London shopping: Bernstock Speirs
There is something seductive about a millinery boutique and the allure of dozens of different hat styles to transform your look. And at Bernstock Speirs’ bijou boutique on Brick Lane, it’s hard to resist playing dress-ups with their endearingly quirky range of around 40 different hat styles for men and women.
Traditional and wearable styles are given the signature Bernstock Speirs twist, with an unexpected and eclectic use of materials. Take, for instance, their classic black trilby, which has been updated with a slash of orange around the base (£97), or their fabulous range of winter beanies complete with netted veiling and pom-poms (£45).
The talented duo behind the brand, Paul Bernstock and Thelma Speirs, have been stalwarts of the London fashion and club scenes since the ‘80s. In fact, their very first creation was that iconic open-brimmed hat for Kylie on her debut Kylie album in 1988.
Fast forward to spring/summer 2008 and the line-up features reinvented classic straw designs in a delicious palette of powdery pastels with bold details like fat black webbing bows. I love the fabulous straw visors with veiled netting.
With a loyal clientele since the ‘80s including Boy George, Grace Jones and Madonna, Bernstock Speirs continues to grow its fanbase with the likes of Britney Murphy, Kirsten Dunst, Babyshambles, Karl Lagerfeld and local actor Ralph Fiennes all wearing their designs.
International stockists include Colette (Paris), Penelope & Gerard (Italy), Pool & F95 (Germany), Fenwicks, (UK), Fred Segal (USA) and Comme des Garcons (Japan).
Bernstock Speirs
234 Brick Lane
London E2 7EB
Tel. 020 7739 7385
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 11am – 6pm
Saturday and Sunday 11am – 5pm
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
For more shops in East London, click here.
Spring/Summer lookbook pics courtesy of Bernstock Speirs.
