5 of London’s most fashionable neighbourhoods

The Catwalk: Covent Garden

Some of the most iconic moments in London Fashion Week history have happened in the Covent Garden area – Somerset House has been involved with this event for many years now. In recent years, LFW has begun to take place across a range of central London locations, including off-schedule events to showcase new talent, however Somerset House will remain a central hub, as well as some digital events that are open to fashion lovers anywhere.

Area guide: Covent Garden is, of course, a huge tourist area, as it is massively central to London. Here you’ll find the finest luxury boutiques and so many new ideas. It also contains a vast amount of history, museums, restaurants, theatre, pubs and so many, many places to shop.

See the Foxtons property market guide or view properties to rent or buy in Covent Garden.

The Retail Therapy: Wembley Park

Of course we suggest you visit London’s jaw-dropping shopping centre – when an extension with 51,000 square metres of retail space opened in 2018, Westfield London became the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe (Retail Gazette) – and head over to Oxford Street – the busiest shopping destination in Europe (The Industry.Fashion) if you want to scope out the name brands’ latest ideas. However, here’s a tip if you’re hoping for a cheeky discount, Wembley Park’s London Designer Outlet has some fantastic outlet stores for brands you love.

Area guide: Besides fantastic shopping, this area’s home to Boxpark and Wembley Stadium. In another article, London living on a whole new level, we describe how Wembley Park has “gone through a well thought-out regeneration and is gaining momentum. This stylish new neighbourhood is blossoming with exciting businesses offering great food, art, sport, drinks, shopping and entertainment.”

See the Foxtons property market guide or view properties to rent or buy in Wembley Park.

Photo: Quintain's London Designer Outlet opens | EG Focus | CC BY | Flickr

The Scholar: Bermondsey

There are plenty of museums to explore fashion in, from the London College of Fashion’s gallery – Fashion Space Gallery to the history of fashion trends in the V&A. However, there is only one museum dedicated solely to contemporary fashion, designed to teach and inspire those in the industry: the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey.

Area guide: Once a centre of shipping focussed around the docklands, Bermondsey Village has re-emerged as a rising culture hotspot for London’s young and creative – where exciting innovations in film, food, art, architecture and, of course, fashion abound. Industrial style and warehouse conversions are prevalent for property here. There are also some great markets around here, if you need a wander and some inspiration, like the Bermondsey Antique Market and Maltby Street Market.

See the Foxtons property market guide or view properties to rent or buy in Bermondsey.

Photo: Maltby Street Market | Matt Brown | CC BY | Flickr

The Style Icon: Notting Hill

When you’re hunting for statement pieces or putting together your signature look, the numerous independent boutiques of Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market’s fashion stalls are worth a visit. According to the Portobello Road Market website, “Whilst it is still best known for its antiques, thanks to the influx of the affluent young, the fashion scene has exploded and more and more stalls selling a range of cutting edge and vintage clothing are appearing.” Start where Portobello Road and Westway meet to find brand names and exciting new styles.

Area guide: Notting Hill has a hugely important role in the history of art in London. These days, it has picturesque and affluent neighbourhoods and an elegant cosmopolitan vibe. Many of the properties you’ll see around here are exceptionally beautifully. Notting Hill boasts some of the finest dining establishments, sophisticated film, music and art, and the largest street party in Europe – the Notting Hill Festival.

See the Foxtons property market guide or view properties to rent or buy in Notting Hill.

The Look Book: Shoreditch

Dreaming of building your own portfolio? This suggestion came to us from a colleague who previously studied and worked in fashion. She remembers taking a trip to London to get materials for her collection at Uni. While there are plenty of prime Central options to shop fabric, she was taken to Gold Hawk Road in Shoreditch, where there’s a large collection of textile shops filled to the brim with some of the most beautiful colours, textures and patterns. She also suggests Spitalfields Market in Shoreditch, which is a seven-days-a-week home to the latest pieces from independent designers on the forefront of fashion. Here, you'll see those one-of-a-kind and hard-to-find pieces that'll help you define your unique style.

Area guide: Shoreditch has a strong history in design, from furniture to clothing to printing. Today, it is home to a bustling creative scene. Big design firms, independent galleries and street artists all contribute to Shoreditch’s edgy, trendy and exciting style. It’s a great place to live if you have a creative dream – or a love of street food stalls.

See the Foxtons property market guide or view properties to rent or buy in Shoreditch.