I love discovering new places in London. Especially ones that make the blood pulse through your veins with excitement as a result of cutting edge design. As I wandered to Boxpark on a hot Friday morning, my detour off Bethnal Green Road was welcomed and a source of long needed inspiration. I had been to Redchurch Street about eighteen months ago, to the Redchurch bar but was pretty worse for wear and couldn't remember much about it. As I wandered down the road, crossing the street a few times to get shots of the original street art, I realised that I could do some serious credit card damage in the space of about five hundred metres.
Tracey Neuls - 29 Redchurch Street
With two stores in the west and east of London, those looking for uniqueness and comfort need just to look at the shoes suspended from the ceiling, and the craftmanship to get an idea of the ethos of this designer. Believing that the shoes should be seen in 360, the devil is in the detail, with the soft soles signed individually by Neuls, and toe shapes sculpured by plasticine. I adore the curved heels and lace up details, with the Bobo boots perfect for those who covet the perfect French ankle boot. The French colourful socks are perfect to wear with block heels this summer.
Tatty Devine
It's not exactly on Redchurch Road (It's on Brick Lane) but I couldn't leave it out - I was amazed to find the quirky jewellery designer on a side street. Open since 2001, all of the jewellery is handmade at their workshops in London and Kent. Famous for it's colour pop perspex lasercut name necklaces (you can choose from 30 colours), they also produce beautiful and quirky pieces in wood, fabric and leather to name but a few. Current collections include a stunning collaboration with Rob Ryan and anchor necklaces for the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition.
Londonewcastle Project Space
Oasis exhibition until April 22nd
I was pleased to stumble upon an exhibition of one of my favourite bands at the end of the Street, in the Londonewcastle Project Space. The exhibition celebrates the twenty year anniversary of the release of Supersonic, the band's debut single. Chasing the Sun: 1993-1997 includes images from classic early intimate shows to the ground breaking Knebworth gigs. There are also previously unseen images from photographers who had unlimited access to the band in the early days, as well as instruments on display and rarely seen footage from the beginning of their epic journey, going behind the scenes of the making of Definitely Maybe, What's the Story (Morning Glory) and Be Here Now. The exhibition runs until April 22nd.
A.P.C. - 15 Redchurch Street
I love A.P.C. It's French, effortlessly chic and cool. Founded in 1987 by Jean Touitou, the Atelier de Production et Creation is famous for its minimalist style and high quality fabrics. Best sellers include the raw denim selvage jeans for the worn in look. Current collaborations include Vanessa Seward - a tour de force of stretch denim, with gorgeous bags and belts. The white Nike Blaze high tops also capture the moment perfectly. This shop is the main London outlet.
Margaret Howell
Again, not strictly on Rechurch but a couple away on Old Nichol Street. I was a little ignorant when it came to this designer, but you can't argue with forty years in the industry, her reworking of the duffle and trench, lace-ups and shirt. Starting off in menswear, Margaret soon realised that women wanted to wear the same clothes. Her accolades include a CBE in 2007 for services to the fashion industry - she also designed the uniforms for V & A museum staff. There are also shops in Paris, Tokyo and New York. Her clothes are structured yet functional, with an effortless chic that is usually reserved for French designers.
Please comment if you've discovered any other really cool places on Redchurch Street.
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