A Fashion Lover’s Guide to London
Step into the stylish streets of London with our fashion lover's guide, where we'll unravel haute spots, designer digs, and chic shopping experiences...
By Katherine Weekes | Updated Apr 12 2024
London- a fashion mecca where style mavens flock like moths to a couture flame! Step off the beaten path and into the realm of fashion-forward fabulousness with our insider's guide to the city's trendiest haunts and haute spots. From hidden boutiques to iconic department stores, we'll stitch together a tailor-made experience that promises to leave you strutting the streets like a bona fide fashion icon.
Where to shop...
Dover Street Market
18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG
Dover Street Market, the brainchild of Rei Kawakubo that's as avant-garde as it is alluring! Nestled in Mayfair's chic enclave, this concept store boasts a curated collection that's sure to make even the most discerning fashionista weak at the knees. From the iconic Comme des Garçons to emerging labels on the rise, Dover Street Market serves up a smorgasbord of style that's as eclectic as it is enticing. Keep your eyes peeled for their legendary sample sales too! So, whether you're in the mood for a fashion frenzy or simply seeking sartorial inspiration, Dover Street Market promises an experience that's as cutting-edge as the designs it houses.
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL
The crown jewel of London's shopping scene—Harrods. This iconic department store is more than just a shopping destination—it's a veritable palace of opulence, boasting over 3,000 brands from haute couture to gourmet delights. And if you're a fan of Netflix's The Crown, you'll appreciate the royal connections. While the statue of Diana and Dodi may have bid adieu, Harrods continues to dazzle with its rich history and cultural significance. From its humble beginnings as a grocery and tea shop in 1849 to becoming one of the first buildings in the world to boast an escalator in 1898, Harrods has truly stood the test of time, sparkling like a beacon of elegance against the London skyline.
Liberty London
Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH
The charming Tudor world of Liberty London is tucked away on Great Marlborough Street, just a skip and a strut from the bustling Oxford Street, this iconic department store offers a sanctuary of style for fashion aficionados seeking a touch of elegance. Since its grand opening in 1874, Liberty has been enchanting shoppers with its eclectic array of ornaments, fabrics, and international crafts. And let's not forget the buzz-worthy perfume and beauty departments, meticulously curated and brimming with high-end goodies.
Burberry
121 Regent St., London W1B 4HT
As you step into the store itself, be prepared to be dazzled by the fusion of period architecture and cutting-edge digital displays. From the Burberry Beauty parlour, where you can sample nail polishes with the aid of a digital screen, to their extensive collection of footwear and classic leather bags, this flagship store is every fashionista's dream playground. And if you work up an appetite, the iconic Thomas Café awaits. Named after the brand's iconic founder, Thomas Burberry, this haute eatery serves up a menu as stylish as its fashion collections, featuring AGA-baked scones and crumpets fit for a queen.
Selfridges
400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
Founded in 1909 by the visionary Harry Gordon Selfridge, this iconic department store boasts the title of the world's best, captivating shoppers with its dazzling array of designer labels and captivating window displays. Nestled in the heart of Oxford Street, Selfridges is a treasure trove of chic clothing, accessories, and luxurious home goods, offering a feast for the fashion-forward. And let's not forget the rooftop restaurant, where you can indulge in tea, a meal, or a fancy cocktail while taking in panoramic city views.
Fortnum & Mason
181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER
Welcome to the epitome of elegance and epicurean delight—Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly. This iconic shop, steeped in over 300 years of Georgian charm, tantalizes the senses with its exquisite selection of luxury chocolates, teas, wine, and spirits, making it a veritable playground for the palate. Fortnum's is renowned for its top-of-the-line gift baskets, affectionately known as "hampers," brimming with gourmet treats that are sure to delight even the most discerning taste buds. And if you think that's the bee's knees, wait until you hear about their rooftop bee sanctuary, where gilded beehives buzz with activity high above the bustling streets of London!
