Not too far from the touristy haunt of Knightsbridge lies the leafy enclave of Sloane Square, a highly fashionable area of London, and a shopping haunt of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge.
This little square is actually relatively low-key as far as shopping goes – in fact, many of the shop fronts are taken over by restaurants. But if you look a little closer – and walk a little further, you’ll discover that many of Kate’s favourite brands are located here, and also, that a couple of other great shopping areas are very nearby (more of that in another instalment!)
One of the first shops you’ll come to is Hugo Boss – Kate was pictured wearing a favourite red scarf from the brand on several occasions, and Pippa Middleton has also been snapped wearing the brand’s evening dresses at some major events. The flagship store dominates the corner as you exit the Underground Station for Sloane Square.
This station might in fact be one of the reasons why Sloane Square isn’t inundated with tourists like Knightsbridge. Those shopping for luxuries (or tourist baubles) in Harvey Nichols and Harrods might find their interest piqued by Sloane Street, but it’s a fair walk from the shopping area at the top of the street to Sloane Square, and the Tube line from Knightsbridge doesn’t connect to it either. Instead, you’ll have to change to the District and Circle lines (or as this gal likes to call them, the Seventh Circle of Hell) and take a ten minute trip. It’s not a huge faff, but it’s certainly not convenient – but that does mean you’ll be sharing the Square with the well to-do of Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, as the Square straddles all three districts.
What delights does this little square hold? If you’re jewellery shopping, you might like to pop into Cartier – the Duchess wears a gorgeous watch from the brand. Or, pop into Links of London, which is nearby – Kate has been pictured wearing several earrings from the company.
(As a side note, isn’t this the most adorable branch of Links of London you’ve ever seen?!)
Or, do an Audrey and linger outside Tiffany and Co. – although, as this is London, perhaps you should breakfast on tea and a bacon sandwich. Hmm, not as glamorous…
If you’re searching for that perfect undergarment, you might like to know that there’s a branch of Rigby & Peller here too – I’m certain this brand will never be listed on Kate’s official ‘what she wore’ announcements, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t own some items from this brand. Not only does the company hold a Royal Warrant for making items for the Queen, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret, but it can also be found in the drawers of more modern celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Lady Gaga.
On the far side of the square lies two American brands – one, J.Crew, that the Duchess has previously worn, and one, Kate Spade, that she has not (that we know of). J.Crew is known for a more conservative and preppy style, so it’s no wonder they’ve opened a shop in the old Sloane Ranger stomping grounds.
Meanwhile, Kate Spade is altogether more playful, and whilst it roots its style in prepdom, it does so with a smile and a wink. Although we’ve never seen Kate in Kate Spade, Pippa Middleton shops here, and many of the clothes would certainly fit into Kate’s wardrobe. Is this a fashion match in heaven waiting to happen?
We’ve crept into King’s Road territory already (the road leads directly into Sloane Square), so we’ll just take a quick trip into Whistles, as we’re here… I wonder if Kate’s bought any new dresses from the brand recently?
Of course, when it comes to clothes shopping, Kate’s shopping for four now (don’t you think she buys William’s clothes too? Well, some of them…). Check out The White Company for gorgeous homewares, scented candles, cosy clothing and a range for children, too – and Prince George has been spotted in items from the brand.
Finally, if you’re here, don’t forget to pop into Peter Jones – read our previous post on the department store here. Kate’s been spotted shopping here on several occasions, and this October the shop windows are decked out for Halloween. Can’t you imagine a tiny princess and prince in some adorable costumes come 31 October?!
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