Nicole Sjostedt

A major city with a small-town feel, London is one of those magnificent places that, amongst all its cosmopolitan glory, manages to keep a village-like essence to each of its different areas.

Rich in culture, it is no surprise that this city is a leader in style. Home to some of the most innovative fashion designers of our time, such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood, London is a dream come true for any fashion-craved individual. Chock-full of amazing boutiques from high-end to high-street, London is certainly a place that embraces individuality and attitude when it comes to style.

A mosaic of nationalities and cultures, London has an astounding variety of international cuisine running alongside its own traditional British restaurants. A pub on almost every corner, a pint or two in the evening is a big part of British life. If pubs aren’t your thing, there is a plethora of the world’s most desirable clubs, bars, and lounges from which to choose.

All in all, this stupendous place has a lot to offer; its young, edgy vibe is what keeps this city one of the world’s most captivating.

Hit list

Shop
Topshop, 36 Great Castle Street, W1 (Oxford Street)
Matches, 60 Ledbury Road, W11 2AJ
All Saints, 114 Commercial Street, E1 6NF
Liberty (department store), 214 Regent Street, W1
Selfridges (department store), 400 Oxford Street, W1

Sights
V&A Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL
London Eye, Jubilee Gardens South Bank, SE1 7PB
Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, Southwark SE1 9DT

Eat
Elistano (Italian), 25-27 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT
Hakkasan (Asian), 8 Hanway Place, W1T 1HD
Scarlet Dot (Indian), 4 Crispin place, Crispin Square, E1 6DW
Sophies Steak House, 311-313 Fulham Road, SW10 9QH
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Pub), 145 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BU

Night out
Lonsdale, 48 Lonsdale Road, W11 2DE
Electric, 191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED
Sketch, 9 Conduit Street, W1
Industry, 1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX
Alphabet Bar, 61-63 Beak Street, W1R 3LF

Sleep
My Hotel Chelsea, 35 Ixworth Place, SW3 3QX
Covent Garden Hotel, 10 Monmouth Street, WC2
St Martin’s Lane Hotel, 45 St Martin’s Lane, WC2 4HX
The Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH

far above: scenes from V&A Museum's 150th Anniversary party
above: Mary Quant at V&A Museum

photos courtesy of V&A Museum, London (www.image.net)