Shopping in London
Designer heaven
London is jam-packed with specialist style districts full of fashion’s biggest names: Bond Street has been selling glamour to the world for almost 300 years – and today it’s still power-shopping paradise. Drop into Gucci, and you may well spot Victoria Beckham in her favourite boutique. Sloane Street for Alberta Ferretti’s exquisite floaty frocks. Nearby
Knightsbridge is home to chic department store Harvey Nichols – Britain’s fashion bible in shop form.
Swinging sixties
In the sixties, Carnaby Street was for the beautiful people (Yoko Ono and John Lennon met and fell in love at the quarter’s Indica art gallery). The kaftan-wearing shoppers of yesteryear have been replaced by street fashion fans who seek out sportswear like Puma.
Star streets
On Oxford Street, you’ll find Selfridges, famous for its spectacular themed seasons like Bollywood. New on elegant, crescent shaped Regent Street is a massive Habitat store – it’s so hip that London style fans would live here if they could. Liberty’s landmark Tudor-style store is celebrated for textiles, scarves and its Gift Room (Bauhaus chess sets, miniature Saarinen tulip chairs).
The king of shopping
King’s Road found fame in the sixties and seventies as a hangout for the ultra-hip like Mick and Bianca Jagger, Michael Caine and designer Terence Conran. Mary Quant shocked the world by launching the mini skirt from her shop Bazaar. And today it’s as fabulous as ever. Look out for retro fashion boutique Steinberg & Tolkien, beloved of supermodels like Helena Christensen, Couverture (stylish vintage homeware), and deluxe Rococo Chocolates.
Glittering superstores
Harrods is simply the stuff of legends. It has its own ghost (the Woman in White haunts the second floor), its own fire brigade, and famous customers. Noël Coward was bought an alligator for Christmas from here. Gourmet food is the speciality of Fortnum & Mason. They have supplied Everest expeditions and visiting royalty, and you can see why. Caviar, foie gras and specialist teas (200 varieties) are amazing.
For more information on shopping in London, go to www.visitlondon.com (www.visitlondon.com).