Kieran is one of our runners up in this years Along The Thames Creative Wrting Prize at Brunel University
Mrs Jones
Stylist and designer Fee Doran is better known by her alter-ego (and fashion label) Mrs Jones, dressing the likes of The Scissor Sisters, Florence and the Machine, Cheryl Cole and Paloma Faith. Her private studio in Farringdon is something of a legendary hangout for musicians and fashion insiders, but once per season Doran opens her doors to you: London’s most discerning shoppers. Look out for Doran’s own collection, ‘Backstage’ as well as a jumble of other labels, furniture, prints, books and jewellery. www.mrsj.co.uk
Cube
More incognito than your average pop-up, this small boutique is the brainchild of fashion PR company Cube. Whispering among bloggers and fashion editors as the place to spot up-and-coming names in British menswear, the tiny shop quietly revamps itself up to ten times a year to showcase a new brand. Uber hip brand Universal Works debuted here, and later this year expect Private White VC. www.cubecompany.com
Larache
Photographer Hassan Hajjaj’s Shoreditch boutique is a riot of colour- a tiny outpost of Marrakech hidden on sleepy Calvert Avenue. His recycled furniture, cushions, pouffes and T-shirts are a side project to his rather successful day job; Hajjaj’s photography was part of ‘The Other Britain Revisited’ exhibition at the V&A, and his ‘Kesh Angels’ exhibition (a portrait of a female biker gang in Marrakech) is currently on at Rose Issa Projects in Kensington. www.hassan-hajjaj.com
Pop Boutique
Tucked away on Monmouth Street in Covent Garden, Pop Boutique is the affordable alternative to premium vintage wears. Stocking both men and women’s clothing, this slice of vintage heaven sells recycled garbs from the 50s through to the 80s, as well as their own capsule collection ‘POP Label.’ With prices as low as £45 for a complete outfit, looking vintage-chic has never been so affordable. www.pop-boutique.com
Vintage:
Supermarket Sarah
For the hippest thing in in window dressing, check out Supermarket Sarah’s temporary walls. Selfridges and the YNC Gallery have already had Sarah’s hands on their displays, but it’s her own living room walls where the real magic happens. The freshest design talent London has to offer (including a fitted raincoat made from laminated Morrisons bags) is shown along vintage finds and bric-a-brac, and Sarah herself will welcome you with a cup of tea and some cake. At an undisclosed location, and by appointment only, this is cutting-edge shopping on the sly! www.supermarketsarah.com
Hornets
A favourite with discerning menswear bloggers, Steve Salter’s tiny Kensington shop is tucked away behind St Mary Abbot’s church and sells impeccable second-hand menswear. Think Saville Row suits in excellent nick and lots of tweed, alongside contemporary designer labels and an impressive range of accessories and hats by Christy, including classic top hats, bowlers and trilbies. Should be one on every dapper gent’s hit list.
Shock and Soul
Even if you’ve already heard the word-of-mouth buzz about this impressive French vintage clothing business, you’ve probably struggled to find it. Started by an obsessive eBayer eight years ago, Shock and Soul has popped up at fairs and markets, taken over Islington Merchants Hall and is now due to open its own permanent store on Camden Passage. But for the crème of the stock, call for an appointment at the secret Dalston studio. From the most demure gown to eccentric vintage tshirts, Shock and Soul truly offers something for everyone. www.shockandsoul.co.uk
Rokit
Rokit has fast-become one of the premier stores to find those rare vintage pieces that have been lost to the ages. Stocking mens-wear, womens-wear and even children’s clothing, as well as an array of accessories, homeware and footwear from across the 20s right through to the 80s, Rokit offers everything a vintage fashion-enthusiast could want. Whether you’re looking to find cheap, individual pieces for your wardrobe, or a vintage clothing collector seeking those authentic, original designer pieces from yesteryear, Rokit offers shoppers a truly unique shopping experience. www.rokit.co.uk
