LONDON — Anya Hindmarch is making her debut at London’s Burlington Arcade, opening the first stand-alone store for her eco-friendly Labelled collection.
It’s a big move for Hindmarch, who has taken over a large part of Pont Street with a string of concept shops and a café, an area she’s dubbed The Village.
While she does much of her business from there, the designer and entrepreneur said she couldn’t resist the pull of Burlington Arcade, the historic shopping hall that runs between Piccadilly and Burlington Gardens.
“It’s a special landmark, an antique, that can’t be replicated. I have been trying not to move out of The Village, but this is just the most special place. I’ve always wanted to be part of it,” said Hindmarch in an interview.
The Labelled products are made chiefly from Econyl regenerated nylon and Hindmarch said the “old, recycled” materials chimed with the history of the arcade, which has been a shopping hub specialized in fine jewelry and accessories since 1819.
Her shop will open later this month next to Maison Ladurée on the south side of the arcade nearer to Piccadilly.
The shop spans 120 square feet, and will stock key pieces from Labelled, which offers nylon bags, luggage, pouches and accessories with gold-embossed leather labels with phrases such as “Journey Essentials” and “Lotions and Potions.”
Hindmarch launched Labelled in 2018. It followed her Bags That Work range, which featured functional accessories aimed at helping people, like Hindmarch, who love to organize and compartmentalize. “It makes me feel in control,” she said.
The new space will stock the bestselling 24-hour bag, which has a compartment at the front for office paraphernalia, and one at the back for clothes and personal items. It will also sell another bag that’s meant to mimic the top drawer of a desk, with space for everything from Post-it notes to aspirin.
Hindmarch said the location of the new store is ideal as tourists flow up and down Piccadilly all year-round. Tourists, she added, have returned in force and are coming from places including the U.S., Japan and Korea.
Labelled isn’t the only new arrival at Burlington Arcade, which is owned by real estate magnates David and Simon Reuben.
Borsalino, the historic Italian hat maker, is returning to the U.K. after 15 years, and launching its flagship in the arcade. Wine and whiskey company Justerini and Brooks, part of the Diageo Group, also plans to open its first retail concept and bar in the next weeks.
Di Minno, the luxury women’s and bridal shoe maker, opened in September, while Lalique Art Gallery opened a permanent space in October.
Jeweler Lily Gabriella has recently opened her first showroom in the arcade’s penthouse. She creates one-off pieces and fine jewelry collections and offers a bespoke service where clients have the opportunity to be part of the creative process.
Trupti Shah, commercial and marketing director at Burlington Arcade, said the new brands’ “commitment to craftsmanship aligns perfectly with that of our existing retailers. Having a fresh perspective brings a sense of novelty and energy to the shopping experience.”
Shah added that the owners’ aim is to create a unique environment “with the best of what British and international retail excellence has to offer.” For the festive season, Shah added, there will be a focus on giving back to the community, with a series of workshops set to take place starting in mid-November.