Finery’s position as a London label is about so much more than being based here – it’s about an attitude. The city’s dynamic energy is at the heart of what we do, continually exciting and inspiring us. Head of design Emma Farrow opens up her address book to reveal the London spots that always capture her imagination.
ISLINGTON, N1
I absolutely love the mix of craft, antiques and beautiful vintage clothes at Camden Passage, from the Victoriana at Annie’s Vintage to the amazing old jewels at Esme. I always pick up some inspiration bits here, it could be a kimono I love the print on or a coat on one of the stalls that catches my eye and makes me think ‘Oh we should try fur collars’ or ‘Let’s try mixing green with chartreuse’.
NOTTING HILL, W10
I often make the trip to Notting Hill to wander down Golborne Road. I love the flea market, as you never know what you’re going to find, and Kokon to Zai is great too. I’ll always pop in to Rellik, they genuinely love clothes and know so much there. Every time I go in thinking ‘I’m not going to find something this time’ but I always do. Recently I’ve been looking at a lot of ’90s stuff: Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe, Helmut Lang and Martine Sitbon.
PECKHAM, SE15
The Bussey Building in Peckham – a sort of performance space with a great rooftop bar – is one of the most amazing places I’ve been for a really long time. It’s the energy and people that make it so inspiring, last time I went there was this brilliant poetry reading going on. With Goldsmiths nearby, that corner of southeast London is a really exciting place to be right now. I find it so inspiring to see what the art kids are wearing; you always see some really individual looks, that’s much more exciting than seeing people copy magazines. You really feel part of a creative world there.
CITY OF LONDON, EC2
I’ve seen some amazing performances here, like Devendra Banhart who’s one of my all time favourites. But I also find the physical space inspiring – the architecture, the gardens, the water. I love that brutalism, and have referenced the Barbican’s geometric lines in prints over the years.
FOREST HILL, SE23
I first visited the Horniman Museum when I was studying for my textiles degree, so I always think fondly of it. The world craft exhibitions are brilliant, as is the library – but it’s the beautiful gardens that make it really special for me. My favourite part is the dye garden where in the summer there are colourful displays of flowers all of which have natural dye properties. It amazes me how such a calm and restful place with incredible views of the city is only a 10-minute ride away from my house. I love being outdoors, surrounded by greenery and find gardening very meditative. That quiet time is really important for nourishing creative thoughts.
Photography by Kasia Bobula