From Brick Lane to Bond Street: a photographer's guide to London's fashion districts

Whether you’re spotting cutting-edge urban fashion or soaking up the style and glamour of iconic streets lined with high-end brands and haute couture boutiques, you’ll find it impossible to deny that London’s reputation as a fashion capital is well deserved. This makes the city not only a fashionista’s paradise but a fashion photographer’s dream. While every neighbourhood has something to offer photographers with an eye for fashion, some districts take couture to new heights while also boasting architectural gems and street art that will make your shutter flutter. With this guide for photographers, you can get the #FLODownon London’s finest fashion districts.

Photo by Bryan Brittos.

Bond Street, Mayfair

Bond Street is nothing less than one of London’s most important fashion districts. Located in the West End, Bond Street is split into Old Bond Street in the south and New Bond Street in the north. The street has been associated with fashion and luxury since the 18th century, and it remains one of the world’s most expensive strips of real estate.

Meander down Bond Street to photograph fashion fans backdropped by eye-catching red phone booths and the historic shopfronts of designer stores and boutiques such as Alexander McQueen, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Stella McCartney, and Tiffany & Co.

Location: Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1S.

Sloane Street, Chelsea

Walking down the elegant Sloane Street is something like making your way down a catwalk lined with luxury clothing brands, where you’re bound to encounter some of London’s most beautifully dressed people as well as those who dress them. You’ll spot names such as Balenciaga, Gucci, and Versace, and as much as you might find plenty of photo opportunities near these outlets, much more awaits you at Sloane Square, which you’ll find at the intersection of Sloane Street and Kings Road.

In addition to being home to high-end stores and boutiques, this hard-landscape square is the location of a central island with a Venus fountain, the Grade II listed Peter Jones department store and the Royal Court Theatre.

Location: Sloane Street, Kensington and Chelsea, London SW1.

Walton Street, Chelsea

Classic and contemporary fashion abounds on Walton Street, where a sleek, three-storey Chanel boutique sets the tone for this luxurious enclave. Make your way down Walton Street to capture stunning photos of the rows of modern white buildings, beautifully dressed Londoners, high-end independent stores, and intriguing antique shops.

If you have time after exploring Walton Street, head to nearby Knightsbridge, where you’ll find the fashionable Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores.

Location: Walton Street, Kensington and Chelsea, London SW3.

Oxford Street, Westminster

Oxford Street is one of the most famous high streets in the world. It is the location of some of London's most popular clothing shops. Two of the best-known retailers include the historic Selfridges near Bond Street and Liberty, which is around the corner near iconic Carnaby Street. Oxford Street usually throngs with people from various cultures and countries, making it a great place for street photography that aims to capture a mix of styles.  

Location: Oxford Street, City of Westminster, London W1D.

Marylebone High Street, Marylebone

Known as the Hidden Wonder of the West, Marylebone High Street oozes character, charm, and style. This hidden gem is just north of Oxford Street. The elegant street is home to a variety of shopping options, from high-end fashion, sportswear, and beauty boutiques to shops selling furniture and décor. It also makes a stunning backdrop for fashion-focused photos.

Location: Marylebone High Street, Marylebone, London W1U.

Carnaby Street, Soho

The pedestrianised Carnaby Street is a must-see, must-photograph area for photographers who love fashion, character, culture, and style. The graceful, often colourful buildings house independent fashion boutiques, lifestyle retailers, and popular restaurants and pubs. Carnaby Street is also something of a place of pilgrimage for the fashionably fortunate. It was here that John Stephen, the ‘king of Carnaby Street’, opened his boutique His Clothes in 1957, and Harry Fox and Henry Moss opened the women’s boutique Lady Jane in 1966, cementing the street's reputation as a fashion destination.

Location: Carnaby Street, Soho, London W1F.

Lexington Street, Soho

Lined with historic townhouses, sartorial sanctuaries, and interior décor retailers, Lexington Street is another hidden gem for fashionistas and the photographers who love them. Take a slow stroll along the street, soak up the atmosphere, and snap away to capture never-to-be-repeated scenes. You’ll find shops such as Byredo London, American Vintage clothing market, Aesop, and Alex Eagle Studio.

Location: Lexington Street, Soho, London W1F.

Lamb’s Conduit Street, Bloomsbury

If you're looking for some of London's best-dressed folk, head to Bloomsbury. Once home to Charles Dickens, this partially pedestrianised historic street boasts charming buildings, verdant trees, and the boutiques, shops, and other establishments of some of the city’s hottest tastemakers. Lamb’s Conduit Street is known for being a destination for discerning men’s fashion, accessories, and shoes, so there’s no shortage of incredible photo opportunities. If you’re looking to include architecture or sculpture in your photography, be sure not to miss the commemorative Lamb’s Conduit fountain near the junction of Lamb’s Conduit and Guilford streets.

Location: Lamb’s Conduit Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1N.

Redchurch Street, Shoreditch

Quirky fashion always makes for attention-grabbing photos, especially if you’re building up your portfolio. Redchurch Street has a two-mile stretch featuring independent retailers, classic brands, and vintage boutiques. There are also shops selling under-the-radar labels and exclusive couture, such as the French multi-brand boutique Aimé.

You’ll also see edgy eateries, graffiti art walls, and gorgeous historic buildings such as the converted Victorian warehouse that’s home to a boutique hotel.

Location: Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London E2.

Brick Lane, Shoreditch

Brick Lane is arguably as famous for some of London’s best curry houses as it is for vintage fashion shopping opportunities, amazing markets, and quirky souvenir shops. The best times to visit this fashion district are the days when the Brick Lane, Vintage, and Backyard markets take place, as you’ll see more people and more one-of-a-kind fashion for great photo ops. You won’t have any trouble finding exquisite backdrops, thanks to colourful murals, street art, and a flower market.

Location: Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London E1