Where to Go?

Shopping in Bond Street

Technically “Bond Street” does not exist. The southern section is known as Old Bond Street, and the northern part which is over half the total length is known as New Bond Street. Where the two meet there is a striking bronze sculpture of the two wartime leaders Franklin D Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. Bond Street is named after Sir Thomas Bond who bought a Piccadilly mansion in 1683 CE, demolished it, and started to develop the area. By 1746 CE the whole street and sides streets appeared on London maps.

Today it is the density of high value gems such as Tiffany, Cartier, Asprey and Garrard, Chanel, Prada and Gucci that give Bond Street its unmistakeable character. Large black limousines and imposing men in black suits hover outside shops which have dazzling displays, are seemingly empty of shoppers, but probably have substantial deals being made in sumptuous private rooms within. Cheek by jowl with the finery and fashion are two of London’s busiest art and antiques auction houses, Bonham’s and Sotheby’s. The latter, established in 1744 CE, is grander, and is open for valuations 0900 - 1630. Here you can pick up a catalogue, find out what’s on and enjoy coffee and cake at Sotheby’s café.

It all combines to create a special cachet that both local and visitors find appealing. And the current good exchange rate of the pound sterling makes the goods even more appealing. In a year when most retailers have experienced a downturn this area’s sales have risen some five per cent. The strength of the street as a fine jewellery destination is apparent as soon as you step into the southern end. You will encounter De Beers with displays of cut gems mixed with rough stones, Moussaief with its richly coloured stones and Leviev with some of the world’s largest diamonds.

All these emporia lie on the western side of the street along with French-influenced designs at Chaumet, quirky English jewellery at Boodles, ornate Italian pieces at Bulgari and beautiful baubles at Boucheron. Even Chanel has a dedicated shop for its distinctive jewellery, separate from its main store with quilted bags and timeless tweeds. And many of the establishments such as Tiffany, Gucci and Asprey and Garrard have had major makeovers and extensions recently. Along with jewellery the latter is known for its leather-bound books, games and silverware.

On the east side you will find George Jensen (contemporary Scandinavian style gold and silver), Chopard (opulent designs), Van Cleef and Arpels (refined pieces), de Grisogno (coloured pave stones) and Mikimoto (pearls and pens). The latest addition is Graff, celebrated for its large yellow diamonds.

But despite this concentration of jewellery outlets Bond Street is primarily a fashion street. Establishment and international brands from Prada, Bottega Veneta and Armani to Yves St Laurent are well represented. And this year an enlarged Louis Vuitton has reopened; the largest store after its Parisian home.

Naturally quintessentially British labels have reinvented themselves for the 20th century CE. Pringle knitwear is now mixed with state of the art cashmere styles and Daks blends forward-looking shapes with its distinctive house check. Oliver Sweeney has evolved into a modern shoemaker catering for discerning men with English ready to wear styles and accessories plus a full bespoke service. And in the middle of Bond Street on the corner of Conduit Street is the flagship of British fahion success – Burberry.

Thomas Burberry (then a tailor’s apprentice) founded the brand in 1856 CE as a collection of sturdy outerwear. It evolved to include jackets in airy waterproof gabardine by 1880 CE, and opened in London’s West End just before the turn of the century. In 1911 CE the house outfitted the first explorers to reach the South Pole, then adapted the gear for World War I soldiers fighting in the trenches, hence the name trench coat.

Burberry’s signature check pattern later lined its clothing and in 1955 CE it was awarded a royal warrant by Queen Elizabeth II. By 2001 CE the company’s style became ultra fashionable with Christopher Bailey as designer. Recently getting away from the checks, which have become associated with social climbers, the edgy yet opulent Prorsum range was launched. It is all of soft draping and pastel colours with panache and has put Bond Street firmly back on the fashion map.

Just round the corner from Burberry in Conduit Street the comfortable Westbury Hotel is a relaxing place for lunch, should you be feeling hungry by now. Nearby, running from Piccadilly to Burlington Gardens, is the swanky 19th century CE Regency-style Burlington Arcade. Its Lilliputian boutiques include Laduree, N. Peal and Penhaglion’s. The place is patrolled by its own top-hatted police force, the Burlington Beagles, former soldiers of the 10th Hussars. These gentlemen monitor shoppers to prevent unseemly activities such as whistling, humming, running and chewing gum.

Almost opposite is the Piccadilly Arcade, known mainly for glass and chinaware. But it is also home to some important men’s outfitters such as New and Lingerwood. This is a good place to kit yourself out for the annual Henley boat races and other events of The Season.

Around the corner on Piccadilly is Barbour, famed for its practical classic Beaufort jacket which will protect you well from the often cold rainy British weather. Although noted for its outdoor activity and country sports clothing (think hunting, fishing, shooting), Barbour has recently branched out into footwear, knitwear and accessories. A new collection has seen a wide range of colourful shirts and fresh takes on iconic designs such as using bright red lightweight quilted fabrics for coats. Recently this quintessentially British brand opened a heritage store in Foubert’s Place off Carnaby Street.

From the Burlington Arcade turn into Burlington Gardens and you will happen upon Abercrombie and Fitch at Number 7. Founded in Manhattan in 1892 CE by David Abercrombie, this was originally an elite outfitter of sporting and excursion goods. Ernest Shackleton, Clark Gable, John F. Kennedy and Ernest Hemingway are former customers. The London store, the first in Europe, is known for its innovative lighting and charming staff with chiselled good looks always in attendance. With its casual clothing for the young collegiate lifestyle this upscale American fashion retailer is likely to appeal to younger readers.

At the eastern corner of Burlington Gardens lies Savile Row, the place to order a bespoke suit from the home of the English gentleman’s tailors. These craftsmen set up shop here in the 1770s CE to cater to flamboyant Georgians like Beau Brummel, the dandy credited with introducing the men’s suit into the fashion repetoire. There are fewer shops today but the remaining tailors are masters at their art. These timeless institutions can be relied upon to make a visit entertaining; their staff are celebrated for their sense of humour.

First up at No 1 Savile Row is Gieves and Hawkes, purveyors of fine handmade shirts and suits to the gentry since 1785 CE. The business was originally catering to the needs of the British Army and Royal Navy – and hence by association with the British Royal family. So what makes a perfect suit? “A combination of good cutting and high quality tailoring,” says K. Sargent, head cutter at the tailoring house. “It has to be good quality cloth and a fit that suits the individual. If you want something to add value and stature to who you are, a bespoke suit is a good investment.” Other fine tailors in the row include Hardy Amies, Kilgour and Richard James.

After Bond Street pop over to nearby St James Street and Jermyn Street. This historic area is home to some of the oldest specialist menswear shops in London. A fine selection of shirtmakers (Turnbull & Asser, Thomas Pink, Hackett), shoemakers (James Lobb, Crockett & Jones), hatters (Lock & Co.) and perfumers (Floris and Taylor of Bond Street) can be found. Do make time for tea at the elegant Ritz hotel before checking out Fortnum and Mason, London’s most elegant store, which has hardly noticed the arrival of the 21st century CE. And don’t miss Liberty, a handsome half-timbered department store with its fine wood floored and paneled interior. A stylish place for artful men’s fashion, it is an integral part of the London shopping experience.