International brands eye UK shop debuts as London Fashion Week starts

The capital is poised for a wave of investment from international clothing brands looking to open debut UK stores here as the industry sashays into London Fashion Week (LFW).

There are as many as 40 overseas upmarket apparel and jewellery firms considering opening their first London stores this year, property sources told the Evening Standard.

Danish clothing firm Samsøe & Samsøe, which sells £349 biker jackets, wants to open as many as four shops here by the end of 2020. Locations could include Hampstead, Covent Garden and Chelsea.

A spokesman said: “We regard London as a window for buyers across Europe and ultimately a gateway to the rest of the world.”

Others looking include Chinese label MO&Co, French design house Sézane, and Italy’s Flavio Castellani.

Matt Farrell, a director at Albemarle Street and Bond Street landlord Trophaeum, said: “We have a steady stream of enquiries from luxury retailers wanting to open flagship stores.” His firm has recently let shops to designers Thom Browne and Self Portrait.

The latest interest will allay concerns that Brexit could deter creative companies from investing here. It will be welcomed by buyers in town for London Fashion Week this month.

Property firm Cushman & Wakefield’s Peter Mace said companies are being enticed by “high volumes of international tourism created by the weak pound”.

However, Colliers International said high business rates and rents are discouraging some entrants.

Among the highlights of LFW will be departing Burberry design guru Christopher Bailey’s final show and London independent artist incubator Fashion East’s outing.