I recently returned to the USA after spending most of my summer in London. What a incredible time I had in one of my favorite cities in the world.
What I love most about London, and have always loved about this city is the diversity.The people watching is endless.
There truly is not one particular style that can be labeled and this to me is more refreshing than an ice cold Coke on a hot summer day. I love the expression of freedom and individuality that most walk around with displayed in their wardrobe chose.It truly is so very hopeful not to see bold big letters on the front of shirts identifying where the clothing was bought.
As for the shopping ... The stores along each road mostly remain with their own quirkiness and believe it or not have not yet succumbed to the power of the oh so mighty chains..( and hopefuly will not )
So, yes people my dear fellow shoppers looking for unusual items still remains possible in London shopping. I have to add sadly apart from Cath Kidson which has been bought over by a powerhouse and thus lost its uniqueness and gone over to the dark side of mass production. This screams at you the moment you enter their huge new flagstore .
On my adventures of seeking out and adhering to my ongoing love of fabric, pattern and fine things I came to the road less travelled.. to a street called Berwick and here I found a wonderful shop filled with all the things I do love.
Introducing the one and only Cloth House.
After touching and admiring the bolts of gorgeous fabrics ranging from linens to cottons to whatever your heart desires in terms of fabric, I sat and spoke with the owner Niki for a while and went through all her fantastic wares from rolls of gorgeous mouth watering fabrics ( yes fabrics can do that to me !) to vintage embellishments/ haberdashery.
Eye candy at its best people. My advice is make it a destination on your next trip to London.
This shop is filled to the brim with creative items all waiting to be used or merely to stimulate ones creative juices. What I loved too was the fab way in which everything is displayed. There is not a space anywhere within the shop that is not crammed with something that draws your eye in. From cards of vintage buttons to rolls of gold trim... its all a visual treat.
My advice if you are visiting London anytime soon pop in and have a look yourself you will most certainly not be disappointed but instead feel inspired to create and no doubt walk out with a bag full of goodies.
The address is 98 Berwick Street , Soho, London W1F 0QJ