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From Matthew Williamson and Peter Jensen to Stephen Jones and Geoffrey J Finch: London’s leading designers tell us their top five London shops.
Have your say: on Facebook | on Twitter using #bestshopslondon | in the comments below
© Thomas Lohr
Accessories designer Piers creates fantastical headpieces for the less-than demure.
'It's a third mad-millionaire auntie's living room, a third fashion boutique and a third go-to hang-out for the best in west London news and social updates. I love it there!' Read more about Viola
'It has the most extensive and fabulous hat department in the whole of London, and is a bonanza for Ascot ladies in May and June. I love its millinery buyer, Lecia Finch.' Read more about Fenwick's
'It's simple enough for me to deal with: jumper, jeans – and everything else.' Read more about Uniqlo
'It sells any type of applicable hairdo the mind can imagine.' Read more about Pak's
'This is trimming Valhalla. Nothing can trump this marvel of knick-knackery for the fashion and clothing industries.' Read more about Barnett & Lawson
© Katinka Herbert
Charlie forms one half of the menswear label Casely-Hayford with his father, Joe.
'It was designed by Rei Kawakubo as a manifestation of her idea of "ordered chaos". It's my favourite store in London because every six months it closes for three days and opens as a new emporium. It is constantly evolving but still has a foundation of consistency in the way that it is always striving to innovate.' Read more about Dover Street Market
'The store has an old-world charm about it that is captivating and enticing. All the bespoke umbrellas and sticks are built on-site in the store's basement. The umbrella makers are trained so highly that the store has only hired one new member of staff in the past ten years. Its craftsmanship stands for a real type of luxury that is often overshadowed by larger, so-called "luxury" brands with fanciful marketing.' Read more about James Smith & Sons
'Years of your life can be lost in this store, but I also find that every time I go, I leave with something I had never heard of before I entered. For such a small space it has a vast world of music and an atmosphere where minutes can easily become hours.' Read more about Sounds of the Universe
'The store offers simple, crafted products for the home, always with an emphasis on function, but with a particular purist nod to form. The flagship store is a real breath of fresh air in a city where bells and whistles on everything is the normal practice. Labour and Wait leads the way in giving its customers something wholesome with a reassuring, utilitarian feel that reminds you of that feeling of home you had as a child.' Read more about Labour and Wait
'The concept store opened a year and a half ago on the now-bustling Redchurch Street. Stocking brands ranging from Rick Owens to Margaret Howell and Adam Kimmel, it is more like a gallery space than a shop. Walls and ceilings are covered in hessian with beautifully sourced furniture that only accentuates the space's slightly dark demeanour and gothic interior.' Read more about Hostem
Menswear designer and consultant on Kanye West's fashion collection.
'I've chosen this shop because the buyer has the best taste and everything stocked there is exclusive.' Read more about Browns
'D&Me is a treasure chest full of worthwhile (real) vintage.' Read more about D&Me
'Joseph is full of the most select, choicest season's pieces from many of my favourite designers, including Celine and Givenchy. You name it and they have it!' Read more about Joseph
'The bookshop upstairs is a favourite.' Read more about Louis Vuitton Maison
'I've picked this for the building, and because it is full of weird and wonderful statement pieces – whether for your kitchen, bathroom or front room!' Read more about Conran Shop
'In a charming cobbled street by Hoxton Square, proprietors Kyle Stewart and Jo Sindle have created the perfect east London emporium. Their edit of Junya Watanabe Commes des Garçons, Opening Ceremony, Bernhard Willhelm, Perks and Mini, Norse Projects (and my brand, Antipodium!) is inspired, witty and eminently wearable. Combine this with a sharp yet unpretentious fit-out, an irresistible selection of accessories, magazines and Malin + Goetz products, easy-on-the-eye staff and rollicking events, and you have a retail environment that sums up everything I love about my hood.' Read more about The Goodhood Store
'Tucked away, just off Knightsbridge, the cosy Cutler & Gross store is a beacon of British style, quality and individuality. Their beautifully crafted eyewear perfectly fuses classic and modern elements with high-spec materials, and is delightfully discreet in its branding. I often dream of its rare and delicate buffalo-horn rims.' Read more about Cutler & Gross
'Genius prints, superb colours, the right of amount of trick, branded dog bowls and an inimitable balance of camp and manliness – what's not to love about Supreme? I'm thrilled that they've finally opened a London store and the full range is now available on my doorstep. I even sort of love that the off-handed service has made its way across the pond.' Read more about Supreme
'A favourite of Oscar Wilde and the very first store to place an order on the Antipodium label; Liberty will always feel like a second home.' Read more about Liberty
'The Antipodium studio is powered (or perhaps empowered) by Neal's Yard's essential oils. Oh, and its therapy rooms happen to be right above my favourite restaurant, Elliot's. A short trip across the river seems to feed the body, mind and soul.' Read more about Neal's Yard Remedies
'It’s my favourite London department store for fashion. I love the building and I like that it feels more edited – the other department stores overwhelm me.' Read more about Liberty
'I really like this shop because the range of products is really small and simple and everything is good quality.' Read more about Sunspel
'We've both been around for ten years and b store is our longest-running stockist. It's still a good place to find new brands.' Read more about b store
'It’s really cosy and has a brilliant selection – and it's really fun to go in and gossip with Conor.' Read more about Donlon Books
'I really like perfume and Penhaligon's offers nice, old-fashioned service.' Read more about Penhaligon's
© www.justinephotography.com
Iconic milliner whose hats have graced the heads of Anna Piaggi, Beyoncé and the collections of Vivienne Westwood.
