Style & Design
Originally published on Monday, 15th December 2008
Top of the Shops 2008
Westfield made headlines due to its sheer scale, but that hasn't stopped some very cool little upstarts from staking their claim. We take on the titan and outline our favourite new boutiques of the year.
My Sugarland
Opened 1st November by stylist Zoe Lem, My Sugarland stocks exclusive labels (PPQ, Steve J & Yoni P, Belle Sauvage), hot graduates (Rebecca Reeves, Lindsey Connerton) and serious accessories (Cutler & Gross, Angel Jackson, Mawi). With interiors by set designer Tony Hornecker of SHOWstudio, it also acts as party and exhibition space.
My Sugarland, 402-404 St. John Street, London EC1V 4NJ
The Convenience Store
The Convenience Store quietly popped up in a vacant cobblers just off Golborne Road in late August. Brainchild of artist-designer Andrew Ibi, it focuses on limited and unconventional pieces from hot design talent, including Rick Owens, Ann-Sofie Back, Clare Tough, and Hannah Marshall, with particularly sought after pieces kept ‘under the counter’ for loyal customers on special request.
The Convenience Store, 1a Hazelwood Tower, Golborne Gardens, W10 5DT, 020 8968 9095
A Child of the Jago
We broke up July’s heat with Joe Carre and Barnzley’s Westwoodian store. Named after a 19th century novel about East End slums, Jago sells books, antiques and clothes (including the pair's fabulous Terrorist line, inspired by historical no-gooders), as well as artifacts in the basement and records from Malcolm McLaren’s private collection.
A Child of The Jago, 10 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3NT
Oxfam Revamped Boutiques
Jane Shepherdson revamped the once fusty threadbare veneer of our favourite charity shops back in May. Three new boutique style setups now feature donated designer fashions from Wright & Teague, sustainable brands like People Tree, and most excitingly, pieces by London College of Fashion students and big name grads who have reworked old clobber and textiles to create unique fashion finds.
Oxfam Boutique, 245 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE
Start Made to Measure
A Savile Row meets Shoreditch mantra inspired the opening of Philip Start’s Made to Measure outpost in March, comprising bespoke suits and a complementary accessories range (custom ties, shirts and cufflinks). For less patient lads there is an exclusive selection of ready made suits by Balenciaga and Aquascutum.
Start Tailoring and Made-to-Measure, 40 Rivington Street, EC2A - 020 7729 3334
Best High Street Collaboration: Comme des Garcons for H&M.
After the fashion Eds got in and snapped up most of the £100 gothic frock coat-dresses, there was still plenty of polka dot gladness for the masses.
Worst High Street Collaboration: Patricia Field for M&S.
We were promised Sex & The City. We got Pish and the Sh*tty. Mini, mini hems, cheap stretch material and Versace holiday on acid colours. Nice.
Best In Store Surprises: Anya Hindmarch
From flower posies, cupcakes and Halloween cookies to manicures and makeovers, the Queen of the handbag made spending that much more gratifying.
Best In Store Art: Matches
Collaborations with Abigail Lane and Natasha Law at their Marylebone store, with matching merchandise.
Weirdest Service: Louis Vuitton’s Selfridge’s concession’s velvet rope policy.
Wait in the foyer, tell the door nazi with the clipboard what you’re after, and when an assistant is ready for you, in you go. The end of browsing.
Best Christmas Windows: Liberty
With Britney and Take That’s Circus albums, the return of the Spiegel Tent via La Clique and Madame Zingara’s, Liberty's got it right on the button with it’s big top themed décor promising the Greatest Show on Earth.
Saddest Christmas Windows: John Lewis’ red and white cardboard cutouts.
We know you’re the sensible man’s choice, but please, even kitchen utensils and bed linen need some inspiration.
Best Press Day: McQ.
Set up shop in a vacant space just off Carnaby Street, spray paint shelves neon pink and erect a Japanese candy vending machine. Oh, and next season’s collection’s not bad either. We need the feather scarf.
Best Online Sales Launch: Cocosa.com
Exclusive sales from Matthew Williamson, Luella, Christian Lacroix and more. The site looks divine, the newsletters don’t irritate our inboxes, and all from the comfort of our own homes. Sample sales as they should be.
Favourite New Designer: Dutch CSM graduate Mattijs Van Bergen.
Now stocked in Browns, his debut collection’s jewellery dress was so coveted it was stolen off the racks after a mere day in store. Where was Mrs. B’s security?
