King's Road; A brief History

The glamorous ambience of Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Kensington is mirrored through the luxury boutiques, exquisite restaurants and must see galleries located in the area. The overall social vibe is that of a cultured and sophisticated community.

I became interested in why Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Kensington became areas infamous for their elegance. During researching the history I discovered an interesting fact, one that would change my perspective of that area an in turn increase my respect for it.

Chelsea was a significant attributer towards ‘Swinging London’ in the 1960’s , and contributed towards breakthroughs in fashion, music and art but it was a decade later that Chelsea outraged middle England by spawning by the new era that was Punk.

In 1974 located at 430 Kings road, was Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood’s boutique ‘SEX’. The only boutique of its kind ‘SEX’ sold original fashion styles that would later become known as Punk .

Today Chelsea and its neighbours Kensington and Knightsbridge are far away from being as

anarchist as they might have been 40 years ago. However,these areas have remained arbitrators towards leading current fashion trends, and have continued to be abundant with culture . A classy trio of elegance, I recommend these areas if not for their rich galleries and cultured atmosphere then for their exclusive shopping and restaurants.

Listed below is a selection of boutiques, galleries and home and design outlets from the area that I recommend.

　　　

SHOPPING

Harrods, Knightsbridge

World famous luxury department store selling a wide range of luxury products. At Harrods you can buy almost anything, from food to furniture, Harrods has it all.

Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge

Exclusive department store where you can find a collection of the best known labels under one roof. The best money can buy, Harvey Nichols if filled with many exquisite products from fashion and beauty to technolog

World's end, King's road Chelsea

Vivienne Westwoods boutique previously known as 'SEX', Available are items from the latest Vivienne Westwood collection.

Octavia foundation charity shop, South Kensington
Designer clothing second hand, home ware products at reasonable prices and all in moderately excellent condition. There is also a selection of handmade papers for wrapping, gift cards and new products available at affordable prices.

GALLERIES

Andipa Gallery, Knightsbridge

An ever changing collection of modern and contemporary art. Unique signed prints from a selection of well established artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Warhol and Hurst.

Crane Kalmon Gallery, Kensington
A range of modern British, European and American art
Saatchi Gallery, King's road Chelsea
Contemporary art insatallations and paintings, free admisions to all shows as Saatchi's attempt to bring contemporary art the widest audience.

HOME AND DESIGN

Andrew Martin International Ltd, Kensington
Nostalgic wallpapers which range from old postcards, stamps, book cases and maps.
Bernard Thorpe & Co Ltd, Chelsea
International leading designers with the finest range of furnishing fabrics and customised wallpapers.
George Spencer Designs, South Kensington
Beautiful collection of hand blocked wallpapers and own collection of trimmings and fabrics.

Cath Kidston, King's road Chelsea

Vintage inspired wallpapers, fabrics, kitchen and homeware products.