London’s credentials as a fashion mecca have yet again been confirmed following the recent opening of the newest American import to the UK, Anthropologie. The shop , which boasts 130 stores in the US, has chosen the ever-fashionable Regent Street in central London as the location for its first European venture. A visit to the store is justified by some as a reason to visit New York and so the opening of a London branch has delighted many in the fashion world and has been given the same kudos as the Launch of Topshop in Manhattan earlier in the year.
Part of the Urban Outfitters brand, Anthropologie is aimed at stylish adults, and its extensive range of homeware items are an important part of this strategy. The impressive layout and design of the London store is in itself a reason to visit. The centerpiece of the London shop is a living green wall of 18,000 plants that stretches over the three floor area, the first of its kind in a retail environment, and an enormous steel and glass staircase which dominates the space.
A further boutique on London’s King’s Road is expected next year, which will be combined with the launch of the UK website. In the meantime shop away at www.anthropologie.com.
158 Regent Street
London, UK W1B 5SW
The brainchild of lifestyle guru and interior designer, Louise Kou, the Kou concept store heralds a new type of shopping experience in Hong Kong where tailor-made luxury is key. The store is designed as a chic mansion and does not feel like walking into a conventional store at all: the area is divided up into various rooms where appropriate items are showcased, including a bedroom, lounge and even an outside patio complete with marquee.
Everything from the paintings on the walls to the handbags sitting on the tables is for sale and the products are sourced to the highest possible standards. A combination of Asian and European home ware and clothing, handpicked or designed by Kou herself, have all been selected to fit with her philosophy of achieving harmony through your lifestyle options.
A trip to the store can be complimented by a session at the lifestyle consultancy company which she also runs. So strong is her vision that a visit to the Kou Concept store is not only a shopping trip to buy some home furnishings but should also prove to be a lifestyle- enriching experience.
www.kouconcept.com
Following a highly successful venture with Christian Louboutin, the luxury Parisian patisserie, Ladurée, has joined forces with Italian fashion house Marni. This time the two brands have produced a limited edition gift box of chocolate macaroons together. The box has been decorated with flowers and polka dots, two signature symbols of the Marni brand, and particular favorites of owner, Consuleo Castiglioni. They are also offering specially customized versions of the gift set with a selection of their other delicious flavours which include Orange Blosson, Pistachio and Licorice.
Some might argue that the gold sheets which wrap the macaroons individually is a flamboyant extravagance too far, but we think this designer collaboration will make the perfect Christmas gift for the chic, the brand conscious, and of course, the chocolate lover.
Available from December 1st 2009 in Ladurée shops in Paris, London, Dublin, Tokyo and Switzerland.
www.laduree.fr
www.marni.com
She may have just hit fifty, but Barbie has never looked better. Over the past year fashion designer Christian Louboutin has adopted Barbie as his honorary goddaughter; back in September at New York Fashion Week his models took to the catwalks wearing hot pink Barbie-inspired, Louboutin-designed heels and this celebrity collaboration is set to go further.
Just in time for Christmas, the self-confessed Barbie fan has united with Barbie creators Mattel, and Net-a-Porter to launch three customized dolls as well as producing a calendar documenting the year which the new best friends have spent together. The dolls have been specially adapted with a new in-step so that they can wear higher heels, as each doll comes with four pairs of Barbie sized Louboutin’s packaged in miniature shoe boxes.
Available from December the Christian Louboutin Barbie set costs GBP 100 and will make a perfect stocking filler, although you may prefer to start saving for a pair in your own size.
www.net-a-porter.com/barbie
www.barbiecollector.com
The age of metrosexual may may have legitimised and ushered in slightly questionable sartorial choices for the male species (David Beckham et al in sarongs, ‘the manbags, etc) but most men still find it hard to fathom the some of the frightening wares Milan, Paris, London and New York foist on them twice a year. An eye mask therefore poses an even more terrifying prospect. Well no more, if Otis Batterbee’s travel accessories are anything to go by. This former Louis Vuitton graduate designs a desirable range of items for those looking to add a little something to their tiring routines. We’re loving these dandyish eye-masks inspired by the British Isles and suitably designed in Prince of Wales check and Grey Pinstripe fabrics and filled with fragrant lavender. Get rid of jet-lag in style.
Available at Liberty of London, Great Marlborough St, W1
Offering an experience above and beyond the usual harried trip to London’s Oxford Street, this recently opened gallery-cum-boutique clothes retailer combines fresh artistic talent with a range of unusual (and sometimes exclusive) designers largely from the US. Oxygen stocks clothes ranging from jeans and leggings to cocktail dresses; the ranges are a mix of well established names such as Herve Leger, as well as up and coming designers already gaining popularity on the other side of the pond.
The artwork is available to purchase, often at promotional prices, and the edgy pieces displayed provide far more than a mere backdrop for the clothes rails. This original concept is the brain child of a mother-daughter team with firmly established roots in the fashion world- Helen and Joanna Nicola- having worked with high street chains Zara and New Look. If current form is anything to go by their expertise has set this quirky space on the path to success.
38 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DS
Set to open its 3rd London store by the end of November, Aubin & Wills is the sister company of the highly successful student outfitters Jack Wills. The spin off brand is under two years old and, offering a more grown up range of clothing and home ware for the same sort of discerning customer, seems set for success. With its tagline, ‘Second to None’, the brand is establishing itself amongst its discerning customer base as far more than just a clothes line.
The brand offers a range of lifestyle suggestions, giving restaurant, travel and cultural ideas in a blog format on its website, as well as hosting an online forum where like minded supporters can share their thoughts. This exciting new opening, only the fifth in the UK, will be located on Marylebone High Street, an already popular shopping destination with a range of high end shops already in situ including Links of London jewellers and The Conran Shop.
www.aubinandwills.com