'This is the modern-day version of Kensington Market.' Read more about Dover Street Market
'Virginia is gorgeous, romantic and charming.'
'This sells the best men's hats in the world.'
'This is a fabulous umbrella shop, which is especially good for evening canes.' Read more about James Smith & Sons
'A destination shop for rose-geranium bath essence.' Read more about Floris
'I'm not normally into shoes for myself but this is where I go when I'm looking. It's a tiny shop and relatively low key.' Read more about Robert Clergerie
'It's great for finding a fantastic piece of vintage costume jewellery or just doing some research.' Read more about Alfie's Antique Market
'It's a nice experience to see the selection of brands here, and then have a slice of carrot cake at the Rose Bakery on the top floor.' Read more about Dover Street Market
'It's impressive that a shop has been in one place for so long. It is as much a tourist attraction as it is a shop.' Read more about Fortnum & Mason
'It can be hit or miss but when you find a good book, you find a really good book, and it's never expensive.' Read more about Oxfam Marylebone Bookshop
'I've been an Oki Ni fan from the time when the label had a store on Savile Row. The online selection is always the strongest around and it's not too "try hard". Added to that, its support for new designers is great. I'm really excited to see its new retail space is opening soon.'
'For vintage and interesting pieces you still can't fail with Steven at Rellik. Aside from being a total hoot, he really knows his stuff.' Read more about Rellik
'When I get around to throwing out my tramp clothes, I always go straight there for simple shirts and sweatshirts.' Read more about Uniqlo
'This is easily one of my favourite shops. I find it hard to leave without something and usually spend a fortune. It could do with some air-con, though.' Read more about Claire de Rouen Books
'This is always a must-visit when in central London. Some of the clothing can be a bit "dad" but, with a bit of patience, you can find really good shirts in simple stripes and chambrays. The make-up artist [we use for our fashion shows], Lauren Parsons, always ends up buying the same shirts for herself – its men’s shirts look great on girls. I love its plain black jeans, too. There's nothing tricksy about them. Then you can buy dinner in the food hall and jump in a cab home.' Read more about Marks & Spencer
© Neil Gavin
Founder of the eponymous label beloved of boho-types such as Sienna Miller.
'A great concept store designed by set designer Gary Card. I love the interesting mix of Japanese and British brands with quirky installation pieces.' Read more about LN-CC
'This is one of my regular interior-design haunts. My favourite electric blue suede sofa was bespoke-made for me here.' Read more about Tann Rokka
'I always wear Thom Sweeney suits for events and special occasions – they are tailored to the perfect shape for my frame and come in a vast selection of luxurious fabrics. My current favourites are a pale-blue seersucker suit for the summer and a chocolate-brown velvet one for the winter.' Read more about Thom Sweeney
'Not only does Trumper stock a fantastic range of gentleman’s grooming products, it also offers traditional wet shaves in the privacy of chic, mahogany-walled cubicles.' Read more about Geo F Trumper
'The Natural Kitchen encompasses a delicatessen stocking a wide variety of organic and locally sourced produce, and a great cafe, where I can get a "Londoner" sausage sandwich for breakfast.' Read more about Natural Kitchen
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