Shopping
recommended
SOMETHING TO BANG ON ABOUT Immune to Olympics and Jubilee fever? At least Lisa Williams is finding Selfridges’ enthusiasm catchy he powers that be must forgive, or at least understand, why some Londoners are still not quite mopping their brows with Olympic and Jubilee fever. After all, tons of us missed out on Olympic event tickets, didn’t get in there fast
T
enough to book the all-important dates in June off work, only to be left with nothing but dread that our commute’s going to be even more of a nightmare than usual. But, if you are feeling this way, why not have a saunter past Selfridges, which hosts its Big British Bang celebration from May 4 until late summer. And it’s set to be the biggest event in the iconic department store’s 103-year history – an exuberant extravaganza of all things British. Whether you are wanting to shop or merely take a look around, there’s plenty going on. For starters, the Oxford Street retailer has commissioned Vivienne Westwood to design some of its window displays. There’ll even be Morris dancers and real Pearly Kings and Queens, invited to promenade around the store. The Big British pop-up shop will showcase some of our finest homegrown produce (yep – Marmite and
Branston pickle are on the list), plus the best of British fashion. The Union Flag moves on from the Spice Girls with appearances on a special edition Barbour jacket and Mulberry Bayswater bag, while designer shoes inspired by the Pearly crew are also on sale. In fitting tribute to the Diamond Jubilee, there’ll also be a tiara shop, with replicas of those worn by the late Lady Diana and new princess, Kate Middleton, on their wedding days available to buy, with prices ranging from a bargain plasticfantastic £5 to £52,000 for the diamond-encrusted real deal. The theme is all-encompassing, with the roof terrace – once a prime location for events and fashion shows – re-opening for crazy golf by Bompas and Parr and “the highest tea on Oxford Street”, open daily from noon. Downstairs, the basement houses fashion exhibition Britannica 1951-1953. This display,
curated by leading fashion curator, Judith Clark and milliner, Stephen Jones, recreates period looks using current items, and is inspired by the pages of vintage Vogue magazines (pictured, top left). So, if your Brit factor’s in need of a boost, you know where to head. It might just make you feel a teensy bit proud. The Big British Bang launches on May 4, with individual events running for different periods. For further details and crazy golf and tea bookings, see: selfridges.com/BigBritishBang
scoutlondon.com Scout London 17