Kensington Shopping

Far less crowded than the West End, Kensington offers a somewhat more relaxed shopping atmosphere as well as an impressive array and diversity of shops. Not only do the High Street stores include Marks and Spencer, Next, River Island and Miss Selfridge but also the more exclusive and expensive shopping outlets too. Camden Hill Road and Church Street boast a variety of unique gift shops as well as a vast array of privately owned speciality stores. Church Street is also home to a number of exclusive antique shops specialising in Victorian paintings, Art Deco pieces and Oriental porcelain. Barkers Arcade on the High Street houses upmarket fashion such as Jaeger and Karen Milan labels along with a large House of Fraser department store and an increasingly popular wholefoods market. Kensington Market, just off Church Street is a professional and well laid out market place dealing predominately in fashions and accessories.

Bromptons Opticians - 202a High Street

True to its upmarket locale, Bromptons is a highly regarded opticians that offers an exclusive range of original and unconventional designer glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. They stock the upbeat and fashionable titanium frames by Lindberg and Silhouette, designs by Philippe Starck as well as the German brand IC! and Oliver Peoples, both of which offer the ultimate in chic and classy frames.

Smythson - 135 Sloane Street

Opened in 1887, Smythson is a traditional stationers that not only holds four Royal Warrants but has also been visited over the years by Queen Victoria, Grace Kelly and Madonna. Whilst today the shop attracts the young and trendy for its unique and high-quality fashion accessories, it still remains the pinnacle of traditional exclusivity and elegance. Smythson specialise in bespoke stationery, diaries and leather goods which can be gilded, embossed, bound or buckled, along with desk accessories, manicure sets, photo albums and backgammon sets.

Michael German - 38b Kensington Church Street

Although just a very small establishment, Michael German along with Dominic Strickland offer for sale a fantastic collection of over 5,000 antique walking canes. As well as buying and selling canes in ivory, silver, wood, hard stone, gold, jewelled, tortoiseshell, whalebone, narwhal, folk art and Anglo-Indian, Michael German also specialises in arms and armour from the 16th to the 19th century eras.

India Jane - 92 High Street

This is the flagship store that boasts a classic and timeless range of furniture as well as an exclusive and stunning collection of home interiors accessories in ceramic, leather and silver plate. Based on the India Jane archive of antique Colonial and Classical European collections, the vast and unique range is constantly updated with Indian, Vietnamese, Indonesian and European antique furniture and soft furnishings. The store also offers an incomparable collection of art deco, crystal and lighting designs.

Massimo Dutti - 118 High Street

Created in 1985, Massimo Dutti is a company that belongs to the Spanish Inditex group and one that is committed to the manufacturing of high quality clothing. Although initially the range was limited to men's clothing, the collection now includes accessories, fragrances, jewellery and shoes. Sophisticated and sporty, basic and modern styles are made with contemporary fabrics of the highest quality and innovative mixes and thereby ensuring maximum comfort along with elegance, taste and style.

French Connection - 168 High Street

Founded by Stephen Marks in 1972, the company established a strong basic clothing business by way of a unique and contemporary sense of design and style. The balance of new and exciting ideas along with affordable and quality products is where the strength of the brand lies. Highly motivated by innovation and change, French Connection has recently expanded their collection to include men's and women's toiletries, sunglasses, opticals, watches and shoes. However, the principles of the company remain the same in offering well-designed products presented in a unique and innovative way and which appeal to a broad spectrum of the market.