Liberty of London

No other shop in London, if the world, has such a strong iconic association with design. Mention a 'Liberty print' and a clear image of the shapes, colours and textures involved immediately springs to mind. Housed in a striking, timber-framed, Tudor revival building on Regent Street, the powerful Liberty brand extends to the distinctive style of its surroundings. With small, intimate staircases, intricately designed elevators, wooden balconies and glass atriums this has to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing and unique department stores in the city. Just wandering around it particularly at Christmas time, when fairy lights adorn the ceiling is a real joy. Since it opened in 1875, Liberty has captured the hearts of shoppers around the world, finding fame and popularity in the 60s with designers like Mary Quant and Jean Muir producing the shops own line in fabrics. Liberty's dedication to innovative design and Eastern influences reflects its founder's fascination with Japan following the International Exhibition of 1862. Not content with merely following trends, Liberty regularly showcases and sponsors new designers, offering cutting-edge style; from cosmetics and jewellery through to home and fashion - there are names like Martin Margiela and Comme des Garcons nestling alongside Betty Jackson. Covet the designer womenswear, ogle the arts and crafts antiques or simply watch would-be fashion designers drooling over the textiles in the fabric department. Fabulous.

Best for:
Fabrics and fairy lights, balconies and beads, Mary Quant, Martin Margiela and Jean Muir.