London is known around the world as Great Britain’s most cosmopolitan city, a haven for business and counterculture alike where some of the world’s biggest names in fine art, music, food, and politics are proud to call them selves residents. What the city is equally abundant in, if less recognized for, is its remarkable contributions to the world of fashion, giving us designers from Alexander McQueen to Stella McCartney, and countless opportunities for high-end shopping that you won’t find anywhere else. From Knightsbridge to Notting Hill, you’re sure to find a look that suits your taste in one of these chic shops.
Matches
Luxury brand devotees will have their taste for the finer things sated with a trip to one of Matches’ stores in London. With four locations in the city in Marylebone, Notting Hill, Richmond, and Wimbledon, this convenient shopper’s paradise has become a must-shop store for London’s most fashionable inhabitants, thanks to its wealth of high-end wares from designer houses like Alexander Wang, Lanvin, and Maison Margiela.
Liberty
Liberty’s bold print and preppy style have made the brand an icon of British design. Londoners eager to channel the brand’s classic look flock to this Regent Street store for everything from bright, patterned pieces to housewares that complement this brand’s standout style. In addition to pieces in classic Liberty fabric, shoppers can pick up extras like Diptique candles, Kiehl’s skincare products, and Laura Mercier makeup.
Selfridges
A one-stop shop for everything from fashion to food, Selfridges has long been a staple of London’s fashion culture. This famed department store has easy everyday pieces from brands like The Kooples and All Saints, as well as designer clothing, shoes, and accessories from brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Balmain. Fortunately, if you find the perfect piece in the not-quite-perfect fit, Selfridges also has in-house tailoring. If you’re hungry for more than just fashion, some of the city’s best dining is right at your fingertips, as well, thanks to restaurants like the Champagne & Oyster Bar, Lola’s Cupcakes, Yo! Sushi, and The Selfridges Kitchen, a lunch counter with everything from soup and sandwiches to Lebanese cuisine. If you’re feeling a bit worse for wear after a long day of shopping, you can quickly and easily refresh your look with a trip to Hershesons Blow Dry Bar or Braid-Bar, some eyebrow shaping from Blink Brow Bar, and even a last-minute manicure from The Paint Shop or Cowshed.
Harrods
One of the largest and most well-known department stores in the world, shoppers could easily spend a full day in Harrod’s and never see all of it. Makeup, luxury skincare, designer handbags, and clothing from luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Kurt Geiger, are all available under the same roof in this beloved Knightsbridge shopping destination. For little ones, the store’s peerless toy department is a veritable wonderland of imaginative playthings, from the Harrods’ classic Oliver Bear to Lego sets to Steiff stuffed animals. Foodies can get their fill as well at Harrods’ elegant food hall, where guests can purchase wines from every corner of the world, gourmet holiday baskets sure to wow family and friends, and delicacies from around the globe, like South African dried meat delicacy biltong, fresh mozzarella, pastries just out of the oven, and deli staples. On your way out, make sure to stop by the Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed memorials, tributes to the fallen couple which include a massive diamond ring purchased for Diana by Fayed, rumored to have been an engagement ring, encased in a glass pyramid, as well as a bronze statue of the couple joyfully dancing together as a bird flies overhead.
The Kooples
Head out to the high street for some of London’s chicest styles, courtesy of The Kooples. This French-born fashion retailer has earned a devoted following in the UK, thanks in large part to its smattering of stores across London, from Primrose Hill to Soho. Inside the store, you’ll find everything from elegantly embroidered cocktail dresses to ‘70s-inspired jumpsuits to activewear and accessories suited to a wide variety of sartorial tastes.
No matter what your style, you’re sure to find the perfect fit in one of these fashionable London luxury shops.
Note: This is a guest post by Candace Schaffer; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author. Candice Schaffer works at Knightsbridge Park, a leading digital marketing firm for luxury real estate brands such as Manhattan View, Austin Nichols House, and 180 East 88th
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Sarah Stierch
LOVE! Especially the department stores – department stores in Europe have nothing on our American shops. Thanks for sharing!
Carmen Edelson
One of my favorite things to do when I’m in Europe is go shopping, especially for clothes. I find things here that I wouldn’t in the states.
Lottie
Liberty London is so gorgeous ?
Not that I would ever buy anything there, waaaaay too expensive! But the architecture is beautiful.
Carmen Edelson
I love window shopping, and walking through some of these stores in London. Even if I don’t buy anything they are worth the trip.
Vicki Louise
I’ve been in Selfridges & Harrods – on the basis that they are so big that I wouldn’t have looked out of place! Matches and Kooples look like something else though – how chic?! If I had money to burn I’d be right there!
Carmen Edelson
I feel like a child in a candy store when I go into Harrods. I love everything I see, and want to buy up the store.
Tom
The large department stores, Harrods and Selfridges, are certainly not to be missed, especially for their food halls. The crawfish sandwich I had at Harrods Food Halls was one of the best things I’ve eaten in London, and their smoked fish and caviar bar is an experience everyone should do once in a lifetime.
Carmen Edelson
I agree that the food halls at Harrods are definitely not to be missed if you travel to London. The chocolate treats were my favorite.
