From Savile Row tailors to punk rebellion, British brands have consistently pushed style boundaries to earn a place as a global fashion capital. And the cream of the fashion crop can be found right here in Knightsbridge
Flying the flag: five British brands to discover in Knightsbridge
We might be a little biased, but there’s no better place than Knightsbridge to discover brands with a unique or storied British history. Looking at labels with standalone brick-and-mortar spots as well as gems found inside the area’s leading department stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols, we’ve rounded up five unmissable destinations to visit on your next shopping mission.
Even though it’s now a global success story, Burberry has a deep and unshakable British heritage. Established in 1856 when Thomas Burberry decided to bring his bold vision for outerwear to life, the revolutionary gabardine trench coat soon became a fashion icon and the brand’s trademark checks (unveiled in the 1920s as a lining) later followed suit. Today, some of the classic camel-hued trenches are still handmade in Castleford, Yorkshire, and the flagship store in Knightsbridge holds significant ties to the SW1 postcode, as it was here that the founder first opened a shop. Head down to 1 Sloane Street to browse Daniel Lee’s debut collection as chief creative officer – it’s colourful, it’s fun, and it even includes fluffy hot water bottles.
1 SLOANE STREET, SW1X 9LA
Over on Instagram, Ted Baker shares an “ode to the joyous moments of everyday British life” with over 1.3 million followers. Founded in 1987 after an idea came to Ray Kelvin while fishing, stores quickly popped up in Glasgow, Manchester and Nottingham before the brand reached London in 1990. Fast-forward to now and the creative team behind the label present fresh takes on customer favourites for AW23, including the beloved Rose coat reimagined in this season’s sleek, trending leather.
75 BROMPTON ROAD, SW3 1DB
Reiss’ design philosophy is simple: enduring modernity. Launched in 1971 with the opening of a menswear store in Bishopsgate, the label now also produces womenswear, accessories and kidswear in a way that “transcends time and trends.” Consider it your go-to for workwear, winter wedding looks or the perfect party garms that’ll look good now and remain stylish season after season.
UNIT 1, 163 BROMPTON ROAD, SW3 1PY
Rixo’s first-ever collection was packed with hand-painted prints, created in a university living-room taken over by a sea of fabric swatches. Today, design director Orlagh McCloskey still works the same magic, but at the Hammersmith HQ and with only one flatmate in sight – co-founder and brand director, Henrietta Rix. Born in 2015, the London-based label shot to success by bridging the gap between amazing fit and unique fabrics. Inspired by great vintage finds and iconic eras, muses include Pattie Boyd, Cher and Bianca Jagger. The best part? Alongside its timeless styles to treasure, the brand recently launched “True Vintage” and a rental service.
109-125 KNIGHTSBRIDGE, SW1X 7RJ
Born in London to a family of legendary creators, Stella McCartney was raised in both the city and the English countryside. Impressively, after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 1995, she went on to become the creative director of Chloé in 1997 and scooped British Designer of the Year at the Elle Style Awards in 1999. In 2001, the lifelong vegetarian launched her eponymous house and has never used real leather, feathers, skins or furs in any of her collections since day dot. Don’t miss the Horse Power collection for winter 2023 that’s inspired by the photography of her sister Mary and late mother, Linda. The suiting in it pays homage to Stella’s Savile Row days and comes in warm neutrals and regalia reds.
87-135 BROMPTON ROAD, SW1X 7XL
