I had completely forgotten about Egg, the tiny store in Kinnerton Street, Knightsbridge that punches well above its weight in terms of influence amongst fashion folk, considering its size. Then recently I saw my friend Lizzie looking amazing in a navy velour-ish dress matched with a fur and wicker handbag that she’d bought there, and another old-hand retail friend visiting from New York said it was still his first port of call for inspiration when visiting London.
It certainly doesn’t look like your normal shop, as you can see from below…
And to be truthful, it’s very expensive, so unless you are buying in the sale (now on, by the way) its greatest asset is its ability to inspire you with its pared back interiors, interesting clothes and unique styling ideas. Owner Maureen Doherty has unique, much envied and particular eye, buying off beat and new designers and placing things together in a way that makes them look like art installations rather than consumer goods.
The great differential at Egg is that it’s so different from everything else you see on the high street. There isn’t a single body-concious item in the store, clothes are generally layered and generous in shape, from designers such as Casey Casey and Sofie D’Hoore to Maureen’s own designs, the staff all look amazing in the clothes and are happy to let you wander around -it’s a bit like you’ve rocked up at someone very stylish’s home….along with photogenic dog (I think this ones called Livvie).
If your wardrobe needs a revamp in terms of inspiration, then you might like to pop in and take a look. I succumbed to the temptation of the sale and bought the Annie Hall style hat (below) in grey. The wired brim lets me make it look a bit more ‘beaten up’ and will be perfect when it gets cold. You can just see Lizzie’s sheepskin and wicker handbag tucked behind the display below. Something to watch out for are the striped jersey tops -narrow sleeves, A line middle body section, three different lengths -that once worn, you’ll never be without. Navy/white and navy/tan ones currently in the sale.
It’s not easy to find, but Kinnerton St is just a hop away from Knightsbridge tube and worth the effort.
The arty aesthetic and creative ways with layers are a refreshingly different view on fashion and always inspires me, I mean there aren’t many stores offering gold foil bags to put your accessory buys in…
Egg is also completely low-fi, no website, no twitter, no pinterest board, which of course makes any trip there something of a treat. Find it at 27 Kinnerton Street, London Sw1, tel 0207 235 9315
Another wonderful shop that will appeal to women who like the Egg style is Ray Harris in Westbourne Terrace.
Maureen and her work are such an asset to London. She has never compromised and I have loved and relied on Egg
Forever. I have never regretted one thing I have bought and many pieces going strong twenty years in.
If you like egg and their unstructured style, I’ve just found a real gem in South Kensington…….gorgeous things !!!
Duncan & Namara
50 Fulham Road SW3
Thanks Hannah, will try it out. A