Henrietta Ludgate's Work-Shop

Part studio, part store, Henrietta Ludgate’s Work-Shop is an unlikely addition to Whiteleys shopping centre. The designer concept store works as an independent antidote to the high street giants it shares space with, giving shoppers the chance to buy unique designs off the rack as well as tailor-make their purchase by altering its fabric, length or detailing. Ludgate herself – a Scot who left a career as a stylist and studio manager for Osman Yousefzada to train as a designer – can be found in-store, bustling about among a clutch of pattern cutters and seamstresses. Her designs, meanwhile, are showcased toward the front. Sculptural, quilted coats sit alongside shift dresses rimmed at the neck with the designer’s signature tubing as well as structured A-line mini skirts printed with Highland-inspired forest prints. Prices aren’t staggering, but reflect the workmanship and bespoke service, with dresses coming in at around £300 and coats at £500.