It’s been a week since we the lockdown has eased up and some of us have already been shopping. I have to say that I have spent my first “week of freedom” paying a visit to my favourite hair and beauty salons and I’ve only just started shopping in stores, for myself or for/with my clients.
After spending a year on and off lockdown, our behaviours have now changed for good. I can’t imagine for the life of me, going to a pre-Covid style networking event in a room packed of people, welcoming strangers coming up to me to introduce themselves. The same goes for crowded places and shopping is part of it. Now is even more the time to consider luxury shopping options that offer both privacy and the best styling options with a much wider edit of clothes and accessories than what is available in stores.
I have put together a list of the iconic stores that offer the most exclusive services in London to inspire you to shop in style again. Please feel free to contact me to book a styling appointment.
Matches Fashion Townhouse
This is probably the store that I’ve visited the most so far and where I host most of my “in person styling appointments” as most of my clients have always preferred having their fittings in the comfort of their home.
If you have been following me for a while, you will probably remember that I have hosted several events at Matches’s old VIP townhouse in Marylebone and that I’ve joined the Matches team to Paris when they hosted their week long pop up in a luxurious Hotel Particulier in Saint Germain des Pres. Matches has moved their VIP services to their new, much bigger townhouse in Mayfair, right opposite the Connaught Hotel. “5 Carlos Place” as it is called, is a cultural and style hub which, Pre-COVID had weekly fashion and art exhibitions on the ground floor, regularly hosted talks and events, has a restaurant on the top floor and half a dozen of stunning styling suites for private appointments.
Browns Fashion Townhouse
Browns has been through a huge revamp in the past years, first by opening a flagship store in East London and recently with the closure of their oldest store in South Molton Street before opening a magnificent townhouse in Mayfair
As opposed to the Matches Townhouse which styling suites are only available by appointment only, Browns townhouse is a store open to the public with VIP styling suites available by appointment through their selected team of personal stylists including yours truly.
Browns has one of the best selection of designers, especially new British talents as the store has always supported new talents and often stocks collections straight off London Fashion Week catwalks, whilst still carrying top brands such as Amina Muaddi, Tom Ford, Gucci and many more!
Moda Operandi Private Mews – by invitation only
Nestled in the heart of Knightsbridge, behind the Lanesborough and opposite the upcoming Shangri La, Moda Operandi London’s private mews is one of the 2 luxury by invitation only stores of the giant e-trailer, which has another luxury private store in New York.
The mews is the epitome of style and elegance. Pre-COVID the mews was hosting a selection of highly curated trunk shows, talks and dinners to celebrate fashion and its most iconic designers.
Styling appointments are hosted on the stunning first floor during an afternoon tea or a light lunch with Champagne, depending on the time of the day and the clients’s tastes.
Moda Operandi stands out from its competitors by the trunk shows they regularly host online, where clients can by next season’s collections directly from the catwalk or the designers ateliers. Their selections include top designers but also new talents. Clients place an order, pay a 50% deposit and pay the remaining amount shortly before the delivery of the pieces they have selected. Then can then do a fitting at the mews along with a selection of other items they have purchased online.
Last but not least Moda Operandi’a ground floor hides one of the most desired collection of preloved Hermes bags and a selection of stunning fine jewellery from designers scouted from all around the world. An incredible experience for the most discerning fashion connoisseurs
Dover Street Market
Dover Street Market is owned by the iconic brand Comme des Garçons. With a minimalist, clean aesthetic and mainly all black colour-scheme, the brand is one of the leaders in the edgy look and their flagship multi brand store is a reflection of Comme des Garçons DNA.
With no online presence, the store is one of the very little retail hubs which only offer a “real life experience”. The decor and the sales assistants outfits promise to offer clients an ever so inspiring experience. With 4 floors dedicated to fashion through a more edgy lense than the ones curating the polished private showrooms of Mayfair, Dover Street Market is the temple of coolness and effortless chic
I particularly like the basement with their incredible selection of trainers and new designers such as Marine Serre. The ground floor hosts Comme des Garçons main line and iconic designers such as Simone Rocha and a selection of jewellery designers.
Top fashion designers are on the first, second and 3rd floors, all displayed in an eye popping manner, mixing art and fashion. The private styling rooms are hidden in the egg shape walls, where curated edits, Champagne and canapés awaits clients. At every visits, I find myself spending hours in the shop, ever so inspired by the collections, the art and the amazing sales assistant sense of style. For me the store is ideal for clients appointments but also photo shoot prep. I’ve often brainstormed in their top floor cafe whilst clients and SA watching and flipping through their many fashion magazines
Tom Ford VIP Room – by invitation only
Tom Ford’s London flagship store, at the image of the brand is dedicated to pure luxury. Perfection in fabric, cuts and everything in between, it is the epitome of Luxe.
A favourite amongst my male clients, Tom Ford London has a private VIP room, only available by invitation only. So private that there are no pictures available online.
Hidden on the top of the stairs it is like a mini-store into the store with 2 changing rooms, 2 of their iconic white sofas and a private loo. Champagne and refreshments are offered to their lucky guests and an expert tailor is also available in a split of a second.
The ultimate luxury experience.
Burberry VIP Room – by invitation only
Hidden in the top floor of the gigantic Burberry‘s Regent Street store and only available via a private elevator, is the very private Burberry VIP room.
The room is absolutely divine and is like a piece of heaven and tranquility, tucked away from the bustling streets and very busy store.
This is probably the largest VIP rooms of all, with 2 very large changing rooms, a full private bathroom, a large living room and large clothes and accessories displays. Champagne, drinks and refreshments are available prior to guests arrival to create a wow factor.
I had the privilege of hosting a private styling and shopping event on the night of the Burberry London Fashion Week show for a handful of clients a couple of years back and the experience was amazing. We all watched the show whilst sipping Champagne in the VIP room before I presented my clients with their personalised curated edit of the new collection before it was available in stores. The pure definition of luxury and exclusivity.
Personal styling appointments can be booked through my booking app or by email at info@laetitiatomasso.com
