Notting Hill has been a fashion force to be reckoned with since its Bohemian era in the 1980s, when Portobello Road became the place to find one-off pieces in both the small boutiques and famous market. Fast-forward a few decades and the market, which takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, remains a must-visit for antiques, jewellery and vintage fashion. Away from the stalls, the neighbourhood’s Italianate houses are bookended by boutiques from internationally acclaimed designers and independent retailers, ranging from eco-conscious fashion to adorable childrenswear. These are the best boutiques in Notting Hill to add to your little black book.
L’Appartement Sézane, Westbourne Grove
Founded by Morgane Sézalory in 2013, luxury French e-tailer Sézane is known for its laidback, feminine French-girl style, which includes slouchy knitwear, pretty printed blouses, trenchcoats and metallic heels. At one point, its bestselling Barry cardigan amassed a 10,000-strong waitlist. Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill lays claim to the brand’s first brick-and-mortar boutique in London, showcasing a complete edit of clothing, accessories, homeware and fragrance.
Address: 233 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE, sezane.com
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 10.30am-6.30pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm
Reformation, Westbourne Grove
Another cult-favourite fashion brand on Westbourne Grove is eco-friendly, Californian label Reformation, favoured by Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner. Shop the label’s wedding guest-perfect drop shoulder dresses, thigh-skimming mini skirts, sustainable cashmere and denim, alongside swimwear and lingerie. The tech-savvy store allows you to order styles and sizes via an iPad, which then appear as if by magic in your changing room, akin to a scene from Clueless.
Address: 186 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2RH, thereformation.com
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 12pm-6pm
Caramel, Ledbury Road
One of the many gorgeous, independent boutiques on Ledbury Road, Caramel specialises in luxurious lifestyle wares with a vintage-inspired sensibility. It has two outposts: one sporting homeware and women’s fashion, including woven baskets, knitted blankets, crockery, candles and pyjamas. The other specialises in beautiful baby and childrenswear and is a mecca for gifting. Shop adorable rompers, cashmere sets and bloomers in linen and cotton with distinctive, whimsical prints, as well as toys, books and nursery decor.
Address: Caramel childrenswear, 77 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AG; Caramel home and womenswear; 38B Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AB
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm
Jessie Western, Portobello Road
Look for the hanging cowboy boot on Portobello Road to locate Jessie Western – a trove of Native American and Western wares spanning clothing, footwear and jewellery. The boutique is owned by two sisters, Jess and Vicky, who share a commitment to ethical luxury and a passion for authentic hand-craftsmanship. Delve through rails stuffed with fringed jackets, ponchos, blanket coats and denim, hung alongside cabinets of sterling silver and rare turquoise jewellery. You can also find hand-painted cowboy boots, moccasins and beaded bags. Collections are made by Native American artists, while fine diamond and gemstone jewellery is made onsite by Jess, who previously studied at Central Saint Martins.
Address: 82A Portobello Road, W11 2QD, jessiewestern.com
Opening hours: 10am-6pm
Couverture & The Garbstore
Run as two separate stores within the same building, Couverture & The Garbstore was founded by couple Emily Dyson and Ian Paley, who met while working together at Paul Smith. Set in a three-storey period townhouse, the boutique champions emerging designers and cult labels, many of which are exclusive to the store. Head here for unique gifts, adorable childrenswear and independent fashion with a focus on craftsmanship, plus the boutique’s in-house ‘No Chemicals’ fragrance line.
Address: Couverture & The Garbstore, 188 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11 2ES, couvertureandthegarbstore.com
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 12pm-5pm
Aimé
After studying in London in 1999, French-Cambodian sisters Val and Vanda Heng Vong wanted to address the absence of Parisian labels and products in London. Their idea of a multi-brand lifestyle boutique, that could showcase the best of French design, soon evolved into a curated Parisian boutique, Aimé, in Notting Hill. The boutique stocks home and lifestyle pieces alongside luxury womenswear to offer 360-degree Parisian style. Alongside French designers like Herbarium Paris, Isabel Marant and Repetto, the stores now stocks global luxury labels including Ulla Johnson and BSBEE.
Address: Aimé, 32 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AB, aimelondon.com
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 12pm-5pm
Lisou London, Westbourne Grove
Head designer Rene MacDonald draws on her African heritage and global travels when designing silk blouses and shirts for London-based label Lisou. Exuberant ruffles and vivacious prints flourish her colourful Westbourne Grove boutique, designed with her mother in mind. “She loved fashion and was a woman of elegance and high spirit,” says MacDonald. “Her aesthetic has informed the décor of the shop, while her love of bold African colour inspires my work.”
The entrance of the shop is recognisable by a faux blossom tree, crowned with ivory silk leaves, which is complemented by a hand-painted mural inside the shop. “In amongst the branches is Sheba, the powerful and resilient flying lady who also features on several of our in-house prints.” The charming shop also has secluded café space, where customers are encouraged to relax and engage.
Address: Lisou, 302 Westbourne Grove, W11 2PS, lisou.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Read more: The SS24 trend report
Credit: Source link