Summer has firmly arrived in London, and this year brings with it a flurry of pop-up retail shops worth adding to your shopping agenda. From an underwater-themed swimwear store designed by Studio Boum to a Ralph Lauren kiosk in Sloane Square dedicated to Wimbledon tennis, we’ve rounded up the best destinations to visit...
‘Under the Water’ by Hunza G
Cult British swimwear label and pioneer of the ‘one size fits all’ crinkled swimsuit Hunza G heads to Marylebone for two months, where it has created a subaquatic shopping experience. Designed by Studio Boum, the London-based agency behind some of fashion’s greatest show sets, the space is finished in Hunza G Blue, the brand’s new signature colour.
A contrasting warm yellow lines the floors, while a rippled metal full-length mirror at the end of the space and a pink inflatable dolphin add a playful touch. Alongside signature styles and new pieces, visitors can browse Hunza G merchandise (such as limited-edition tote bags, luggage tags, key rings and water bottles) for the first time. 3 Paddington Street, Marylebone, London W1U.
‘Summer of Sport’ by Ralph Lauren
Didn’t manage to secure tickets to Wimbledon this year? Head over to Sloane Square for the next best thing, Ralph Lauren’s ‘Summer of Sport’. The only ever official outfitter of the Championships (it has held this prestigious title since 2006), the American fashion label has set up a kiosk shop, café and sunglasses hut in the postcode. Elsewhere, a special RL Clubhouse will host live panel conversations, floral arranging workshops and children’s entertainment. Best of all, the couture house is playing matches live on screens from the viewing platform. Henman Hill better watch its back. Sloane Square, London SW1W.
‘The Ice Cream Project’ by Anya Hindmarch
Anya Hindmarch’s beloved summer pop-up concept store is back by popular demand for its fifth year in a row. This year, it is treating hot shoppers to a welcome helping of cool ice creams and sorbets topped with wafers and sprinkles. Handmade in small batches in Devon, the scoops are inspired by flavours typically found in the pantry rather than the freezer – think dry cupboard essentials, cult drinks, favourite biscuits and even toothpaste. The Village Hall, 11 Pont Street, London SW1X
Gustaf Westman Corner Shop
Gen Z’s favourite Swedish designer Gustaf Westman has taken over Selfridge’s iconic Corner Shop with his pastel, chubby designs, creating a playful home away from home. An edit of special edition homeware pieces inspired by the city, including a fish and chips bowl and a tea strainer. Westman’s ‘Blob’ family of furniture also gets a British update, upholstered in a new tartan fabric. Products are spread throughout residential rooms, each with their own interior style. ‘I want visitors to walk through the rooms and find something that inspires them, something that feels familiar, or something they didn’t know they needed,’ says Westman. Selfridges, 400 Oxford St, London W1A
PleasingLand
Promising to be ‘part retail experience, part sensory playground’, this temporary space is designed to appeal to all your senses in an effort to shake up the traditional retail experience. Situated at 14 Carnaby Street in the heart of the vibrant Soho neighbourhood, PleasingLand’s colourful shelves stock Pleasing bestsellers from its beauty and apparel ranges as well as exclusive product drops. A series of experiential installations, from a Loop listening room to a photobooth, provide interactive moments that dissolve the boundaries between shopping, play and technology. 14 Carnaby Street, London W1F
