Regent Street
Today, however, a trip down Regent Street is
about shopping, not architecture. A broad selection of British mid-range stores
including French Connection, Next, Laura Ashley, Clarcks and Jaeger is
augmented by international retailers such as Zara, Adolfo Dominguez, Strellson,
Hugo Boss, Gymboree, Talbots and Benetton.
On a larger scale, Regent Street is home to two quality
depertment stores, Dickins & Jones stocks a wide variety of big labels in a
light and airy atmosphere, while literatilly next door Liberty oozes panache and history. Founded by
Arthur Liberty in 1875, much of the store is housed in a Tudor style building,
brightly festooned with royal warrants. The store's support of the Art and
Craft Movement is dramatically reflected in its stunning octagonal entrance
hall. Four floors house a tantalising range of clothing, millinery, china,
haberdashery and linen, not to mention both antique and contemporary furniture.
Aslo on Regent Street is Hamley's, a utopia for
childer of all ages. More than 40,000 toys are on offer over seven floors;
older childern can can enjoy the amusement arcade in the lower ground floor
wile parents fortyfy themselves if Hamley's doesn't tire the kids out - there
are still the Warner Brothers Studio Store and The Disney Store further down
the street.
High quality china and glas are also abundant,
including Mappin and Webb, silversmiths of both the Queen and the Prince of
Wales and suppliers of silver, jewellery, watches and exlusive gift items,
while Waterford,
Wedgwood, Rosenthal, Royal Doulton and The China Shop are all clustered
together.
Appraching the foor of Regent Street, there is a great line-up
of classic British names such as Jaeger, The Scotch House, Acquascutum,
Burberry and Austin Reed. And on Piccadilly Circus
itself don't miss Lillywhites, where your entire sporting requirements can all
be met under one roof.
Carnaby Street, behind Liberty, is recovering the street credibility
it possessed in such abundance during the Sixties. From there check out Newburgh
Street, which features a growing number of small shops with an edgy, street
feel, such as John Richmond and Sun Sun as well as fabolous make-up at Mac.
On the other side of the street in fashion
terms as well as geographically lies Savile Row. No street in the
world has a greater tailoring tradition. Immaculate suiting for the discerning
gentleman has been the focus of this street for going on 200 years with a large
number of wonderful old establishments, producing superb bespoke suits, shirts
and shoes.
Another street to watch is Conduit Street wich is fast developing a reputation as a high fashion
thoroughfare, counting YMC, Issey Miyake, Vivienne Westwood and The Conran
Store among its growing attractions.
