The best stops in London to draw a card
More than half a century has passed since John Stephen opened His Clothes , his men's boutique on Beak Street, where he sold his edgy scarves, wacky velvet jackets, and all sorts of flashy, quirky clothes he imported from Italy. He did not go unnoticed by the boys of Small Faces, Yardbirds or The Who when looking for that look with which to ring the bell at their concerts.
The flames swept away the premises, but in 1960 Stephen reopened with another store. More and better. and this time in Carnaby Street, a dull street that until then had not even a hint of commercial aspiration. But the atmosphere and the influx of public were in charge of changing things. They made the modern spirit spread to everything and this is how Carnaby soon became a showcase for men's trends . His success was so brutal that even The Kinks dedicated their single to him –“Dedicated Follower of Fashion”– in 1966, and Time magazine put its eyes on this authentic phenomenon in its Swinging London article.
We love the lowering and in London more
Since then Carnaby is Carnaby. No further introduction is needed. And it is still that place in Soho where you can find what is typical of London, but with a daring, fun and different twist. Anywhere: in the concept stores of chains such as Adidas, Levi's Vintage, Lee, Superga, Barobour or Fred Perry, with limited and unique editions ; in the branches of foreign stores that are only here –Eleven Paris, Monki, Lavand...; – small shops of independent British designers –Lazy Oaf, F-Troupe…–; and in the pop up stores (locals that rotate their stores to test their adaptation), which are the best thermometer to measure the speed with which things happen in this city.
Over the years, the effect of Carnaby has gone further and, in addition to affecting the pedestrian street with the colorful houses, it has spread to those next door, forming small commercial centers –Kingly Court, Fourbert's Place and Newburgh Quarter. - Y has also jumped to restaurants –as original as the Hawaiian Kua'Aina–; delis –such as Delitox Kitchen with exquisite smoothies and natural dishes– and beauty salons –from the Californian Benefit to Illamasqua–.
They open late, hold workshops, courses and contests, and many even hold happenings and parties with DJs or artists. These are the best stops to pull cards. And take, in addition, the odd surprise.
Pretty Green, Liam Gallagher's shop
1.**PRETTY GREEN**
In front of the blue plaque of John Stephen, the founder of Carnaby Street, is Oasis component Liam Gallagher's shop. What you will see on their racks are polo shirts, t-shirts with psychedelic and military motifs, safari shoes (the shit-shoes of a lifetime) and a collection this summer inspired by the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour, designed by Pat Salter, ex Ted Baker with Gallagher. These are garments in general with a classic touch (with two collections: Green casual, and Black, more elegant), basic cuts and a very brit pop touch.
two. LOMOGRAPHY
The brand has millions of followers around the world. Here (one of the two stores in London) you can buy almost all of the brand's items, from the Diana models (with which it all started), to panoramic cameras, underwater cameras, flashes with color filters, limited editions and customizable lenses. The latest hit is the DIY camera that you make yourself And it's only worth £29. An ode to analog in a digital age.
A lifelong barbershop
3.**PANKHURST LONDON**
It is one of those typical London barbershops of a lifetime . But in version 2.0. Mega-tattooed barbers_hipsters (led by Brent Pankhurst), black and white photos of celebrities with impeccable looks, and Bentley signature hydraulic armchairs handcrafted in red leather. To relax in the basement there is a small lounge with a chesterfield chair and a Johny Walker corner, where clients (including Daniel Craig, Robbie Williams or Clive Owen) can come. to read trendy magazines, listen to vinyl or even have work meetings . The experience costs 50 pounds (the cut) and between 40 and 60 (the shave). They sell their products, brushes, creams and after shave. Also for contemporary dandies, just down the street, Peck rye continues the tradition of bespoke London tailors but with more contemporary cuts and aesthetics, and rounds off the look with very British accessories.
A very rock store
4.**THE GREAT FROG**
A troupe of celebrities is a follower of this family business of independent jewelers with more than three decades designing rings, bracelets and chokers with skulls as inspiration . Pret à porter jewelry and also custom orders. The latest addition to their sampler are their t-shirts and belts. Always with the rock touch.
5. DR. MARTENS
The London boots that we wore in the 90s and marked an entire generation are still in the gap. But yes, they have modernized. Now, in addition to the usual military ones, she has other shoes, sandals and clothes. The Carnaby store is also the only one in Europe that has a bespoke service for boots and online sales.
Boots from the 90s.
6. MARSHALL STREET LEISURE CENTER
To relax between shopping and shopping, and almost unnoticed in an old brick building is this gorgeous 115-foot indoor pool from the 1930s , under a very white vault with the city's coat of arms included. It also has a gym and spa.
7. KINGLY COURT
After a street that leaves Carnaby Street, you will reach this area full of shops and restaurants with terraces. To make a break, nothing like the convincing Scotch eggs (in batter) of White and Brown, accompanied by one of their beers or their huge hamburgers and salads . At 9 Kingly Street, still open, is the Miranda Club, the place where Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman met.
8. CARNABY ECHOES
To know everything -the usual and the newest- of the Carnaby culture and music on a walking tour, you can download the free app.
Light installation in Carnaby Street
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