Shopping

The Library
Designer labels and literature may seem an unlikely combination, but this fantastic emporium will convince you otherwise. Stock from seasoned greats like McQueen and Westwood hangs alongside that of newer fashion stars like Kris Van Assche. Also look out for lesser-known label G Guaglianone, whose combination of Italian street style with traditional British tailoring makes for a sleek, wearable line of smart and casual clothes. There’s also a small selection of gift-friendly womenswear (cashmere, Balenciaga bags). Although the interior could do with an update, selling secondhand fashion and art books alongside clothes adds another dimension to the experience.
The Library, 268 Brompton Rd, SW3 (020 7589 6569) South Kensington tube. Open Mon, Tue, Thur-Sat 10am-6.30pm, Wed 10am-7pm, Sun 12.30-5.30pm. Feature continues

Matches
Best for coats
One of three branches, the main shop at 60 Ledbury Road sells heavyweights such as Balenciaga, Lanvin, Missoni, and Marc Jacobs, along with all the fabulous accessories created to accompany the clothes (menswear is downstairs). Across the street is Matches Spy, where you’ll find a slightly quirkier mix, including popular diffusion lines (Miu Miu, Marc by Marc Jacobs), as well as new labels (Alexander McQueen’s McQ diffusion line and 3.1 Phillip Lim, for example), plus piles of premium jeans. The dedicated Diane von Furstenberg store at No 83 is also part of the empire.
Matches, 60-64 Ledbury Rd, W11 (020 7221 0255/www.matchesfashion.com) Notting Hill Gate tube. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.

Microzine
Combining fashion, furnishings, books, gadgets and even art, Microzine houses a magazine’s worth of stock under one roof. Clothing is the right side of laddish with Kim Jones’s range for Umbro and DKNY featuring heavily. ReHash denim (from £120), with a cinch-back and boot-leg cut, reflects the house style – the look is trend-aware but not too ‘worked’. Masculine furnishings are perfect for that city bachelor pad with key design classics such as Philippe Starck’s Gun light. Gadgets are similarly slick.
Microzine, 3-4 Little Portland St, W1 (020 7636 8969/www.microzine.co.uk) Oxford Circus tube. Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm.

Mimi
Best for bold bags
Mimi Berry’s work has a girlie bent, evident in the squishy, prettily dyed clutches and purses, though certain designs will be loved by those who prefer simplicity. Among the most popular styles are the jokily named Numpty, with a cleverly designed, zipped foldover flap, and the Isaac shoulder bag, with a wide strap and buckle detail (both £130). New for autumn/winter 2006/07 is Elsie, a grown-up satchel in colours like buttercup yellow and sunset orange, and May, a roomy shopper.
Mimi, 40 Cheshire St, E2 (020 7729 6699/www.mimimika.com) Liverpool St tube/rail. Open by appointment only Tue-Thur, Fri-Sat 10.30am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm.