Renowned as one of the world’s fashion capitals, London has always been an extremely popular shopping destination. Below are some of our clients’ favourite brands and retail experiences.
1. Hermès (155 New Bond Street , W1S 2UA)
Luxury in London is synonymous with Bond Street. At the heart of Mayfair, it has the highest concentration of the world’s leading retailers to be found anywhere in the city, from Bulgari, Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Cartier, Mulberry and Prada. The highlight for many, however, is Hermès, the luxury French retailer which provides some Parisian style on this most English of streets. This is prime hunting ground for the Birkin bag, an object of lust for the world of fashion and notoriously difficult to find (unless Victoria Beckham or Katie Holmes is willing to lend you hers).
2. Zilli (140 New Bond St, W1S 2TW)
A slightly less known purveyor of French menswear in London is Zilli, designer of some of the most flamboyant – and expensive – leather jackets to be found in London and once the choice of John Lenon to protect him from New York’s freezing winters. This family-run business also produces cashmere jackets, chinchilla fur coats and as well as wardrobe basics – but the quality of craftsmanship remains superb throughout.
3. Alexander McQueen (4-5 Old Bond St, W1S 4PD)
Sarah Burton, named creative director of Alexander McQueen’s creative director in 2010, has retained the DNA of the brand and continued to produce collections of great beauty and drama. The clothes, however, remain eminently wearable and will always be considered a savvy investment by industry insiders. A visit to the London flagship store on Dover Street in Mayfair can be truly captivating. Not just for women, McQueen last year opened a menswear store on Savile Row, taking the label back to its tailoring roots.
4. Harrods by Appointment ( 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL)
On a typically rainy day in London when window shopping doesn’t appeal, head to Knightsbridge where the personal shopping experience offered by Harrods, arguably the world’s finest department store, means that you need not move from their stunning penthouse on the 5th floor. Personal shoppers will scour the store to find whatever you’re looking for, giving you unprecedented access to a world of convenience, exclusives and prestigious labels. Contact Oracle Capital Group’s concierge service who can arrange an appointment on your behalf.
5. Loro Piana (47-48 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge, SW1X 9LU)
As winter approaches so does the ski season, and our clients return again and again to Loro Piana, an Italian company whose founding family has been trading wool and fabrics since the early 1800s. As renowned for its superb customer service as its premium cashmere, its deerskin jackets and knitwear prove particularly popular choices for those seeking après-ski wear which will make the cut in Verbier and Courchevel.
