Built on reclaimed land, Seven Dials was an area of London created in the late 18th Century by Thomas Neale. Wanting to attract wealthy residents he laid out seven streets from a central focal point in order to accommodate the maximum amount of people and accumulate the maximum amount of profit – some things don’t change then. Jump forward a few hundred years and the lanes of Seven Dials remain but where wealthy residents once resided, you’ll find a buzzing shopping district.
As London Collections: Men has just shown, London is currently one step ahead of the curve when it comes to international men’s fashion. Represented by a mixture of heritage, work wear and traditional tailoring, it takes more than a Kate Moss lipstick for men to ‘get the London look’. But currently there is more quality out there for men than ever. Whether growing into it organically or not, Seven Dials has sprung up as a key destination for menswear in London. The seven streets provide something for every man and what’s more, many of the labels in the area are independent businesses, which produce domestically. Here are a few of our favourites.
The Vintage Showroom
When you think of vintage, images of cluttered thrift stores can spring to mind. But not at The Vintage Showroom, with its neat piles where sections are marked by style and colour the store is every bit as carefully laid out as any designer men’s boutique. When it comes to men’s fashion in this area, The Vintage Showroom is a store out on its own. Exclusively dealing in classic menswear from the last century, we readily divulge that sometimes we visit just to take it all in. Admittedly, prices are high on the most sought after items. But when you’re talking about sourcing - in mint condition - the likes of French worker jackets, US Postal Service coats and Belstaff leathers you can always find the value in what you’re holding here.
Albam
Modern style with nods towards industry and work wear, Albam is the place for the man who cares about quality. With four London stores this independent label is growing at a rate that makes its domestic production look even more impressive. Albam’s denim, blazers and athletic jackets are all worthy of making the cut in any Londoner’s wardrobe.
Arthur Beale
While Arthur Beale may not be on one of Seven Dials’ seven streets, it sits just on the cusp, on Shaftesbury Avenue. Arthur Beale is a yacht chandler, which might lead you to question what that has to do with menswear. Well, aside from being one of London’s most incongruously brilliant shops, it has a rare selection of maritime French brand St. James. If you like the stripy look this is the place; Arthur Beale is home to the original Breton.
Le Coq Sportif
More Franco fashion, this time from Breton to bicycles. Le Coq Sportif has undergone rejuvenation thanks to its stylish heritage and the brand’s relationship with the Tour De France. And after a big year, where else would the French sports brand decide to open its new concept store but Seven Dials? Located on Earlham Street, Le Coq Sportif will appeal to those who appreciate Bradley Wiggins’ style, any cycling enthusiasts looking for a change from Lycra and fans of the football casual look.
View our list of the Best Menswear Stores in London here.
Seven Dials for Men: The London Neighbourhood Turned Menswear Mecca
As London Collections: Men enjoys its biggest event yet, menswear in London is currently booming. We salute Seven Dials, an area of the city that teams with boutiques for men.
Published Jun 21, 2013