The Brit crowd: shop the UK’s leading fashion powerhouses

London is a city of diverse styles, where effortless elegance and edgy experimentalism meet and overlap. Having been shaped by iconic designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, the city’s fashion scene continues to be moulded by new creative minds like Martine Rose and Sarah Burton. 

Here are 10 British brands to check out if you want to emulate Londoners’ chic, eclectic style – and where to find them on your next shopping trip to London. 

Burberry

In 1879, Thomas Burberry (Burberry’s namesake) changed everything when he invented gabardine: a lightweight, durable fabric from which the house’s iconic trench coats continue to be made. The rest, as they say, is history. Over a century later, Burberry’s classic trench still reigns supreme, making it an excellent investment piece.

Where to shop: The brand’s chic and spacious Bond Street flagship is well worth a visit. As you browse the fashion house’s iconic designs, look out for the Burberry check-inspired lighting – and the extra-special VIP area. We also have a few items available on the Cathay Shop if you prefer browsing online. 

Vivienne Westwood

London’s original enfant terrible, the late Vivienne Westwood’s impact on fashion remains unrivalled. The activist and designer pioneered the punk trend, and the brand’s tartan, corsets and pearls are still just as covetable today as they were in the 1970s.

Where to shop: Make a pilgrimage to the designer’s iconic Worlds End boutique , which she opened with then-partner Malcolm McLaren in 1971. This historic store was not just a place to sell fashion, but the uniforms of a socio-economic rebellion.

Martine Rose

Inspired by her Jamaican-British heritage and the London music scene, Martine Rose has become a cult name in menswear. What started out in 2007 as a shirting collection has become a critically acclaimed brand that plays with proportion and texture in interesting and unexpected ways. 

Where to shop: Dover Street Market  is home to some of the world’s most covetable and cutting-edge brands, including Martine Rose. The brainchild of Comme des Garçon’s founder, Rei Kawakubo, this space – technically a shop, not a market – is often credited as being the first concept store. You can find the British designer on the basement level.

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney, daughter of Beatle Paul and photographer and animal rights activist Linda, launched her eponymous brand in 2001. The sustainable fashion house has won accolades for its eco-friendly and vegan designs and nature-positive material innovations. If you invest in one piece on your trip, let it be the bestselling Falabella bag.

Where to shop: Located on Old Bond Street, the flagship ’s ultra-contemporary interior is in pleasing contrast to the grade two-listed, 18th century building within which it is housed. Spread over four floors, this impressive 700sqm  store was even built with a ball pit and climbing wall in the children’s department.

Molly Goddard

An alumnus of Central Saint Martins art school, Goddard started her brand by accident, when she threw a party for friends, dressing them in designs she’d made in her kitchen. The award-winning designer is renowned for her frothy tulle designs, and counts Rihanna, Harry Styles and Margaret Qualley as fans, amongst many others.

Where to shop: Find your dream Molly Goddard dress in Liberty , a magnificent, six-floor department store that dates back to 1924. Admire the chandelier from the fourth floor – it’s said to be the longest in Europe.

Sunspel

Founded in 1860, Sunspel was one of the world’s earliest makers of T-shirts – and has been championing them ever since. The heritage brand is your go-to for elevated basics, from perfect cotton tees to classic boxer shorts. Be inspired by Daniel Craig’s James Bond and pick up Sunspel’s Riviera Polo Shirt, first debuted in the 1950s.

Where to shop: Shop menswear and womenswear, as well as signature fragrances concocted by British perfumer Lyn Harris, at the brand’s perfectly curated Marylebone store . It’s located on Chiltern Street – a charming road filled with specialist boutique stores selling everything from perfumes to woodwind instruments.

Alexander McQueen

The late Alexander McQueen left an indelible mark on fashion, from his legendary shows (featuring rain, a hologram version of Kate Moss and robotic spray painting) to the infamous “bumster” trousers and iconic skull scarf. For Autumn/Winter ’24, new Creative Director Seán McGirr has drawn inspiration from McQueen’s famous 1995 show, The Birds; until the collection’s release, you can shop Sarah Burton’s final offering for the house.

Where to shop: The house’s Old Bond Street flagship  is a sight to behold. For a unique experience, head to the top floor, where you can get an inside view at the brand’s design process.

The Vampire’s Wife

The brainchild of Susie Cave (model and wife of musician Nick Cave), The Vampire’s Wife is known for its subversively feminine, wonderfully witchy dresses – as worn by the likes of Florence Welch, Lana Del Rey, and, most famously, Catherine, Princess of Wales, in an official royal portrait.

Where to shop: Make an afternoon of it at one of London’s most famous luxury shopping destinations, Harrods , where you can find The Vampire’s Wife and so much more. The current Knightsbridge store, built in 1905, houses roughly 300 departments, 20 restaurants, and even a bank – it's the perfect place to get lost shopping.

Victoria Beckham

The ex-Spice Girl launched her namesake fashion label in 2008, focusing on wearable, elegant clothes that women want to wear – think clean lines and impeccable tailoring. Whether you want to find the perfect suit, evening dress or everyday bag, the designer delivers on capsule-wardrobe dressing.

Where to shop: A trip to London isn’t complete without a visit to Selfridges , where you can shop Victoria Beckham’s ready-to-wear collections. You’ll find this landmark building on Oxford Street – the only department store to have been named “best department store in the world” four times.

Church’s

Church & Co. was officially established in 1873, but its history goes back much further. To this day, the brand continues to craft its luxurious, handmade shoes – from classic brogues to timeless Chelsea boots – in its Northampton factory, and has collaborated with the likes of Off-White, Vetements, and most recently, Miu Miu. 

Where to shop: If you choose just one Church’s store to visit, let it be the one on Jermyn Street  – it’s nestled among some of the oldest men’s outfitters in London, from shirtmaker Turnbull & Asser to perfumer Floris.