London has long acted as a breeding ground for the most exciting independent boutiques in the world.
At the Design Museum’s recent Outlaws exhibition, which looked back at the 1980s fashion scene, the central space was built to look like the old Kensington Market; each stand was dedicated to one of the many indie designers and multi-brand outlets that used to attract fanatics from across the globe — from Hyper Hyper to Pineal Eye.
That spirit can still be felt across the capital, if you know where to look. In the interests of stopping every high street space becoming an unaffordable gym, they are all well worth supporting. Here’s our pick of the best.
Goodhood
The warehouse-esque interior of this east London institution is packed full of everything that would catch your eye in the garden of The Spurstowe Arms. Founded in 2007 by Kyle Stewart and Jo Sindle, it caters to “skaters, sneakerheads, Scandi-style fanatics” — as well as anyone after the latest Wales Bonner adidas shoe. The Hanbury Street location opened last year and also offers Danish homeware and Nothing tech.
Find it: 15 Hanbury Street, E1
Couverture & The Garbstore
For: Fresh international labels
Couverture & the Garbstore
Couverture & the Garbstore
Once a timberyard, this is now a multi-brand mecca. It was founded in 2008 by Emily Dyson-Paley and Ian Paley, who have an eye for emerging designers. This season the Garbstore (for men) features Carter Young, Mizuno and CIOTA while Couverture (women’s) welcomes About Arianne, A’Court and Renata Brenha. Heard of them? Me neither. Head on down.
Find it: 188 Kensington Park Road, W11
For: Authentic military jackets
@londradanbildiriyor
Okay — on the face of it, this is Britain’s “leading medal dealer”. But the tiny shop is also home to countless military jackets, which fashion designers have been copying for decades. Totally Kate Moss style — invest in a red one. You can also pick up some medals.
Find it: 13-15 Cecil Court, WC2
For: Sophisticated menswear
Ronning
The brainchild of the very well dressed Magnus Ronning, this independent label made its name with an “everyday uniform” of basics from pleated slacks to fisherman knits. Its first permanent store opened in Soho last year.
Find it: 106 Berwick Street, W1
Jessica McCormack
She is rumoured to be the woman behind Zendaya’s engagement ring — but don’t be put off going to McCormack’s divine townhouse boutique because you are worried you won’t be able to afford anything. It’s worth visiting in the same way you would a National Trust property — packed with her peerless art collection and, of course, plenty of diamonds.
Find it: 7 Carlos Place, W1
For: Exceptional men’s vintage tailoring
282 Portobello
This Notting Hill treasure trove is a favourite among locals, including poet Sonny Hall. The rails are packed with tailoring spanning the 20th century, from 1970s peaked lapel velvet jackets to country tweeds. Expect owner Claudia Vispi to be on hand with a warm welcome, unmatched advice and a pole to bring down blazers from the ceiling.
Find it: 282 Portobello Road, W10
For: The newest collaborations
LN-CC
“Multi-brand stores are not dead,” said LN-CC’s owners John Skelton and Daniel Mitchell as they re-opened their shop in Dalston in 2024. It has regained its place in the driving seat of London fashion, regularly hosting bashes for their latest collaborations — from Asics to Ugg.
Find it: 18-24 Shacklewell Lane, E8
For: Rare Comme des Garçons
@twos.care
It solidified its reputation as the niche vintage spot to know when British Vogue declared it had become “like a youth club for the east London fashion set” last November. You’ll have to seek out its two hard-to-find studio locations — but when you do, expect to find rare labels you’ll feel thrilled to come away with.
Find it: 75a Regent Studios, 8 Andrews Road, E8 and 258 Hackney Road, E2
Oskar Proctor
Founded in 2017 by south London brothers Harvey and Jacob Hutson, Kettle Kids sells some of the world’s finest watches (think Cartier and Patek Philippe). After finding great success on Instagram, you can now find them in their Mayfair flagship — and also get a glimpse of their own jewellery designs.
Find it: 16 Maddox Street, W1
For: The London Fashion Week labels
htown
Founder Harry Fisher collates some of London’s greatest homegrown talent, from Martine Rose and JW Anderson to Ahluwalia and Saul Nash. He opened this sprawling ground-floor space in Spitalfields in 2024.
Find it: 147 Commercial Street, E1
For: The very best high fashion vintage
@foundandvision
Hands down one of London’s greatest vintage shops, Found and Vision — co-established by stylist Karen Clarkson in 2012 — is a must-visit for lovers of designer labels as well as those simply looking for unique pieces to stand out from the crowd. Georgia May Jagger is a fan.
Find it: 318 Portobello Road, W10
