London travel guide
Retail
Whether it’s small-yet-recognisable brand names, a fresh designer making a mark or old chaps with new-found glory, London knows how to cater to the most exigent of tastes. Of course there are also the big labels and global fast-fashion retailers but we’ve always had a soft spot for independent outfits.
Trunk Clothiers, Marylebone
Trunk is an integral part of the fabric of this well-turned-out neighbourhood. Trunk Clothiers was established in 2010 with a view to shaking up the capital’s menswear offering: the shop houses a range of brands from Japan, Scandinavia, the US, Italy and beyond, chosen with a keen eye for detail by Mats Klingberg. Sharp tailoring, fine knitwear and lesser-spotted pieces by the likes of Boglioli, Barena, Kaptain Sunshine and Alden all sit side-by-side with one another.
8 Chiltern Street, W1U 7PU+44 (0)20 7486 2357
trunkclothiers.com
Studio Nicholson, Soho
Whether boxy linen shirts, loose merino-blend dresses or voluminous pleated trousers, in greys, creams and navy, Nick Wakeman’s designs are understated yet playful. Studio Nicholson creates relaxed pieces that can be dressed up for both men and women. Customers can peruse these items at its flagship on the corner of Broadwick Street, a sun- dappled space fitted with dove-grey rubber floors, oak cabinets made by Uncommon Projects and a fluffy armchair by designer and upholstery expert Sedilia.
studionicholson.com
Present & Correct, Bloomsbury
On Bloomsbury’s Bury Place, Present & Correct is a pilgrimage for stationery obsessives. Founded in 2009 by graphic designer Neal Whittington, the space sells everything from Japanese notebooks and Portuguese postcards to French wrapping paper and Swiss invoice envelopes. Many of the customers are artists and designers themselves. Much of the inventory has been designed by Whittington himself, while the rest has been diligently sourced from his travels through Europe and beyond.
presentandcorrect.com
Perfumer H, Mayfair
With several locations in London, Perfumer H has a nose for what’s next in the fragrance industry. The brand’s ingenuity is thanks to its founder and classically trained perfumer, Lyn Harris, who also established Miller Harris perfumery. Expect to be welcomed by her team of knowledgeable staff, who can guide you through the brand’s unconventional scents and candles that are fragranced with ingredients including leather, ink and salt. Everything looks as good as it smells too, particularly the handblown range of vintage-style bottles. Their selection of loose-leaf teas and hand-rolled incense by traditional practitioners in Kyoto are an ideal gift.
perfumerh.com
Images: Andrew Urwin, Felix Brüggemann, Harry Mitchell