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

Comments

[NATALIA]

Hi from Spain!!!
I like too much your blog!!!
Every day, from my job all my colegues and me read it. It´s great.
Ok...my english it´s no good, but I´m trying ;D
Well I following your site and I´ll write about in my blog.
Kisses!!!!

[mlle paradis]

I usually have to have Emergency Services standing-by when I visit this shop. The pleasurable shocks are almost too much for human physiology to withstand. Thanks for a great post!

[Signature Scent]

Wht an incredible store! I've never heard of it. However, I'll be making a short trip there very soon!

[Cassie]

Oh I saw the shop on Kirsties Homemade Christmas and have heard about it before but looking at your pictures made me realise I need to win the lottery before I let myself go anywhere near this shop!
xx

[Rose]

heaven! I walk past all the time and didn't know the name- isn't that silly- I MUST go in, it looks like a sweet shop without the calories

[Caroline, No.]

WISH I worked a bit closer to this shop! Need ribbon! It's a beautiful place.:)

[Eileen]

You must have spent hooouuurrrs in this shop! If I ever make it to London, {I should say, When I arrive in London} this shop will be the first on my list!

[canada flowers delivery]

Some good knick knacks stuff in here that's worth dealing out. Go google A Posporo Pause, and you know what I'll mean. Anyway, I'm trying to look for good gardening posts in the blogosphere and I'm directed here and I don't suppose you're into that, are you?