Next time you’re near Marylebone High Street, take a detour and check out Chiltern Street, my new favorite low-key, shopping street. Actually, it’s not that low-key because Andre Balazs’ Chiltern Firehouse is the place to be at the moment. (Apparently, 26 suites open end of May and tables are booked until July, 2014.)
The block-long lane is a great place to wander and browse. Don’t miss sexy eyewear and swimwear boutique Prism. Their waffle bikini’s are very cute, especially the 1950’s style flattering high-waisted bottoms (Rihanna models them on Prism’s site, but you’ll have to just make do with the bikini on mine.)
Tinie Tempah and futuristic Japanese designer Toga Archives have collaborated (separately) on some new frames, coming out soon. The snakeskin espadrilles are quite tempting, a new wardrobe gap to be filled?
Follow your nose to Cire Trudon, the world’s oldest candle maker who a few years ago chose Chiltern Street to be its first permanent shop outside of France. Think of Havana when you sniff Ernesto with its heady overtones of leather and tobacco. Or get surreal with a whiff of Dada’s chamomile and eucalyptus blend.
Heading for the seaside soon? Then the vivid blue pineapple swim trunks at native New Yorker Archer Adam’s menswear shop might appeal. Or for the friend who has everything (or lives in rainy London or Seattle) – what about a statement “brolly” with a “Damien” crystal skull or a silver-plated bulldog head?
Across the street Mouki Mou is an eclectic women’ clothing and home wares boutique. Definitely go downstairs where the shop meanders into several smaller side rooms, with brands stocked originating mostly from Japan (Fog Linen, 45 rpm, and Arts & Science) or the US (Dosa, founders of J Brand Krippen, and Coral & Tusk in Brooklyn.)
And for sustenance stop in at design consultant and publisher Tyler Brule’s Monocle Café, or go for a shot of something stronger at Cadenhead’s Whisky.
See the shopping article I wrote in Indagare in March 2014, mentioning Chiltern highlights.
March, 2014
