The C&TH Shopping Guide To King’s Road

With over 160 shops lining its pavements, King’s Road is one of Chelsea’s – and London’s – biggest shopping hubs. And for good reason. A pop culture hotspot since the 1960s, King’s Road was the home of Swinging London – and the home of the Mary Quant mini skirt. A decade later, it was where the city’s punk rock scene really flourished, and where Vivienne Westwood set the groundwork for her iconic tartan two-piece. Its swathes of designer boutiques have drawn in all kinds of A-listers over the decades, from Mick Jagger and John Lennon to Julie Christie and Michael Caine, and the same rings true today.

With its melting pot of shops, suited to all styles and tastes, Kings Road offers a shopping experience like no other. But where to start? We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to this patch of London, with tips on where to start your retail therapy journey and our recommendations of the best shops to visit while there.

Mary Quant on King’s Road

Where Is King’s Road?

Sitting in the heart of Chelsea, King’s Road stretches just under two miles from Sloane Square in the east and into the Chelsea Design Quarter in the west. Bordering Fulham, Belgravia and Knightsbridge, it bridges some of the city’s most affluent areas with a long stretch of boutiques, luxury flagships and independent retailers.

And while the main street remains the central hub, the nearby streets surrounding King’s Road also provide plenty of shopping opportunities to explore.

If you fancy taking a stroll down King’s Road, you’re best starting at Sloane Square (the tube station runs District and Circle line routes). A number of buses also serve the area and go up and down the street; for the full list of routes, see kingsroad.co.uk

The Ultimate Shopping Guide: King’s Road, Chelsea

For Fashion

alice + olivia

This contemporary fashion brand brings a slice of whimsy to the table, creating chic designs that celebrate self-expression through spirited sophistication.

9 King’s Road, London SW3 4RP | aliceandolivia.com

Essentiel Antwerp

One of the more colourful labels on King’s Road, Essential Antwerp is beloved for its graphic florals and bold use of colour. (And its Chelsea store is ripe for photographing.)

27A Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AB | essentiel-antwerp.com

GANNI

Hailing from Copenhagen, GANNI is one of the buzziest streetwear brands of the moment, blending Scandi sartorial codes with sustainable design.

94 King’s Road, London SW3 4TZ | ganni.com

ME+EM

ME+EM defines its design ethos as ‘intelligent style’, with clothing created to follow timeless style codes.

184 King’s Rd, London SW3 5XS | meandem.com

Penelope Chilvers

This British footwear label combines contemporary style with traditional Spanish craftsmanship to create shoes that stand the test of time (quite literally).

328 King’s Road, London SW3 5UH | penelopechilvers.com

RIXO

Really Wild

Whether gliding through town or trekking through the countryside, Really Wild brings the best of British heritage into its daily style heroes.

53 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8AX | reallywildclothing.com

RIXO

Despite channelling vintage prints and designs, RIXO represents the new wave of British design. And with its King’s Road store coming complete with a coffee kiosk and Art Deco bar, there’s even more motivation to pay a visit.

114-116, King’s Road, London SW3 4TX | rixolondon.com

Russell & Bromley

If you want to put your best foot forward, you’re best stepping into Russell & Bromley. The British brand has been crafting luxury shoes and accessories since 1880 – and remains a top choice for the city’s style set.

64 King’s Road, London SW3 4UD | russellandbromley.co.uk

Self-Portrait

Specialising in stunning occasionwear for day and night, London-based fashion house Self-Portrait is a must-visit while in Chelsea.

11-13 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY | self-portrait.com

Zadig & Voltaire

Parisian fashion house Zadig & Voltaire captures the spirit of King’s Road with its rock-fuelled, rough-and-ready(-to-wear) approach.

164-166 King’s Road, London SW3 4UP | zadig-et-voltaire.com

Cosmetics à la Carte

For Beauty & Fragrance

Aesop

Each Aesop store has its own unique interior design, with the Chelsea outpost designed around the opening scenes of James Bond films. Inside, you’ll find the finest skin, hair and body formulations the brand has to offer.

22–24 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY | aesop.com

Cosmetics à la Carte

This award-winning makeup and skincare label has been going strong since 1973, and offers bespoke makeup lessons and services delivered by expert MUAs. You can even create your own lipstick and foundation, for the perfect match.

192 Pavilion Road, London SW3 2BF | cosmeticsalacarte.com

Penhaligon’s

The quintessential British fragrance? It probably comes from Penhaligon’s. Each of its fragrances tells a story, taking inspiration from the weird and wonderful (as well as the brand’s 150-year-iold archives).

25 King’s Road, London SW3 4RP | penhaligons.com

Space NK

Home to over 100 brands – including Rare Beauty, Hourglass, Sol de Janeiro and Diptyque – Space NK is a beauty-lover’s dream destination.

27 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY | spacenk.com

Trinny London

King’s Road is home to Trinny London’s flagship store, painted in the brand’s signature sunny yellow. It’s here you’ll find the latest innovations in multi-use makeup and beauty products from one of Europe’s fastest-growing beauty brands.

31 King’s Road, London SW3 4RP | trinnylondon.com

Penhaligon’s

For Jewellery

Annoushka

Contemporary quirk comes in spades over at Annoushka – this British jeweller is known for its playful charms and pendants, crafted from 18 carat gold.

41 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2TB | annoushka.com

Kiki McDonough

Designer Kiki McDonough created her eponymous label in 1985, from a passion for coloured gemstones and playful creations – setting the framework for modern jewellery design.

12 Symons Street, London SW3 2TJ | kiki.co.uk

Monica Vinader

This award-winning jewellery label likely needs no introduction – just make sure you head inside to see the latest creations crafted from 100 percent recycled gold and sterling silver, conflict-free or lab grown diamonds, and natural gemstones.

Unit 1132, Duke of York Square, 71-72, London SW3 4LY | monicavinader.com

For Home

Cole & Son

Cole & Son has over 150 years of designing beautiful wallpapers under its belt, making it the perfect place to go if you’re in the midst of planning a home transformation.

3 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TD | cole-and-son.com

Peter Jones

One of the few John Lewis department stores to keep its original name, Peter Jones is the biggest store on King’s Road – and it stocks all manner of fashion, beauty products, homewares and tech.

Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EL | johnlewis.com

The Conran Shop

The ultimate treasure trove for interior design-lovers, The Conran Shop is a curated showcase of furniture, lighting and home accessories specialising in contemporary styles.

16 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8ER | theconranshop.com

The White Company

One of Britain’s most beloved lifestyle brands, The White Company is known for creating products that ‘transform houses into homes’. Think bed linens, fragrances, dinnerware, furniture and home décor.

4 Symons St, London SW3 2TJ | thewhitecompany.com