself, Brigitte Bardot, abound. Clothes come courtesy of Buddhist Punk and Pearl Lowe, who designs vintage-inspired lace pieces. Nothing is cheap, but £40 will buy you a whiff of the glamour in the form of Madame Sera’s scented candle.

Sera of London, 3 Lonsdale Rd, W11 (020 7467 0799/www.seraoflondon.com) Westbourne Park tube. Open Tue-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun by appointment.

Shoon

Casual clothes, outdoor gear, books, babywear and gifts; the basement is devoted to a wide range of comfortable shoes from brands like Camper and Ecco.

Shoon, 94 Marylebone High St, W1 (020 7487 3001/www.shoon.com) Baker St or Bond St tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

The Shop at Bluebird

John and Belle Robinson (the people behind well-loved womenswear chain Jigsaw) have created a store that does avant-garde fashion with a sense of fun. The house style is more understated than edgy and embraces a huge variety of non-ubiquitous labels. Not everything is expensive – you can pick up a top for £35. Expect to see pieces by unknown Central Saint Martins graduates rubbing shoulders on the rails with those by more established talent such as Sharon Wauchob, Emma Cook and Eley Kishimoto. Items are bought in small quantities to keep the mix fresh, and exclusive collaborations mean that you can pick up something unique.

The Shop at Bluebird, 350 King’s Rd, SW3 (020 7351 3873/www.theshopatbluebird.com) Sloane Square tube. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Sixty 6

The owner of this tiny Marylebone gem, Jane Collins, has a knack for choosing clothes that are eye-catching and feminine without being showy. Designs by the likes of Temperley, Ashish, Sara Berman and Indian designer Manish Arora are displayed in complete outfits you might not have thought of putting together yourself. There are also T-shirts by Velvet and, in winter, the store’s own exclusive cashmere line. Accessories include gold and semi-precious stone jewellery, bags by Jamin Puech and Ally Capellino, plus hand-picked vintage ones. Those who have been seeking Scorah Pattullo shoes since the demise of the London shops will find them here.

Sixty 6, 66 Marylebone High St, W1 (020 7224 6066) Baker St tube. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-6.30pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1-5pm.

Souvenir

Souvenir’s two locations are within convenient walking distance, so you can easily check out both. In the Brewer Street shop you’ll find high-fashion pieces by catwalk stars such as Hussein Chalayan, Vivienne Westwood and Viktor & Rolf. The Lexington Street branch has more casual – and affordable – offerings from the likes of Jessica Ogden, Tsumori Chisato and APC. Both stores stock a pleasing mix of accessories, including Marc Jacobs, Chloé and Pucci shoes. Souvenir recently launched an internet boutique, so you can buy online too.

Souvenir, 53 Brewer St, W1 (020 7287 8708/www.souvenirboutique.co.uk) Piccadilly Circus tube. Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-7pm, Thur 11am-7.30pm, Sun 12 noon-6pm.

Start

Best for jeans

Start’s his ’n’ hers boutiques are the joint venture of Philip Start (the founder of Woodhouse) and his wife Brix Smith (once guitarist in The Fall). In the men’s shop (No 59), you’ll find casual separates upstairs from the likes of Helmut Lang, Miu Miu, Belstaff and Rykiel Homme. Downstairs the focus is more on smarter, tailored clothes, including Start’s own Rivington Street label. Denim is a speciality here for both men and women with a choice of high-end labels, including Radcliffe, Earnest Sewn and Rogan. Womenswear is across the road at

Nos 42-44. More casual daywear, denim, beauty and accessories are all on the ground level, while downstairs are carefully selected pieces by a strong line-up of designers, from Miu Miu and Sonia Rykiel to Issa and Alice McCall.

Start, 59 Rivington St, EC2 (020 7739 3636/www.start-london.com) Old St tube/rail. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am-6.30pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 1-5pm.

Twentyone the Green

This shop’s pleasant hilltop location on the corner of the Green couldn’t be further from the heaving throngs of Oxford Street. The tasteful mix of casualwear caters to the local crowd without delving into the ‘something flash for Saturday night’ curse that afflicts so many suburban boutiques. A thoughtfully chosen handful of mainstream labels appears to have struck a winning formula. A sizeable range of Nigel Hall sits alongside CP Company, Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani denim and limited-edition Puma and Oliver Sweeney footwear.

Twentyone the Green, 21 The Green, Winchmore Hill, N21 (020 8882 4298/www.twentyonethegreen.co.uk) Winchmore Hill rail. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm, Sun 11am-1.30pm.

85 CO world acc.jpg

The World According To, W1

The World According To…

Best for quirky streetwear

When Max Karie and Pippa Brooks opened their aptly named Shop here in 1995, its pop-boutique style was a hit with savvy Londoners. In 2004 they reworked the formula, with the focus on contemporary women’s designer sportswear. For autumn/winter 2006/7, the well-chosen collection includes Eley Kishimoto, Martin Margiela’s affordable urban line MM6, Vivienne Westwood Red Label and Sonia by Sonia Rykiel. Nearby Shop at Maison Bertaux (from the same stable), in the basement of 27 Greek Street (www.shopatmaisonb.com), showcases Eley Kishimoto (archive pieces as well as the new collection) alongside denim, accessories and T-shirts from APC.

The World According To…, 4 Brewer St, W1 (020 7437 1259/www.theworldaccordingto.co.uk) Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6.30pm.