A Fashion Lover's Guide to London

Dover Street Market, Haymarket

Bringing together the who’s who in fashion, Rei Kawakubo’s groundbreaking fashion-meets-art gallery concept store is a must-visit destination for fashion lovers. Expect to see fresh names such as Molly Goddard mixed in with Gucci and Junya Watanabe and, of course, a slew of Comme des Garçons fashion. Head downstairs for the most affordable curation of products, dwell on the middle floors for sartorial inspiration and investment pieces, and refresh yourself in the Rose Bakery, where a slice of green tea cake is highly recommended.

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Capital Carboot Sale, Pimlico

Bargain hunters should head down to Pimlico’s famous car boot sale for a morning of rummaging. Open every Sunday, dedicated shoppers are likely to pick up designer items and vintage treasures for a fraction of the original price. While general admission is from 11.30 for £1, it’s worth paying the £5 early-bird entry at 10.15 to optimise your browsing and hustling time.

Wonderland Pop Up, Central London

A new pop up from Wonderland magazine brings their creative ethos to life, with a space dedicated to celebrating and presenting new and emerging talent. Located in Piccadilly, the store not only stocks exciting designers such as Markus Lupfer, Stussy, Nicopanda, Blood Brother and Christopher Shannon, but will also host talks and events throughout its six month tenure in the Crown Estate. Visitors can also get their hands on Wonderland products, including sweatshirts and tote bags.

A bastion of fashion in London, this newly refurbished boutique on South Molton Street was founded by Joan & Sidney Burstein in 1970, and was one of the first to stock international and emerging designers. Today, the emphasis on supporting new talent continues, rendering the boutique a must-visit for those looking for a slick curation of exciting design.

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The Collaborative Store

Although it started out as a pop-up, The Collaborative Store has finally set up permanent residence on Blandford Street in London’s Marylebone. The minimalist interior plays host to a stand out selection of emerging brands such as Bad Denim and D.Effect alongside British eyewear brand Finlay & Co and jewellery designers Myia Bonner.

Diverse, Tufnell Park

A long-time North London resident, Diverse has been dressing its loyal customers since 1987. Previously on Islington’s Upper Street, the store is now located on Fortess Road in Tufnell Park. Don’t let this extra schlep up the Northern Line deter you from visiting – the range of contemporary brands is excellent, as is the service. After shopping, jump across the road for a cup of tea at Bear + Wolf, and then stroll up to Hampstead Heath.

LN-CC, Dalston

This über-cool concept store in Dalston is slightly off the beaten track, but well worth the journey. Housing contemporary menswear and womenswear brands within a futuristic-designed store, the slick edit of designers is guaranteed to be among the most niche and in-the-know you’ll find. Walk-in appointments are offered, although for specialist requests, make sure you book a slot in advance.

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Aquavit restaurant, Central London

This recently opened Swedish restaurant is the optimal place to revel in Scandi-Chic. The menu includes Nordic delicacies such as Skagenröra (shrimp salad), herring, gravadlax, and Venice roe, as well as Swedish meatballs for only £16. The Nordic cuisine is complemented by its interior design, including beautiful Marta Maas Fjetterstrom rugs created by artist Olafur Eliasson – the perfect backdrop for your outfit shot.

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Ray’s Bar, Dalston

For a real fashion hangout, head east to Ray’s Bar in Dalston, where revelers will find themselves surrounded sartorially savvy figures. Whether you’re reclining by the bar, grabbing a pizza slice or going the whole (Pam) Hogg on the dance floor, you’re guaranteed to have a fun-filled evening. For further people-watching, make sure you grab an early evening drink in the Ace Hotel, home to J.W.Anderson’s only London store and a regular hangout spot for fashion’s finest.

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The Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington

Having hosted some of the most significant fashion exhibitions of yore – notably Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty – the V&A offers an endless rostrum of insightful, thought-provoking exhibitions, alongside a wonderful permanent collection. A must-visit for any fashion-loving London visitor.

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The Store, Central London

With a fresh new update to its name, The Store at 180 the Strand is a new creative space that mixes fashion, art, music, food and work. Stop by for new exhibitions or make a calculated walk past it during London Fashion Week Collections: Men – the official home of the event will be a hotspot for male models and street style stars.

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