London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [178]
As one of the world’s great fashion capitals, London has shops to dress women in style—whether their taste is trendy or traditional, and their budget rummage or royal. High-street chains like Miss Selfridge, Topshop, New Look, and Warehouse take aim at the young, adventurous, and slim; Hobbs, Whistles, and Jaeger provide updated classics for the more sophisticated; and fashion-oriented department stores—Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Selfridges, Liberty, Fenwick—cater to women of all ages and tastes. The hottest names on the London catwalks have their headquarters here—Alexander McQueen’s flagship store is at 4–5 Old Bond Street, Mayfair, and, nearby, Stella McCartney’s collections are showcased in a town house at 30 Bruton Street.
When it comes to stylish accessories, whether men or women are looking for a sturdy umbrella, a traditional hat, or a bag that will last a lifetime, London’s specialists are known for their high level of craftsmanship—and today’s designers draw on centuries of expertise.
Several of the lower-price adult chains, including H&M, Next, Monsoon, and Zara, have cheap and cheerful children’s lines. In select Jigsaw branches, Jigsaw Junior has classics with a twist for girls. London parents swear by no-nonsense department store John Lewis, on Oxford Street, for fair prices and high-quality goods. But if you’re looking for something more than run of the mill, expect to pay for it.
Finally, when it comes to menswear, London is even more celebrated for its trendsetters than for its womenwear. The department stores listed here have good menswear departments, but Selfridges and Liberty deserve special mentions for interesting designer offerings. London’s Savile Row tailors are still the spot where a man orders a bespoke suit once he has really “arrived,” but British style has loosened up considerably in recent years. Ozwald Boateng, with his sharp designs, and colorful suits and linings, is typical of the new wave of bespoke tailors. Not bespoke but still sublimely stylish is the famed Paul Smith emporium. Those with more flash than cash should seek out the trendsetting fashion chains: Topman, Reiss, and Zara.
FOOD AND DRINK
London excels at posh nosh, and the selection has gotten even bigger with European integration—but be prepared to pay quite a lot for it. The Food Halls at Harrods are internationally famous, almost as much for the beautiful displays and ceramic-tile ceilings as for the packaged teas, chocolates, biscuits, fresh produce, fish, and game. Selfridges is less daunting but more international in its selection, and the grande dame of London food halls is Fortnum & Mason. Marks & Spencer, almost as well known for its high-quality ready-made meals as its underwear, has M&S Simply Food stores around town.
HOME DECOR
London’s main department stores have just about everything you might need; John Lewis, on Oxford Street is especially good for practical items, such as kitchen equipment. Terence Conran no longer owns Habitat, but his good-design-on-a-budget philosophy is still apparent. For something more unusual, head to Cheshire Street in the East End. Independent home-design shops have sprouted up here over the past few years, including the wonderfully British Labour & Wait, which sells stylish yet practical goods. Most are open only on weekends, when the Brick Lane and Spitalfields markets bring customers to the area.
English bone china is legendary, and the famous brands—Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester, Spode, Wedgwood, Minton, and the like—are still made in England, most in the Staffordshire towns around Stoke-on-Trent known as “The Potteries.” The top brands are all over London, and Harrods and Selfridges both have excellent selections.
JEWELRY
If you are suddenly overcome with the need to invest in serious rocks, London won’t let you down. All the major international players are here: Cartier, Tiffany, Bulgari, Fred, Boucheron,