London has always been the hotbed of fashion. Maybe your looking to spend the weekend in London and visit all of London’s top brand shops during your visit. Here’s our list of Clothing Brands which started in this great city of ours:
1. Burberry
History: In 1856 aged just 21, Thomas Burberry establishes Burberry in Basingstoke intent on making outdoor attire. The first shop opened in Haymarket in 1891 and the brand was independent family-run until 1955. Known for its iconic trench coats and check pattern, Burberry became a staple in British fashion, it remains synonymous for it’s vintage inspired tweed.
Legacy: Burberry remains synonymous with luxury and classic British style, holding royal warrants and consistently innovating in fashion
2. Hackett
The story of Hackett began in 1981, by appointment to HRH The Prince of Wales. Since then, the company has grown steadily and today has 17 stores and an e-commerce site. In addition to their own products, Hackett are involved in collaborations with some of Britain’s best-known designers.
History: Founded in 1983 by Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd-Jennings, Hackett London began as a second-hand clothing shop on King’s Road. It quickly grew into a renowned brand known for quintessential British style.
Legacy: Hackett is famous for its high-quality menswear and has expanded to include numerous stores worldwide, with a strong focus on British craftsmanship and elegance
3. Drake’s
History: Established in 1977 by Michael Drake, Drake’s started as a men’s accessories brand before expanding into clothing. It is known for its luxurious ties, scarves, and pocket squares.
Legacy: The brand epitomizes British sophistication and quality, making it a favourite among gentlemen seeking timeless style.
4. Savile Row
History: Not a brand per se, although one does bear the name. Savile Row, located in Mayfair, is famous for its bespoke tailoring. The street has housed prestigious tailors since the early 19th century, becoming synonymous with high-quality, custom-made suits.
The street’s name derives from the manor house near which it developed in the 1300s.
Legacy: Savile Row remains the epitome of British tailoring, attracting clients from around the world who seek bespoke craftsmanship and elegance .
5. Browns
History: Founded in 1970 by Joan Burstein, Browns is a luxury fashion boutique known for discovering and nurturing new talent. It was the first to bring designers like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren to the UK.
Legacy: Browns continues to be a pioneer in luxury retail, showcasing a mix of established and emerging designers in its iconic London store
6. L K Bennett
History: Founded in 1990 by Linda Bennett, L.K. Bennett started as a footwear brand and expanded into womenswear. The brand is known for its blend of British heritage and contemporary style.
Legacy: L.K. Bennett is popular for its elegant and versatile pieces, often seen on celebrities and royalty, including the Duchess of Cambridge.
7. Paul Smith
History: Sir Paul Smith founded his eponymous brand in 1970, initially focusing on menswear with a unique twist. His designs are known for their classic tailoring combined with quirky details.
Legacy: Paul Smith has grown into a global brand, offering menswear, womenswear, accessories, and more, all characterized by British craftsmanship and playful elegance
8. Ben Sherman
History: Established in 1963 by Arthur Benjamin Sugarman, Ben Sherman became famous for its stylish shirts that embodied the Mod movement of the 1960s.
Legacy: The brand remains a symbol of British youth culture, known for its iconic button-down shirts and modern casual wear
9. Moss Bros
History: Founded in 1851 by Moses Moss, Moss Bros is renowned for its formal menswear and has dressed British men for over 170 years, and is now the largest privately held formal menswear retailer in the UK.
Legacy: The brand is a go-to for suits and formal attire, offering both ready-to-wear and bespoke options, maintaining a strong presence in British fashion.
10. ASOS
History: Launched in 2000, ASOS (As Seen On Screen) started as an online retailer offering affordable fashion inspired by celebrity styles. It employs over 2,500 people and has had a turnover of £1.2 billion for the financial year ending September 2013.
Legacy: ASOS has grown into one of the largest online fashion retailers, known for its wide range of trendy clothing, accessories, and beauty products.
11.Austin Reed
History: Founded in 1900 by Austin Leonard Reed, the brand became famous for its ready-to-wear suits, pioneering the concept in the UK. The Austin Reed Group is a British-based privately owned luxury ready-to-wear clothing retailer, established in 1900. Based in the City of Westminster, the company operates 21 branches across the UK, with 17 international outlets located in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Hong Kong. Today, Austin Reed is one of London’s first ever blazer specialists.
Legacy: Austin Reed is celebrated for its elegant menswear, combining traditional tailoring with modern style
