London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [190]
Shoes
Manolo Blahnik.
Blink and you’ll miss the discreet sign of this little shoe shop. Here, in the heart of Chelsea, the man who single-handedly managed to revive the sexy stiletto and make it classier than ever has been trading since 1973. It’s a must for shoe lovers with a generous budget. If you’re wearing your Manolos, hop on the No. 11 or No. 22 bus or into a cab—the nearest Tube is about a 20-minute walk away. | 49–51 Old Church St., Chelsea | SW3 5BS | 020/7352–3863 | www.manoloblahnik.com | Closed Sun. | Sloane Sq.
KENSINGTON
Clothing: Children
Marie-Chantal.
If you love beautiful, tasteful clothing for babies and children, head to this boutique that is the brainchild of Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece. As you’d imagine, the look is regal and the price is high. Materials used include silk, linen, and Liberty prints. | 148 Walton St., South Kensington | SW3 2JJ | 020/7838–1111 | www.mariechantal.com | South Kensington.
Household
Fodor’s Choice | Mint.
Owner Lina Kanafani has scoured the globe to stock an eclectic mix of furniture, art, ceramics, and home accessories. Mint also showcases works by up-and-coming designers and sells plenty of limited edition and one-off pieces. If you don’t want to ship a couch home, consider a miniature flower vase or a handmade ceramic pitcher. | 2 North Terr., South Kensington | SW3 2BA | 020/7225–2228 | www.mintshop.co.uk | South Kensington.
Women’s Wear
Jigsaw.
Popular with women in their twenties through forties, Jigsaw toes the line between trendy and classic (similar to Banana Republic). Prices are reasonable for feminine dresses, practical T-shirts, and knitwear in high-quality fabrics and distinctive yet subtle colors. There are several other branches are around town. Girls get in on the act, too, with their own line, Jigsaw Junior. | The Chapel, Duke of York Sq., King’s Rd., Chelsea | SW3 4LY | 020/730–4404 | www.jigsaw-online.com | Sloane Sq.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Accessories
Anya Hindmarch.
Exquisite leather bags and personalized, printed canvas totes are what made Hindmarch famous, along with her hit 2007 “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” eco-creation. Her designs are sold at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, but in her stores you can see her complete collection of bags and shoes, and have your own photograph immortalized on a bag from a choice of sizes and styles. There are also branches around the corner on Bond Street in Mayfair and Ledbury Road in Notting Hill. | 157–158 Sloane St., Belgravia | SW1X 9BT | 020/7730–0961 | www.anyahindmarch.com | Sloane Sq., Knightsbridge.
Clothing
Egg.
Tucked away in a residential mews a short walk from Harvey Nichols, this shop is the brainchild of Maureen Doherty, once Issey Miyake’s right-hand person. Minimalist, unstructured styles for men and women in natural fabrics, such as silk, cashmere, and antique cotton, have an artisanal quality. The shop is a former Victorian dairy, and garments are casually hung on hooks or folded on wooden tables in the simple, white space. The price tags, however, are anything but humble. Unusual ceramics and jewelry are also on display. | 36 Kinnerton St., Knightsbridge | SW1X 8ES | 020/7235–9315 | Closed Sun. and Mon. | Knightsbridge.
Clothing: Children
Rachel Riley.
Looking for traditional English style for the younger ones? Riley’s expensive, vintage-inspired collection includes classics like duffle coats, cashmere booties, and floral dresses for girls and teens. Mothers who love the Riley look can pick even up coordinating outfits for themselves at the Knightsbridge or Marylebone High Street locations. | 14 Pont St., Knightsbridge | SW1X 9EN | 020/7259–5969 | www.rachelriley.com | Knightsbridge.
Clothing: Menswear
Hackett.
If J. Crew isn’t preppy enough for you, try Hackett. What once started as a posh thrift shop, Hackett once recycled cricket flannels, hunting pinks, Oxford brogues, and similar British wear. Now it makes its own attire, and it has become a genuine—and very good—gentlemen’s outfitter. The look is traditional and classic, and some of the best buys include polo shirts, corduroys,