10 of the best designer children's fashion and lifestyle boutiques in London
For the finest in fashion, interiors and lifestyle products for children, our fashion columnist, designer and mum, Olivia Rubin, rounds up her favourite London places to shop
"It’s always exciting discovering a new children’s boutique out of the realms of the high street, which sell more special and exclusive items for your little ones. I’ve put together my hit list of some of my favourites that stock a wide range of labels and more specialist brands. Handily, you can also shop at all of these boutiques online."
1. JouJou and Lucy
Tucked away in the heart of Maida Vale, JouJou & Lucy is owned by a set of parents who take pride in sourcing new, enthusiastic designers who share their vision of originality and individuality. With brands like Kissy Kissy, Lili Gaufrette and Alphabet Jigsaws they cater for all baby and children’s needs from baby grows to toys and occasion wear. Kaz the owner is so passionate about his job and will often open the boutique out of store hours to fit into mothers busy schedules. What’s not to love!
Shop JouJou & Lucy, online
2. Blue Almonds
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Located on the prestigious Walton Street in South Kensington, Blue Almonds is the boutique to head to for a unique range of products that are sourced from all around the world. Furthermore Blue Almonds provide a personalisation service for many of their room and decor products that make the perfect gifts or nursery additions. A favourite of mine is the lighting, which are bespoke and make a nursery so special. Check out the hot air balloon ceiling lamp by Spanish brand Pasito a Pasito for a centre piece that will complete any nursery.
Shop Blue Almonds, online
3. Tiddlywinks & Ben's
For a family with babies and children of all ages it can be tricky to find a one stop shop to kit out everybody in one go! Tiddlywinks is that shop, stocking sizes and ranges from new born all the way up to 16 years old. The buyers are always on a hunt for the next new kids trend or brand, hence stocking the mini me brands to many adult favourites such as MSGM, Moncler and Paul Smith. If designer labels are your bag then this is the shopping destination to head to.
Shop Tiddlywinks & Ben's, online
4. La Coqueta
Owned by a Spanish mother of five, La Coqueta was born from a love of for traditional, timeless fashion for children which also incorporates a chic and contemporary style for our modern world. With everything proudly designed and made in Spain, La Coqueta is a brand that has a vintage inspired feel with smocked dresses for girls and plaid shirts for boys. They also have a wide offering of shoes and accessories. The store has made a name for itself in Hampstead, north London with a lot of mothers venturing out to buy into this authentic look.
Shop La Coqueta, online
5. Nanos
Another Spanish 'superbrand', Nanos, in Notting Hill is a firm fave of many celebs, including David Beckham who is often spotted buying Harper some stylish pieces. If it’s good enough for the Beckhams, then it’s good enough for us... With beautiful merchandising, there is lots to pick from, including their signature dusty pink shade over an array of knits, rompers and dresses.
Shop Nanos, online
6. Tartine et Chocolat
A personal French classic, the Tartine et Chocolat boutique in the west end stocks both boy and girl collections for clothes, sleepwear and homewear in their traditional baby blue and baby pink colours. I have found pretty gro bags and play mats in matching shades here and if, like me, you like some nursery colour coordination, then Tartine et Chocolat caters for this.
Shop Tartine et Chocolat, online
7. Bonpoint
This French brand is the go to label for all fashionistas. With a spectacular fashion show every season and four collections a year the brand boosts some of the most gorgeous prints around, including a new couture collection which can be personalised on demand with the children’s name embroidered by hand on a ribbon label. Be prepared to pay big bucks for these couture creations.
Shop Bonpoint, online
8. Rachel Riley London
We all know that Prince George is a fan of this British luxury brand, after seeing him in those memorable Sail boat dungarees and red smocked outfit at little sister Charlotte's christening. Rachel's design philosophy is rooted in her traditional lifestyle and draws inspiration from the forties, fifties and sixties with fine tailoring, beautiful hand smocking, hand embroidery and vintage-inspired prints designed by and exclusive to the brand. Multi-award winner, Rachel Riley is usually a Junior Design Award favourite - and we can see why!
Shop Rachel Riley, online
9. Trotters
I’ve included Trotters for its versatility: from shoe measuring to haircuts and outfits to presents, you can buy it all here. The staff are well trained to measure and advise the correct shoes for your child and baby and are a good place to head for baby’s first pair of pre-walkers. If you can’t make it to the store, not to fret as their website is always up to date with the latest products and easy to navigate.
Shop Trotters, online
10. ilovegorgeous
Sorry boys, but this last one is for girls only! ilovegorgeous was started by friends Lucy and Sophie in 2006. They say: "Having had girls of our own, we wanted to design a girlswear collection that was fun and feminine and looked to vintage fashion for inspiration. Our clothes are classic with a twist & aim to appeal to girls from 0-13 years." With stores in Notting Hill and Primrose Hill this is the boutique for fun, feminine and playful girls collections. I’ve got my eye on the sequin shell jumper for my daughter Chloe’s Spring wardrobe, pop in and take a peek.
Shop ilovegorgeous, online