Liberty

Liberty Review

Liberty's wonderful black-and-white mock-Tudor facade created from the timbers of two Royal Navy ships reflects the store's origins in the late 19th Century's Arts and Crafts movement. Leading designers were recruited from this and the Aesthetic movement to create the classic art nouveau Liberty prints that are still a centerpiece of the brand, gracing everything from cushions and silk kimonos to embossed leather bags and photo albums. Inside, Liberty's is a labyrinth of nooks and crannies stuffed with thoughfully chosen merchandise. The carpet and furniture departments are worth a look even if you're not buying. Clothes for both men and women focus on high quality and high fashion. The store regularly commissions new prints from contemporary designers, and sells both these and its archival patterns by the yard. If you're not so handy with a needle, an interior design service will create soft furnishings for you.