What is it?
Since launching in 1970, Browns has played an instrumental role in the careers of some of the world’s biggest fashion titans. Founder Joan Burstein (the ‘fairy godmother of fashion’) is credited with discovering John Galliano after stumbling across his graduate collection and later on, stocking the work of (at that time) a little known designer named Alexander McQueen. Mrs B, as she was known, also introduced the likes of Comme des Garçons, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein to the British fashion scene. More than 50 years later, Browns continues to champion young and emerging designers. After being acquired by fashion website FarFetch in 2015, Browns moved its flagship store on South Molton Street to a Grade II-listed eighteenth century building on Mayfair’s Brook Street in 2021.
What does it sell?
There are more than 100 established and next-gen designers jostling for attention at Browns, from Chloé and Dries Van Noten to Balenciaga and Christian Dior. The first floor hosts a carefully curated collection of apparel, shoes, bags, fine jewellery, accessories and homewear and the Yellow Room is where the most luxury of luxurious brands reside. More high-fashion pieces are on display in the Focus Room on the ground floor.
Opening times
Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-6.30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday (but can open by appointment).
Time Out tip
On the ground floor, you’ll also fine 123V Browns, a fully plant-based, award-winning sushi restaurant. Menu highlights include the California roll with tempura plant prawn and red kelp caviar, the crispy rice with ‘tofu-crab’ and the pineapple and crispyvegan bacon sushi tacos.