Shopping in London: Shop at Bluebird

I finally paid Shop at Bluebird a long, overdue visit last week, and I’m delighted to report that it’s looking better – and dare I say more accessible  – than ever. But it’s difficult not to be impressed and a little over-awed by the listed art-deco location alone (the former Bluebird garage), let alone the beautifully edited collection of fashion, books, music, homewares, vintage, and skincare products.

While it’s loosely divided into departments, all sorts of found objects, accessories and artworks are scattered throughout the 10,000 square foot space. Here, for example, you’ll find 1950s American glass milk bottles (£18) sitting on an oversized French farmhouse table, next to a rack of glorious Erdem frocks.

I really loved the selection of vintage greeting cards as well as the fabulous brioche mould pendant lights by Sally and Mark Bailey. The range of playful pastel-coloured ceramics by Berlin-based Kuehn Keramik was also a highlight.

The women’s fashion department is extensive and carefully considered, with labels ranging from Jasmine de Milo, Alexander Wang, Peter Jensen to Elizabeth and James, Luella and Richard Nicoll. Shoe-wise there’s Rupert Sanderson and Vivienne Westwood, while the jewellery cabinets are stuffed with Marni gems, vintage fob watches and Nymphenburg porcelain pendants.

There’s also an excellent spa with Micheline Arcier (Prince Charles’ aromatherapist of choice) joining this month along with an exclusive treatment menu. Right now you can pick up skincare products by the likes of Malin + Goetz and Ole Henrikesen, but keep an eye out for Aesop and Bigelow, which should be arriving over the coming months.

What’s most appealing is that the shop is constantly evolving, with new designers and pop-up spaces keeping it fresh and relevant. Launching its international project in the pop-up room this week is French label Kitsune (next stop is Colette in Paris). Then there’s Atelier Abigail Ahern, the new homewares concession which brings Islington interiors (and some rather lovely Jonathan Adler ceramics) to the Kings’s Road. I was also (predictably) excited to discover that Rob Ryan will be curating the Christmas shop this year.

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a twirl around the spacious dressing rooms, which are in the process of being decorated by individual designers. I’m looking forward to seeing the Bobby Dazzler dressing room (think hand-crafted creature feature!), but I rather liked the room with the incredible sepia photo collage.

Shop at Bluebird
350 King’s Road
London SW3 5UU
Tel. 7351 3873
Nearest tube: Sloan Square
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am-7pm
Sunday 11am-6pm

Comments

[Kel_eh]

What a wonderful tour, thank you! I must go there...

[spudballoo]

Fantastic tour as ever. You know, I've never been in that shop...despite living in London for 17 years. It was never in my 'hood, despite having lived all over the place.

That photo collage is a delight, well it all is...

[helen rawlinson]

Wow! I want to go. Other end of town for me, but looks like it will be worth it. I'll have to try something on (and then put it back) just for the experience!

[nath]

gosh, what treasures! it looks amazing!

[Rose]

It's wonderful isn't it- and keeps the King's Road credibility levels up! I find it a bit like a mini Liberty for vibe- very much the kind of place I'd like to move into! I nearly bought the milk bottle/ vase the other week and stopped myself. Think I'm going to have to go back though. I loved the mad et lin scents/ oils too. Very exciting about Rob Ryan.

[abby]

that shop looks too incredible. thanks for sharing it and making me drool a little bit :)

[Alex]

I love it in here!

And yes, I did see your Whitstable post (of course!). We popped into Felt too and I will be returning nearer Christmas to stock up on glorious presents...
x

[the likkle girl who wurves pwetty things]

Orson & Blake here x100? xx

[Make Do Style]

Oh good post - keep meaning to go.

[Top Bird @ Wee Birdy]

Likkle Girl - oh my, I *almost* forgot about Orson & Blake. Yes, very much so, and there's even a (very fancy) cafe/restaurant outside! xx

[Make Do Style]

I answered you q on my blog but I'll double up - I just pull them over my foot/heel!

[Deb]

Looks wonderful - I especially like those vintage Christmas cards, brioche lights and milk bottles.

[Kate]

It reminds me a lot of Merci in Paris, looks v. lovely & will have to pay it a visit!

[WEM]

Is that where all the boring over priced food used to be? Looks fabulous, wondering where one could photomontage a room like that - small loo perhaps.
WEM xx

[Jessica Teas]

Girl, you make that shop look better than it does in real life... they should hire you to do their press shots. Do they really have an Atelier Abigail Ahern down there now? Was always one of my favourite shops to browse on Upper Street on a lazy Saturday afternoon when I lived in Islington. You should do a tour of Aria! JT xx

[Bluebird London]

I love Bluebird Shop, you can spend hours in there. I do agree that it's been made more accesible but despite those problems it's what's inside the store that's th drawing card. And with the restaurant next door there really is no getting away in a decent time. One of my favourite days out.