Wee Birdy

March 1, 2010

Best of London shopping: VV Rouleaux*

VVRouleaux is London’s legendary emporium of ribbons, trimmings and
braids, and oh, so much more. It’s the kind of place that instantly
makes you bug-eyed with excitement, recalling childhood days of
coveting ribbons, buttons and other “fancy” bits and bobs to add to
your most precious and treasured collection.

But
it’s the grown-ups who flock to this beautiful bazaar of inspiration
for specialist ribbons sourced from all over the world, like Japanese
organdie and French wire-edged taffetas in every shade imaginable. In
fact the large light-filled entry-level room in the Marylebone store is like a Pantone book come to life, with reels of ribbons in every
size, pattern and colour.

No wonder brides make a bee-line to the store
for that exact shade of caramel to work their bridesmaids’ sashes back to the reception chair tie-backs. Speaking
of brides, there are double-sided velvet ribbons which make perfect
belts and sashes, as well as double-sided Japanese satin ribbons. And
downstairs, there’s a fabulous collection of vintage bridal
accessories, including hand-made veils, headpieces, hats and birds
(birds!) from the late 1950s.

Ribbons
aside, there’s a glorious range of silk, organza and velvet roses in a
myriad of fashion shades, as well as a vast collection of fancy
feathers. Apparently the shop does a roaring trade in June and July
during racing and wedding season.

Don’t
miss the tables crammed with vintage pieces like hand-crocheted
butterflies and clusters of velvet violets (I spied the same violets
behind a glass cabinet at the Golden Age of Couture
exhibition at the V&A). I particularly love the selection of
vintage French earrings and hair combs as well as the double-sided
velvet belts with vintage buckles (from £14.95), delicate feather
brooches (from £12.95) and bird decorations (from £3.95).

Downstairs
is haberdashery heaven, dedicated to heavier furnishings like acrylic
and glass tassles in traditional and modern colours, as well as vintage
braids, faux-fur trims, cotton lace trims, and leather and suede
ribbons for fashion and furnishing.

I found a bunch of Chanel-style
braids that would make chic suit edging. There’s also an extensive
range of wax cords in all shades, which was raided by the wardrobe
department for the making of Elizabeth: The Golden Age. For more inspiration, pick up a copy of owner/creative director Annabel Lewis’ new book, Ribbons & Trims, for £20.

VVRouleaux
102 Marylebone Lane
London W1U 2QD
Tel. 020 7224 5179
Nearest tube: Bond Street.
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday (excluding Weds) 9.30am-6pm
Wednesday 10.30am-6pm

There is also a second shop in Sloan Square:
54 Sloane Square
Cliveden Place
London SW1W 8AX
Tel. 020 7730 3125
Nearest tube: Sloan Square

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday (excluding Weds) 9.30am-6pm
Wednesday 10.30am-6.30pm

Click here for more Wee Birdy shop reviews on Marylebone Lane.

* Please bear with me – I'm flying back to my Sydney nest so I'm digging into the Wee Birdy archives for a couple of weeks. Normal posting (and ace new London shops) will resume shortly. xx

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