Escape in Style: Britain in Fashion Now
If you have any interest in fashion, nightlife or shopping, you need to visit Britain now. The British fashion scene is on fire with creative and energetic new directions. From a vast vintage scene, to pop up shops, to independent designers - the country is awash in innovative new labels and designer boutiques. You won't find it on High Street though, because much of this revolution requires an insider's tip. You have to know where to find it.
Independent designers have also been busy popping up all over Britain.
In areas like the Newburgh Quarter off London's Carnaby Street and Scotland's West End where Beyond the Valley (a top haunt of fashion blogger, Susie Bubble)stocks looks from over 100 new designers a year. Trendy east and north end London neighborhoods like Hoxton, Islington, and Shoreditch are all putting out their own shops and labels. In other areas, like Notting Hill, the trick is just knowing when to go (Friday morning) to avoid the crowds. You just have to know the right neighborhoods.
Scotland is emerging as a powerhouse of fashion design with Glasgow born designer Christopher Kane launching collection after collection for Topshop. If you thought this was just the land of Kilts and Tartan, you'll need to rediscover the Scotland with style. Italian fashion label Missoni did just that and decided to open their landmark super-chic hotel in the heart of Edinburgh.
Find your own Look in Britain
Anyone familiar with vintage shopping in the U.S. knows that it is hard to find a shop that hasn't been picked through. Britain's vintage shops on the other hand have period pieces and finds available that date back centuries - from Edwardian gowns to 1930's cocktail dresses to authentic punk-era rebel wear. Digging through shops like Glasgow's Starry Starry Night, is more like going through the costume collection of a major Hollywood studio, rather than picking through bins of worn 80s T-shirts. In fact, major shoots have visited the shop to find clothing for their productions. In London's east end, the Spitalfield's market at the Old Truman brewery is not only a haven of unique finds, but it's also an area that serves as a launch pad for many young, independent designers' careers. In fact, every year, the east end indie haven, runs its own Alternative Fashion Week that showcases unique talents.
Nightlife & The Foodie Life:
From hip clubs to cool bars, some of hottest clubs in Europe have taken residence in Britain. Manchester has been launching international music acts for decades and Liverpool is not far behind.
But you'll find music talent in every corner of Britain. It's also a farm-raised, local, and organic foodie hotspot. London and Scotland in particular are abuzz with hidden bars, swank hotel lounges, and amazing nightlife.
Here's another tip: If you are looking for emerging trends, the local food movement is blossoming in Britain, and particularly in Wales which has become a foodie haven and an outdoor destination with the kinds of quirky and fun nightlife that thrill-seekers crave after a day of adventure.
The Skinny on the Deals
Now is one of the best times to visit Britain and enjoy the amazing deals on hotels, shops, and food, which are currently being offered. Plus, the dollar is still strong against the British pound meaning you get more out of shopping. Be on the lookout for travel deals and check those amazing airfares from British Airways now. Hotels like the Mayfair and Missoni are also offering discounts and packages to help you get the most bang for your buck while traveling the country.
Escape in Style - Win a Trip to Britain
VisitBritain and British Airways have teamed up to launch the Escape in Style Sweeps. Enter to win an amazing trip for two on British Airways, with a prize that includes a 5 nights stay in London at the May Fair Hotel, the official sponsor of London Fashion Week (their Met Bar tops London's list of places to be seen). You'll also get a private day with an in-the-know fashion expert from Urban Gentry to show you around London - whether you want to hit little-known boutiques or sample the best of London's food and nightlife scene. Plus, a $250 gift card will get you started shopping at Selfridges with complimentary Selfridges welcome bags. The prize is topped off with a 4 nights escape to Wales at any Welsh Rarebits collection of luxury boutique or country house hotels and a day tour of the boutique hotspots in Wales.
Follow the transatlantic gossip, trends, and tip-offs on Unlabelled Britain
For more information on the breaking fashion, nightlife, music and food scene in Britain, check out www.transatlanticism.org.
