Whether you’re on the lookout for something special or in need of inspiration for your own store, here’s our round up of London’s top design destinations.
50m, Belgravia
Art collective Something & Son launched a new store that’s shaking up the luxury retail industry. 50m aims to give back to London’s emerging design talent with a more supportive business model by helping designers get around London’s sky-high shop rents with a 50 metre rail (hence the name) rental fee. The store has space to showcase 30 luxury fashion designers – including the likes of Kepler and Faustine Steinmetz – and also houses a community working space with sewing machines and pattern cutting tables. The designers also have access to industry-leading mentors who’ll inspire and provide insight into how to grow their business.
14-15 Eccleston Yards
Bonds, Hackney
Bonds was born out of the huge demand for Niko Dafkos and Paul Firmin’s scent-based candle brand, Earl of East London. This concept store proves that – in the right space – a candle connoisseur can become a multidisciplinary lifestyle brand. The shop, cafe, adjoining studio and event space houses everything from candle making workshops to life-drawing classes – a place for the local community to shop and bond (get it?) over a creative workshop, event or an Allpress coffee. With a focus on local artisans, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of independent homeware brands, including Kana London by emerging ceramicist Ana Kernin.
5a Gransden Avenue
Mint, Knightsbridge
Founded by interiors expert and design consultant Lina Kanafani in 1998, Mint has made a name for itself in the design world by offering exclusive and innovative pieces by both emerging and internationally renowned artists. Focusing on the latest interior design trends and constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques, Lina handpicks the store’s entire collection of furniture, homeware and accessories. Many of the pieces on sale are limited edition or are made one-of-a-kind for the store. Every year Mint organises a spring show to bring together original artists over a certain theme.
2 North Terrace
Blue Mountain School, Shoreditch
Showroom? Gallery? Restaurant? Blue Mountain School defies classification. The founders of Hostem have reimagined its original six-level brick townhouse into a destination for fashion, dining, music, design and art. Each of the spaces are designed to evoke a different type of experience as you’re guided through the six floors. Down in the basement is the Hostem Archive, a library of nearly 600 pieces of clothing (mostly for sale) as well as perfumer Lyn Harris’ Perfumer H atelier. The first two floors are dedicated gallery spaces, where pieces from the likes of Tyler Hays and Amy Revier are on permanent rotation. Work your way upstairs to the rooftop listening room or experience the multi-course tasting menu at Mãos, the latest venture from Nuno Mendes of Chiltern Firehouse.
9 Chance Street
House of Toogood, Shoreditch
Hidden behind a buzzer on Redchurch Street is the acclaimed British designer Faye Toogood’s boutique and studio. A true multi-disciplinarian with a background in fine art, fashion and interior design, she’s designed interiors for the likes of Hermès, Comme des Garcons, Vogue and Selfridges. Experimentation and materiality is at the heart of all of her work, and all of her pieces are handmade by local manufacturers and artisans. The studio itself is filled with her and her sister’s (Erica) own clothing and furniture collections, as well as exclusive pieces with other artists, architects and designers. Keep an eye out for one of their regular pop-up exhibitions.
71 Redchurch Street