Wear the Tube: The Best Shops Near South Kensington Station
Chances are you’ve already come across our Eat The Tube series, dedicated to finding the best foodie spots on the Underground network. Now, we’re trying something slightly different, rounding up the best boutiques and stores to know when you’re in any given area. From Harrods, to H&M, this is the best shopping near South Kensington Station.
Farm Rio
Drawing from its roots, most of Farm Rio’s pieces resemble various aspects of Brazilian culture. Vibrant colours and tropical floral patterns make for some of the brand’s most stunning clothing. The Brazilian theme does not stop there. The golden accents and stunningly patterned carpet transport shoppers to a beach oasis that will leave you craving a pińa colada. There’s always music playing and the customer service is great. Farm Rio also puts sustainability first in its business practices. The majority of how Farm Rio operates the company is through a very strict lens of impact consciousness. Farm Rio is a noteworthy addition to any shopping spree if you’re looking for a bright new piece in your closet this summer.
Walk time: 15 min
Website: www.farmrio.com
Store Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 am – 7 pm
Sun: 12 pm – 6 pm
Rixo
Walking into Rixo feels like entering a ’60s movie set, complete with a Sierra filter. From the charming giant popcorn box pots at the door, to the blue tile accent wall, shopping here will make you feel like you’re about to bump into Brigitte Bardot. Rixo was established in 2015, by Henrietta Rix and Orlagh McCloskey. The timeless pieces Rixo carries will have you coming back every week. The racks are stocked with the most gorgeous bridal dresses, if you are looking for a place to try on wedding dresses and give your friends a fashion show— Rixo is perfect. But, if you’re not in your bride-era, it also has the most beautiful vintage pieces. Luxury vintage in an old-timey atmosphere is pretty much the ideal shopping day.
Shopping here will make you feel like you’re about to bump into Brigitte Bardot.
Walk time: 15 Min
Website:www.rixo.com
Store hours: Mon – Sat: 11 am to 7 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols epitomises luxury and sophistication in retail. The store has evolved into a playground for fashion icons like Zendeya and Kylie Jenner. It is renowned for its designer collections and exclusive five-star restaurant. Beyond its high-end fashion offerings, the store is celebrated for its upscale beauty products and exceptional customer service, making it a destination where opulence meets a personalised shopping experience. The building is impeccably decorated with detailed carpeting and wooden accents. It’s like shopping in a castle.
Walk time: 20 min
Website: www.harveynichols.com
Store Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 11.30am – 6pm
Luca Faloni
Luca Faloni is an Italian mens clothing brand that stocks authentic and beautiful linen, cashmere, and silks. Sourcing materials exclusively from prestigious suppliers in Italy, it is able to ensure that the quality of its clothing is up to grade with brand standards. It has everything from sunglasses to pants, for those of you looking to up your wardrobe. We love the button-downs and jeans. Luca Faloni combines beachy fun with luxurious elegance, using a lot of neutrals and pastels in both the storefront and clothing lines. Luca Faloni is a one-stop shop for men’s collections and the best way to find out if you can pull off a linen suit.
Walk time: 17 min
website: www.lucafaloni.com
Store Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 7 pm
Sat: 10 am – 7 pm
Sun: 12 pm – 6 pm
Harrods
Harrods has made a name for itself as one of the most luxurious and elegant department stores in the world. This seven-floored shopping heaven just celebrated its 175th anniversary of dominating the London fashion scene. Collaborating with over 2000 high-end brands, Harrods has become a staple store in the South Kensington area and is an absolute must-see on your next trip to the station— even if it is just to window shop. They carry a wide selection of styles, from chic, classic pieces, to more modern looks with a bit of an edge to them; no matter the style, each item has a clear feel of luxury. The store itself is impeccably decorated with a clear and pristine attention to detail. Its iconic Egyptian theme and impeccable customer service make exploring Harrods such a fun time— as long as you don’t get lost.
Walk Time: 15 min
Website: www.harrods.com
Store hOurs: mon – sat: 10 am- 9 pm
sun: 11:30 AM- 9 pm
ME+EM
Clare Hornby founded ME+EM in 2009, and the brand has only gone up from there. ME+EM does not believe in having a ‘middleman’, meaning all of the lines have been created using in-house materials only. With aims to provide women with staple pieces that can be worn forever, not just a season or trend lifespan, ME+EM delivers timeless clothing that you will love. They utilise a lot of bold, solid colours in their designs, as well are polished cuts perfect for any function or brunch. The building is stunning, with an open floor plan and lots of natural light, it’s a great stop for your next shopping trip.
Staple pieces that can be worn forever, not just a season or trend lifespan.
Walk time: 8 min
website: www.meandem.com
Store hours: mon – sat: 10 am-6 pm
sun: 11 am-5 pm
Carolina Herrera CH
Carolina Herrera offers a wide selection of not only clothes, but iconic accessories and scents as well. CH focuses on high-quality, luxury materials and unique styles. They offer casual, everyday wear, as well as formal dress. If you’re looking for that perfectly polished, sophisticated outfit, you’re sure to find it here. The store is gorgeous, with glass accents and a homey fireplace— you’ll never want to leave, which may or may not prove to be a problem. One of the best details of the store is the use of the CH perfume-scented candles. If you know any of the CH fragrances, you’ll be in your element the second you walk in.
Walk time: 7 min
website: www.carolinaherrera.com
store hours: mon – sat: 10 am-7 pM
Sun: closed
H&M
This is one of H&M’s concept stores, in which the pieces are handpicked as the franchise’s best. The clothes stocked include the most elevated pieces from new lines, as well as the H&M Beauty line. This is a vast change from the usual abundance of selections at typical H&Ms, meaning the shopping is essentially done for you; you don’t have to spend hours in one store, because the best has already been picked out. From spring maxi dresses, to fall ankle booties, this concept shop is the prime choice for a quick shopping trip.
You don’t have to spend hours in one store, because the best has already been picked out.
walk time: 17 min
website: www.handm.com
store hours: Mon – Sat: 9 am – 9 pm
Sun: 12 pm – 6 pm
Octavia Foundation
If you and your friends have been craving a thrift day, Octavia Foundation is sure to have some of the best finds. All of the racks are pre-priced and organised by style. The foundation connects people from low-income households with opportunities for jobs and growth—a worthy cause surrounding a great store. Pop on your favourite outfit, grab Pret with your friends, and discover truly unique pieces at this hidden gem in South Ken. The prices are affordable, and there is always something new to find. They have an awesome jacket and dress selection, as well as gorgeous shoes and handbags. The fun is in never knowing what you’re going to find, and that it’s probably the only one there is.
Walk time: 10 min
Website: www.octaviafoundation.com
Store Hours: mon – sat: 10 am-6 pm
sun: 11 am-5 pm