Carla Abanes
Was able to see Harrods briefly during my London layover, it was so huge! I didn’t get to see those chocolates that you have here though, but its a great excuse to visit London soon!
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Carmen Edelson
We made sure to take a detour to the food section of Harrods and try some of the delicious chocolates on display.
Jen
Great list! I’ve been to Selfridges and Harrods but not the others. Can’t wait to check them out on my next visit. High street shopping in London is soooo much fun, even if you don’t buy anything, it’s such a cool experience.
Carmen Edelson
I’m heading to London soon and can’t wait to explore some of the shops again to see what the new fashion trends are for the winter/fall.
Karla
We have selfridges and I really do love it. I love their style. Harrods, OMG, I loved that store.
Carmen Edelson
It’s hard to get me out of Harrods when I go, I want to buy everything in site.
Ria (@lifeinbigtent)
Great list! I’m going to London in the beginning of next year – will save it for look around when I will be there 🙂
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Carmen Edelson
Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s still worth a look around to see some of the clothes and the latest fashions.
Samantha
I’d love to shop at these beautiful stores. I would even like to just walk around and be in awe of all the cool displays! Can’t wait to visit London, some day!
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Carmen Edelson
You will love London, not only do they have some great stores to shop but there’s a lot to see and do in the city.
Brianna
I’m definitely not a luxury shopper. But I would probably stop by Liberty, just because the building looks so pretty. Also probably Harrods because…chocolate, obvi.
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Carmen Edelson
All the stores are unique and beautifully decorated, especially if you’re there during the holidays. The window displays in Harrods are amazing.
Punita Malhotra
Some of these stores are not just stores but also experiences in themselves. Harrods, for instance…is a icon of London, and even if one doesn’t shop, it gives you such a authentic feel of the British exclusivity. That itself is a great way to know one side of London.
Carmen Edelson
I totally agree just visiting these stores alone are quite the experience when visiting London. It’s also nice to say to people “I bought it in London”, when they ask you where you got it from. 🙂
Vanessa
I’ve been the Harrods food hall before, to get some pear-cinnamon bread from the bakery counter and it was such a great experience (and remarkably affordable!)
Carmen Edelson
We had lunch at Harrods and bought a box of chocolate. I didn’t find it that expensive at all.
Chrysoula
I am missing two of the list! My favorite one is the Harrods though. I love its Food Hall!
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Carmen Edelson
Harrods is my favorite too! Next time if you have a chance check out the others. They are just as nice as well.
Kerri
I will admit to being a huge Harrods fan – more so for the food than the fashion though. I can sit, walk, sit for hours watching people eat and order that incredible food from the Food Hall. I couldn’t believe there was even a pet store on one of the upper levels! Harrods sell a brand of chocolate that is very dear to my husband’s family. It can only be found here so we always come here to get some of that too. Selfridges is also my other fave, for pretty much the same reasons. I have been known to clothes shop here though too 🙂
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Carmen Edelson
Harrods is a great place to sit and people watch for hours. The food selection is incredible and the chocolates are to die for too.
Arzo Travels
Love shopping but hardly do when I am in London (knew only Harrods and Selfridge though), need to check out the other shops as well one day.
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Carmen Edelson
All I do when I’m in London is shop for new clothes. I love to find items that are unique and I won’t find back in the states.
Juliette @ Snorkels To Snow
I LOVE Selfridges! Was my favourite shop to visit in London. Awesome list – even if you’re not purchasing anything they are so great to look around and get inspiration!
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Carmen Edelson
Glad to hear that you love Selfridges. It’s one of my favorite stores too! I always find something that I like and end up walking out with something new.
Jennifer Melroy
I love wandering around luxury stores. They make for some of the best people watching. I love the chocolate counter at Harrods. All the at chocolate takes amazing.
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Carmen Edelson
It’s fun to walk around the stores and see what the other people are wearing and what they look at. I especially notice the purses. I love seeing Chanel, Prada and Hermes purses on the ladies.
Mar Pages
ooh the list in spot on. But I remember being really impressed with Topshop as well. Its huuuge with candie parlours and cupcake shops if I remembered correctly. It’s not a luxury brand though, just thought I should bring it up here as it was really interesting. Love shopping in London!
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Carmen Edelson
Topshop is a very nice store too! They have very cute dresses and shoes and not very expensive either.
Nancy
I love London & enjoyed reading about shopping in the city! Liberty is a personal favourite. ?
Carmen Edelson
I’m heading to London in 10 days and can’t wait to visit some of these shops. Hopefully, I’ll find a few new stores to explore.
Sonali Chauhan
Wow it’s really amazing collection of Luxury Shops in London & a perfect list for Fashion & shopping lovers.
Carmen Edelson
London is a fashion lovers dream. I love seeing all the fashion trends in the stores. Makes me want to buy everything in site.
Ada
OMG I didn’t even realised that Liberty Shopping Center is a shopping centre hahaha I never made my way there but next time I am around I definitely check it out
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Carmen Edelson
The exterior of the Liberty Shopping Center really caught my attention, especially the clock.
Claire
The chocolates at Harrods made my visit to London. Thanks for the recommendation.
Carmen Edelson
They’re amazing at Harrods!