London shopping: Upper Playground
Progressive San Francisco brand Upper Playground is well-known for driving the fusion of art and fashion, and it has launched its foray into the European market with the recent opening of a boutique store in London. In addition to its Californian art gallery FIFTY24SF, the brand provides an opportunity for contemporary artists around the world to showcase their work on men’s and women’s street wear.
Artist-commissioned t-shirts are priced at £25 and feature funky designs by prominent names such as Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, Saber and Cope. Upper Playground has a huge following in the hip-hop and skate crowd, but the idea of limited-edition fashion is also gaining popular appeal for those looking for an alternative to mass-produced High Street style.
The basement boutique is just around the corner from Carnaby Street, and it features a small gallery space with a current exhibition of photography by Estevan Oriol. His images of legendary tattooist Mr Cartoon (his work decorates the bodies of celebrities like Fifty Cent, David Beckham and Juliette Lewis) add a gritty dimension to the store. I dig Herbert Baglione’s tote bags with their whimsical cat and moon design (£12) and Sam Flores’ cushions (£30). Now you really can wear your art on your sleeve.
Upper Playground
www.upperplayground.com
31 Kingly Street
London, W1
Tel. 0207 734 8705
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Tube: Oxford Circus
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday 10.30-7.30pm
Sunday 11-6pm
For more shops in W1, click here.
