Dip into London’s hip neighbourhoods and you’ll discover funky footwear, quirky trends and retro clothing to buy that’ll have you looking cooler than ever!
The hip shopping neighbourhoods
London is, of course, a major shopping destination with something for everyone, especially those who yearn for the latest trends. Many visitors to England’s capital are captivated by the cobbled charm of Covent Garden’s piazza and central market, but trendy young shoppers prefer to weave around Covent Garden’s buzzing side streets. Neal Street is home to vibrant fashion brands from around the world. Floral Street is somewhat more sophisticated and home to several to flagship stores and boutiques selling tailored beachwear, bags and accessories. The streets leading off Seven Dials are also worth a mention for those who like vintage clothing, provocative lingerie and sporty urban brands www.coventgardenlondonuk.com
London’s hipster heartland is further east, towards the Shoreditch and Spitalfields neighbourhoods, where what’s cool is derived from the gritty streets themselves. Be inspired by what you see others wearing on the street, then kit yourself out accordingly. Vintage fashion is a major trend, although the style barometer can swing anywhere from the 1920s to the 1990s. Vintage specialists on and around Brick Lane and Hanbury Street—popular with local hipsters, students and fashion stylists—are treasure troves of retro, sustainable style. A former brewery off Brick Lane, Old Truman Brewery, now houses trendy shops, plus independent fashion stores and denim specialists. A number of old warehouses in the area have been converted to host regular fashion markets and sample sales. AllSaints, one of numerous fashion brands that operate out of east London, has a huge flagship store on Commercial Street. www.trumanbrewery.com
Hipster Hot List
Boxpark is a unique shopping concept in east London, in so much as its stores are housed in a stack of shipping containers. It’s home to edgy British brands, urban menswear, global clubbing gear, and various international labels. www.boxpark.co.uk
Where is it? Shoreditch, east London. Nearest tube: Shoreditch High Street.
And if you want to indulge in a spot of window shopping…
London’s shop windows are a canvas of creativity, with major high-street stores, designer boutiques and independent retailers all vying for the attention of passers-by. The result is a dazzling visual feast that everyone can enjoy. Britain’s famous department stores have some of the most striking window displays. Creativity goes into overdrive at Christmas; London’s window displays are adorned with extra sparkle and energy.