What To Do
V&A Museum
Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL
Renowned for hosting some of the most iconic fashion exhibitions, including the legendary Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, this cultural gem offers an unparalleled showcase of sartorial splendor that's sure to leave fashion lovers swooning. With the largest collection of decorative arts and design in the world, the V&A is a treasure trove of inspiration for artists, designers, and fashion enthusiasts alike. From exploring the evolution of fashion through the ages to marveling at designs and trends from around the globe, the museum's exhibits promise a journey through time and culture unlike any other.
Design Museum
224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG
Founded in 1989 by the legendary Sir Terence Conran, this museum is the UK's ultimate hub for all things contemporary design, from architecture and fashion to graphics and industrial marvels. Since its relocation to a spectacular modern landmark in 2016, The Design Museum has welcomed over 2 million visitors, earning the prestigious title of European Museum of the Year 2018. With collections, exhibits, and events that span a myriad of industries—including fashion, graphics, textiles, and architecture—this institute promises a feast for the senses and a journey through the evolution of design.
Capital Car Boot Sale
Pimlico Academy, Lupus St, Pimlico, London SW1V 3AT
Rev up your shopping engines and revitalize your wardrobe at Pimlico's iconic Capital Car Boot Sale—a Sunday morning tradition for bargain-hunting fashionistas! With doors swinging open every Sunday, this treasure trove promises a plethora of designer delights and vintage treasures just waiting to be unearthed at jaw-dropping prices. Whether you're on the hunt for a designer handbag or a vintage gem, this bustling market offers something for every style savvy shopper. And for those eager to get a head start on the competition, splurge on the early-bird entry at 10:15 for a fiver, ensuring you have ample time to sift through the racks and score the best deals before the crowds descend.
Where To Eat
Claridges ArtSpace Cafe
Brook St, London W1K 4HR
Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the Café boasts a menu as eclectic as it is enticing, with signature crêpes, bespoke galettes, and salads that shift with the seasons. Designed by the renowned British architectural guru John Pawson, the Café features a gallery-like patisserie counter, inviting marble communal table, and entry down to Claridge's ArtSpace—a vast gallery that rotates exhibitions, free for all to view.
Caviar Kaspia
1a Chesterfield St, London W1J 5JF
With a prestigious pedigree dating back to 1927 and outposts in some of the world's most lavish destinations, including Paris, Dubai, and NYC, Caviar Kaspia has become a must-visit during fashion season for A-listers and high-flyer influencers alike—think Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, and Tom Ford. From the aquamarine interiors to the infamous four-figure caviar-coated baked potatoes, every detail exudes opulence and elegance.
Chiltern Firehouse
1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA
With a menu as stylish as its celebrity clientele, this iconic eatery helmed by head chef Luke Hunns promises a culinary experience that's as trendy as it is tantalizing. From vodka tomato pizza topped with wild oregano to hand-rolled pappardelle with girlies and pecorino, every dish is a masterpiece fit for the runway. Keep your eyes peeled for fashion royalty like Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, and Suki Waterhouse, who often grace the premises, adding an extra dash of glamour to your dining experience. Chiltern Firehouse celebrates contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking with an underlying American accent, ensuring every bite is a fashion-forward fusion of bold flavors and seasonal delights.
Sessions Art Club
4th Floor, Farringdon, 24 Clerkenwell Grn, London EC1R 0NA
Since its grand opening in 2021, this chic establishment has quickly risen to the top of every fashionista's must-visit list, offering an exclusive dining experience that's as elusive as it is enchanting. Housed in a stripped-back 18th-century Grade II-listed building in Clerkenwell, Sessions Arts Club boasts a scruffily gorgeous setting that we've deemed one of the most beautiful restaurants in London. But it's not just the aesthetics that set this place apart—Sessions Arts Club is an urban sanctuary built on a studio ethos, featuring three terraces with fireplaces, a rooftop bar, and a garden, where guests can dine, drink, and immerse themselves in a curated collective program of art and performance.