London (Fodor's 2012) - Fodor's [191]
Clothing: Women’s Wear
Agent Provocateur.
Created by Vivienne Westwood’s son, these shops purvey sexy, naughty-but-nice lingerie in gorgeous fabrics and lace. The original shop is in the almost-red-light area of Soho, but there are now branches across the city—and across the Atlantic. Selections are also available in Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Selfridges. | 16 Pont St., Knightsbridge | SW1X 9EN | 020/7235–0229 | www.agentprovocateur.com | Closed Sun. | Knightsbridge, Sloane Sq.
Department Stores
Fodor’s Choice | Harrods.
A fabled encyclopedia of luxury brands, this Knightsbridge institution has more than 300 departments and 20 restaurants, all spread over 1 million square feet. If you approach Harrods as a tourist attraction rather than a fashion store, you won’t be disappointed. Focus on the spectacular food halls, the huge ground-floor perfumery, the marble-clad accessory rooms, and the theme park–like Egyptian Room—at the bottom of the nearby Egyptian escalator there’s a commemorative memorial to Diana and Dodi (whose father owns Harrods). TIP Be prepared to brave the crowds (avoid visiting on a Saturday if you can), and be prepared to pay if you want to use the bathroom on some floors(!). | 87–135 Brompton Rd., Knightsbridge | SW1X 7XL | 020/7730–1234 | www.harrods.com | Knightsbridge.
Harvey Nichols.
While visiting tourists flock to Harrods, true London fashionistas shop at Harvey Nichols, aka “Harvey Nicks” as it’s called. The fashion and accessories departments are outstanding, carrying designs from Prada to 3.1 Phillip Lim. The furniture and housewares are equally gorgeous (and pricey), but bargains abound during the twice-annual sales in January and July. The Fifth Floor restaurant is a place to see and be seen, but if you’re after a quick bite, pick up a sandwich and some chocolates from the Foodmarket or Daylesford Organic. | 109–125 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge | SW1X 7RJ | 020/7235–5000 | www.harveynichols.com | Knightsbridge.
Shoes
Jimmy Choo.
It’s the name on every supermodel’s and fashion editor’s feet, even though it is Tamara Mellon who launched and now owns the company. The brand’s exquisite and elegant designs combine luxurious materials and details with shapes (pointy toes and slim high heels are signatures) that are classic enough to have fashion staying power—essential given the prices. The handbags are also a hit with fans. | 32 Sloane St., Knightsbridge | SW1X 9NR | 020/7823–1051 | www.jimmychoo.com | Knightsbridge.
NOTTING HILL
Books
The Travel Bookshop.
Across the street from Books for Cooks, this store covers the world on its shelves. It’s great for globetrotters and armchair travelers alike, and is the kind of crowded but quaint bookshop that makes for a great movie backdrop—this explains why it was the setting for Hugh Grant’s bookstore in the movie Notting Hill. | 13–15 Blenheim Crescent,Notting HillW11 2E | E | 020/7229–5260 | www.thetravelbookshop.com | Notting Hill Gate.
Books for Cooks.
It may seem odd to describe a bookshop as delicious-smelling, but between the products of its test kitchen and its regularly scheduled cooking workshops, Books for Cooks is hard to resist. Just about every world cuisine is represented on its shelves, along with the complete lineup of celebrity-chef editions. You can sample lunch dishes, cakes, and coffee at one of a handful of tables in the back. TIP Before you come to London, visit the shop’s Web site, www.booksforcooks.com, to sign up for a cooking class. | 4 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill | W11 1NN | 020/7221–1992 | Closed Sun. and Mon. | Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove.
Clothing
Aimé.
French-Cambodian sisters Val and Vanda Heng-Vong launched this shop to showcase the best of French clothing and designer housewares. Expect to find fashion by Isabel Marant, Antik Batik, and A.P.C. You can also pick up scents by Esteban and a well-edited collection of ceramics. Just next door at 34 Ledbury Road, Petit Aim