Intense & Funky - Wood Green

Despite its weird name and appalling window displays, this shop on Wood Green High Road has a very nice collection of Men's and Women's wear. The store's strength is the men's collection, ranging from high-end street labels to designers such as Vivienne Westwood, to old classics, such as Levi's big Es. Similar designers are sold for women, but the collection isn't as broad. However, there is a nice selection of shoes and bags.

136 High Road, Hornsey
London, N22 6EB
020 8881 8377

Hand and Lock - Westminster

Hand embroiderers to the Queen. This proves that almost anything can be bought in London, for a price.

86 Margaret Street
London W1W 8TE

0207 580 7488

Fashion Statement or Soviet Kitch?

Perhaps something could be both? When I lived in the US, I used to occasionally wear Union-Jack themed clothing, but it's not something I would do in England, even if is was constructed in non-traditional colours, or designed by Fake of London. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it just seems too patriotic.

It's no surprise that Soviet Kitch is becoming chic. In Russia, It's obvious why this somewhat irreverent fashion was not allowed, during the Soviet regime, but are Russians far enough removed from the history for it to take off now? This article in the NY Times says it is so.

Joy - Greenwich Village

A nice little gift shop chain started by former knitwear designer Joy Bates. It's a bit like a low-rent Urban Outfitters, for shoppers a little older than Urban's demographic, but with less emphasis on clothes and more on gifts, a great place to buy a last-minute gift, or something for someone at the office that you don't know well. You can pretty much close your eyes and pick up anything in the shop and it's sure to be better than something grabbed at Woolies during your lunch hour.

9 Nelson Road
Greenwich, London
SE10 9LB
02082 937 979