Fashion & Shopping News
. . . FashionKatie Broadbent (right) and Jo Thyne (left) of Katie & Jo boutique on success, chilling out at Mao Tai and escaping west London
Photography by Hannah Palmer
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How did you meet each other?We both were at school together in Yorkshire. What made you decide to work with each other?In May last year, the night after we moved in together we were out for dinner and discussed how boring our working lives were, so we decided to come up with our own business. We would never have done anything on our own so it was the best way to go about it. How did you choose Parsons Green to set up your shop?We have both lived in Parsons Green for a few years. We realised that there are many young and fashionable women in the area but hardly any boutiques. We felt that there was a need to fill that gap. How do you decide which designers to stock?We try to find brands which are not widely available in London. We buy what we fall in love with and choose brands which range in price and satisfy the needs of our customer base. These brands come from all over, including Scandinavia, Australia, France as well as the UK. We are always on the lookout for up-and-coming designers. How would you describe your personal style?We both have very different styles which we hope give the shop its character. Katie has a chic Parisien look whereas Jo is more classic with a bit of rock 'n' roll. Who is your style hero?Jo: Stella McCartney for her relaxed glamour. Who is your favourite London-based designer?Jo: I really like the dresses at Temperley London. They’re perfect for special occasions. Who are your customers?They are mainly aged between 30 and 45. They are young professionals living in the area, including mothers. It’s an eclectic mix of people. What is the most exciting part of your work?The buying and the new challenges with arise every day. It’s exciting learning about all the aspects of the business and we find that our individual skills make for a good partnership. And the worst part?Our minds are always on the next project or next season. It’s hard to live in the moment. What is the craziest thing you both have ever done?We were quite fed up at university and decided to go on a holiday to Thailand. We ended up getting the wrong train and ended up near Sussex instead of Gatwick airport. We reached the airport half an hour after our plane had taken off. We couldn’t get a refund as we didn’t have insurance, so we both cried over a glass of wine. What is your favourite chill out spot in west London?We usually spend most of our time at Mao Tai [58 New King’s Road, SW6] across the road. It’s a fun place and they have very good cocktails. It’s a nice feeling to be out of work mode and have a break. What advice would you give to a tourist in London?Katie: We would definitely advise tourists to take the bus tour, see exhibitions and go to the markets such as Portobello, Spitalfields and Camden. They should also visit Katie & Jo! What do you do in your free time?Jo: I usually go to east London and spend time with my boyfriend. He has a studio there and we usually paint. We go to Borough Market for lunch and a few drinks on a Sunday. What do you want in life?Jo: To be successful within my profession. To always try to move forward, challenge myself and make the most of life. Katie & Jo Boutique Ltd, 253 New King’s Road, SW6; www.katieandjo.com; Flickr slideshow should appear here.
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... WE TAKE TO Kensinton Gardens TO FIND THE BEST INDIVIDUAL LOOKS
Chic, History and Political Science |
First WednesdaysVarious galleries, shops and restaurants in Notting Hill, Wed 4 Aug, 6pm–9pm
Notting Hill boutiques, galleries, galleries and restaurants host a series of one-off events as part of the cultural initiative taking place on the first Wednesday of the month. Wolf & Badger [46 Ledbury Road, W11] is offering up to 40 per cent off selected stock and and exclusive 10 per cent off non-sale new-season products during the day to anyone who quotes 'First Wednesdays'. Lace and Ribbons Vintage and Secondhand Clothes EventElmwood Tennis Club, Holland Road, NW10; Sat 28 Aug 1pm–7pm; £2 entry with all money raised going to Barnardo's Children’s Charity Whether you’re looking for geek chic or posh frocks, you’ll be able to shop ‘til you drop while bands and DJs entertain. Plus, there’s a clothes auction – from the likes of Mensah Vintage Clothing, Bexy Lady and Absolute Vintage – at 3pm with food and drink being served throughout the day. Agent Provocateur Autumn Range Sneek Preview
Steamy lingerie brand, Agent Provocateur, have given WLL a sneak preview of their new, sexier-than-ever Autumn range. Find it in shops from 1 August. Rag&Bow Vintage SaleParadise by way of Kensal Green, 19 Kilburn Lane, W10; Sat 7 Aug; midday–5pm Rag&Bow is Paradise's resident, affordable, monthly vintage sale. Selling an amazing assortment of handpicked women’s clothing & accessories. This month's sale brings new spring items, take your pick from floral playsuits, summer dresses, satchel bags, candy coloured hair bows & more, all at lovely low prices. http://theparadise.co.uk/whats-on The Shop at Bluebird Summer SaleThe Shop at Bluebird, 350 King’s Road, SW3; until Sat 31 Jul Mon–Sat 10am–7pm; Sun midday–6pmGet 50 per cent off selected stock including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Peter Jensen and Rika. www.theshopatbluebird.com; Clifton Nurseries Summer Sale
Find discounts of up to 50% or more on a wide range of plants and garden accessories, plus bedding plants from 75p. We suggest injecting your garden with some colour – irises, peonies and petunias are half price. www.clifton.co.uk; 020 7289 6851 New Opening: Carousel
Lulu from Betty Blythe and Katie from Bliss Fields (both of their shops are based in Brook Green) have joined forces to open a gorgeous lifestyle store, Carousel, in North End Road. We recently enjoyed iced peach tea and fairy cakes in the garden before our mini manicures. We think the store is bringing some much-needed chic to the area. 020 7385 4683 New Collection from west London's Atelier AnnickLuxury handbag label Atelier Annick has just launched their new range. Annick Adjo, designer and founder of Atelier Annick, was born and brought up in Paris to parents originating from Cote-d’Ivoire, West Africa. She now lives in west London and the company is based in Shepherd's Bush. Atelier Annick also offers a bespoke service with celeb fans like Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh. So, if you want to shop local, look no further. New Portobello Art and Design MarketPortobello Market, Acklam Road, W10; every Sat and Sun; 10am–5pm A new market launches in the regenerated space underneath the Westway with stalls from up-and-coming artists and designers such as graphic artist and illustrator Chris Getliffe, painter Dorka Zgrzeba and bespoke decorative plates by Jessica Joslin plus more. Soupa New Online Emporium WLL's very own website designer, Josephine Spencer, runs a creative network which has just set up an online emporium. Featuring products from talented creatives including limited edition prints, screen printed t-shirts and collectable comics. You're bound to find something to please. Back to top |
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Clifton Nurseries, 5A Clifton Villas, W9; starts Mon 2 Aug
220 North End Road, W14
