Founded in 2016 by Freddie Elborne, MONC is an eyewear biz that puts as much emphasis on the craft as it does on the aesthetics of its glasses. The designs are inspired by creative districts around the world (there’s one called London Fields) and the frames are made from conscious materials, like bio-acetate and mineral glass, by craftspeople in Italy. The range is tightly curated but there’s plenty of choice across frame shapes and colours.
"Dare I say, possibly the most "sustainable" eyewear one can get?"
Award-winning jeweller Castro Smith specialises in hand engraving and is known for his illustrative and painterly style. Blending both European and Japanese techniques, he does a lot of seal engraving but with a modern twist – he engraves around an entire ring rather than just on the face, and takes inspiration from history, mythology and the natural world for his designs. You can buy his jewellery online or make an appointment to visit his workshop.
"Arguably one of the most talented fine jewellers that exists today. His workshop is appointment only but absolutely worth a visit if you're in the market for a truly special piece."
After spending years adjusting men’s shirts for her own wear, former Vogue stylist and Tatler editor Pip Durell decided to start making her own, and With Nothing Underneath was born. Shirts are what WNU is best known for – inspired by men’s tailoring but designed to fit women, they come in a variety of shapes and materials, so you can just as easily find a smart silky number for date night as you can a oversized linen one for the beach. The brand also does a range of wardrobe essentials, all in the same pared-back, timeless style.
"Selling wardrobe staples such as the best button down shirt you'll ever wear and in 100% natural fibres."
After starting life on Columbia Road, Choosing Keeping moved to a bigger space in Seven Dials in 2018, with more room to display its unparalleled range of pens, paper, stationery and other desk objects. An antidote to cheap, mass-made products, everything at Choosing Keeping, from silkscreen paper from Japan to German pens to American paper decorations, has been intentionally chosen and designed to last. It’s worth coming just for a browse, especially during the festive season when the festive ornaments and Christmas cards are out, but it really should be your first port of call anytime you’re in need of a good gift.
"I love this stationery shop for its array of Japanese stationery and Victorian-inspired aesthetic."
This Chelsea store is one of the best places for pre-loved fashion in the city. Originally opened as a place to sell clothes that belonged to celebrities, it’s become a treasure trove for secondhand designer pieces, including clothing, jewellery, shoes, bags and accessories Sign of the Times stocked with the likes of Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Celine, The Row, Saint Laurent, Prada, Loewe, Isabel Marant, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Moschino and more, and all of the items are selected for their quality.
"This is where the wealthy hot mums of Chelsea bring their barely worn designer clothes to be sold. It's a consignment store where you can find some marvellous things - a few years ago I scored silk Pucci trousers for £100 and have been far ahead of TikTok thanks to them."
Charity shopping in posh areas is the best way to find pre-loved designer gear and this branch of Royal Trinity Hospice on Kensington Church Street is suitably well stocked. Go digging for high-end pieces, shoes, accessories and menswear, and it’s all in aid of the charity, which provides palliative and end-of-life care in south west and central London.
"The best charity shop in London, IMO."
If you’re on the hunt for some good eyewear, Rae’s Glasses & Sunglasses should be your first stop. After starting at a pop-up, Rae set up shop in Camden Passage with a cracking collection of unworn vintage glasses and sunglasses, with one-off pieces, designer frames and some less well-known brands, and you can get prescription lenses too.
"Home to the original sources that inspire many a designer collection today."
Fans of pearl jewellery will want to make a beeline for Bamyan Jewellery. Though it started with a market stall selling amber, this family-owned business, which has since expanded to a shop on Portobello Road now specialises in pearls, corals, amber and other gem stones. Everything is made in-house and you can also get custom orders done too, so it’s worth checking out if you want something unique that won’t break the bank.
"This is my favourite custom jewellery shop that specialises in pearls. They can make you anything you like from whatever you see on display and extremely reasonably priced."
Taking place on the second Sunday of the month, Chiswick Antiques & Vintage Market sees some of the best antiques and vintage traders in the country pitch up with their goodies. You can find everything French brocante pieces, mid-century furniture, art, haberdashery, jewellery and pretty much everything else in between here, so you never know what treasure you might stumble upon.
"A monthly market that is one of the best around for truly nostalgic knick knacks, furniture and even sewing supplies."
MacCulloch & Wallis has been selling cloth, thread and trimmings to Londoners since 1902, so to say these are experts in the world of drapery and haberdashery would be an understatement. It’s stocked with a variety of yarns, threads, fabrics, buttons and trimmings, plus all the accessories and equipment you’d need to knit, sew, crochet and make hats.
"I spend too much money here on yarn. They're also a haberdashery and fabric shop."
