Harrods and Harvey Nichols are two of the most opulent department stores to visit when shopping in Knightsbridge, they offer an incredible range of items which focus on the higher end of the market.
Harrods – 87-135 Brompton Road
Possibly the most famous store in the world, Harrods features on many tourist ‘must-see’ lists. The humble beginnings of this fabulous store date back to 1849, when Henry Charles Harrods opened a small grocery shop that emphasised impeccable service over value. Today, it boasts a phenomenal range of products from pianos and cooking pans to pets and perfumery. Although the store is well served with restaurants, the ostentatious Food Hall offers mouth-wateringly exotic food from all corners of the world.
Harvey Nichols – 109-125 Knightsbridge
The flagship store of Harvey Nichols opened in its present form on the corner of Knightsbridge and Sloane Street in the 1880s.Today it is the department store chain that is a favourite with well-heeled foodies and fashionistas alike. There are a total of eight floors of fashion, beauty and home collections with the fifth floor dedicated to food and restaurants.
Gucci – 17-18 Sloane Street
One of the top Italian fashion houses that design a wide range of clothes, shoes, perfumes and accessories for both men and women. Gucci started out as a leather goods company in the 1920s and today is one of the most luxurious must-have designer labels. Leather is still a staple of the company with Gucci shoes being among the best in the world. With its distinctive double G logo, Gucci’s top quality merchandise comes at designer prices. Excepting for accessories, there isn’t much to be found here for under five hundred pounds.
Prada – 43-45 Sloane Street
Breathtakingly beautiful clothes, shoes and handbags of Italian design, Prada is one of the most cool and stylish designer labels. A favourite with the trend conscious, everything can be found here, from evening wear through to fragrances and lingerie. The company was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada in Milan, but it is Mario’s granddaughter Miuccia Prada who is largely credited with creating the chic, stylish brand known today. It was she who chose to expand the company from a leather goods business into clothes and couture. Miu Miu, Linea Rossa and Prada Sport are diffusion lines that offer a slightly more affordable option.
Louis Vuitton – 190 Sloane Street
Louis Vuitton has remained one of the most sought after designers in the world of fashion, and is known especially for bags and trunks. Internationally renowned and one of the oldest fashion houses in the world, having started in 1854, Louis Vuitton sells its products strictly through its own retail stores and online in an effort to guard against counterfeit.
Jimmy Choo – 32 Sloane Street
Jimmy Choo, maker of glamorous accessories favoured by international stars and elegant women worldwide was launched in 1996. Here, are couture made shoes recognized across the globe for their excellent craftsmanship. With 2007 marking the eleventh anniversary of the company, Jimmy Choo now enjoys the visibility of a major luxury brand with over 60 branded stores in many of the world’s top locations.
Baby Dior – 6 Harriet Street
The house of Christian Dior has miniaturised some of its star designer’s creations to sell in Baby Dior. Handmade dresses, fur shrugs and logo-smothered pieces come with a hefty price-tag, however, there is an extensive diffusion line which consists of tiny empire-lined cashmere dresses with lacy cuffs and matching knickers, floral tiered dresses and tiny bowed booties for the girls and cropped combat pants, cable knit cashmere hoodies and mini ski suits for the boys.
