London

Overview

The British culture mixes and matches to the individual’s own liking.  Convention is not necessarily as important in London, and the pairing of garments does not have to make sense.  Colors, patterns, and styles are thrown together to deliver a playful fun message.  The unique collaborations break past tradition and create a new way of thinking.  Anything and everything is accepted here.

Shopping in London

Department Stores

There are numerous fabulous stores to see in London.  The largest department store in the world, Harrods in located in this city.  This major department store carries global designers and brands.  The exterior of the store is lined with windows which hold breathtaking displays.  In September the store focused on taxidermy and used Channel merchandise to show this trend.  The enormity and interior design is sure to impress anyone; Harrods is definitely a hot spot for fashion.  The store carries apparel, shoes, jewelry, accessories, home décor, gourmet food, etc.  There is also a phenomenal Christmas shop inside the store.  This store is a must see when traveling to London, and don’t forget to purchase one of Harrods’s delicious cupcakes before leaving.  The Harvey Nichols is another department store worth seeing in London.  The store carries many designers and top brands.  The visual merchandising is brilliant.  The windows outside the store are elaborate and a shock factor has been incorporated into each window.  Inside the store, the visual merchandisers have astonishing displays that make the store unique and unforgettable. 

Visual Merchandising in Harvey Nichols

 The Beautiful Harrods

Concept Stores

One of the most innovative concept stores in the world, Dover Street Market is very raw.  The designers featured in the store can be described as avant-garde and edgy.  The store is uniquely merchandised and very artsy.  Designers are sectioned off within the store so that each little “boutique” within the store feels different.  Anything but typical, this store can be very inspiring and interesting to see.  Liberty in London can be compared to a concept store.  The store is very unique and even has prints that are Liberty specific.  The buyers make purchases with careful insight and nothing for sale is there by chance.  The tutor style building makes an impression before shoppers even enter the store.  The store is filled with personality and charming features.  There are many sections within the store and art has been incorporated all around.  There product mix varies from apparel to home décor to chocolate.  Shopping here is an experience.  

Exterior of Liberty

Lamp for sale

 

Fashion Show

            During London’s Fashion Week, Bernard Chandran had a fashion show.  His Spring/Summer 2012 collection was inspired by his mother and her 1950’s fashion sense.  All of the garments in the collection had elements from the 1950’s, but had been altered to fit modern time.  The pieces in his line were very feminine and sophisticated.  Dresses and skirts dominated the collection, and some of the designs included a zipper extending past the length of the garment; a fashion statement that may become extremely popular.  The show was exceptional and even the finer details such as the location and music selection tied into his theme for the season.   

Model at the show

 

Museums

The Victoria and Albert Museum

            The Victoria and Albert Museum housed an exhibit called, “The Power of Making.”  This exhibition showcased a large variety of individual skills; the collection on display explored craftsmen making “what they make.”  Walking through the exhibit is very inspiring, and it is moving to see all kinds of creations.  One craftsman had made a coffin into the shape of a lion because the man to be buried in the coffin was a hunter; in a specific tribe it is custom to burry someone in a coffin that represents their occupation.  There was also a dress made entirely of pins, and a video showing how a cake was made to resemble a pig roast.  All of the talent showcased in this exhibit is educational, and designers could definitely come to museum for inspiration. 

The British Museum

            The British Museum housed “The Treasures of Heaven: Saints, Relic, and Devotion in Medieval Europe” exhibition.  There were many relics from ancient saints, and some of the pieces dated back to Biblical times.  It is very interesting to see these historic pieces.  The museum also has a mummy section. The section showcases different mummies, ranging from humans to animals.  Seeing actual artifacts from this time period is very exciting.  It is very important to make a stop at The British Museum.  Studying the past can be very inspiring, and one can physically see history.  

Sights to See in London

            Touring London is fabulous.  The city has so much to see and experience.  The London Eye experience is a favorite of many tourists.  By participating in this experience, one can see a large portion of the city and many famous sights from above ground.  Big Ben can be viewed from this point, but it is also exciting to experience this sight close up.  The Buckingham Palace is also another important building that should be incorporated into one’s visit.  The architecture is gorgeous, and if one goes at the right time, the changing of the guards can be seen.  Westminster Abbey, the famous church is breathtaking and beautiful.  The church is important to London and recently Prince Henry married Kate Middleton here.  The architecture of these buildings gives one a better sense of London and can define the city.     

Big Ben

 

Conclusion

The fashion, stores, architecture, food, people, and public transportation intertwine and define London.  British culture can be defined by looking at the different aspects of the city.  London is a fabulous destination and learning about fashion, history, and culture is exciting here.