Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin New Bond Street in Mayfair, one of the most expensive avenues in the world when it comes to retail rents (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images) Getty Images It’s known for being the most expensive district in London, with real estate fetching record-breaking sales and restaurants with eye watering prices. That’s just one side of Mayfair, however. While it is the epicenter of luxury in London, the neighborhood has creative roots and long been home to the best British artisans. The soaring value of land hasn’t changed Mayfair’s reputation as a maker's haven. Interspersed with the flagship stores of big-name luxury brands are independent boutiques that hold their ground—a scene similar to Ginza, the most popular shopping district in Tokyo, that also has a mix of high-end brands and centuries-old workshops. Apart from window shopping, how do you best experience this creative universe? Well, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair provides guests with an in-depth introduction. “We launched the ‘Tailor-made for You’ concept to offer exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences that celebrate the craftsmanship, creativity, and independent spirit of Mayfair,” says Susanne Hatje, General Manager. Savile Row is synonymous to the best of British tailoring (Photo by MJ Kim/Getty Images) Getty Images While any concierge can get you an appointment, this program is designed as an immersion and is only available in this particular Mandarin Oriental property. Their latest partnerships showcase local artisans and businesses led by women—all walking distance from the property. “Each partner represents a unique facet of British artistry, from Savile Row tailoring and fine jewelry to wearable art and bespoke beauty, all led by pioneering female entrepreneurs,” Hatje adds. In search for bespoke shopping experiences you can only get in the British capital? Who better to ask than Hatje herself. Here are her recommendations on the best places in Mayfair to score one-of-a-kind finds. Vivienne Westwood Dame Vivienne Westwood made her name as a fashion designer bringing punk and new wave designs to the mainstream—explore her colorful legacy at her flagship boutique in Mayfair (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images No visit to Mayfair is complete without a stop at Vivienne Westwood’s flagship store to peek inside the world of the most revered and influential female British designer. “The boutique showcases avant-garde fashion, rebellious tailoring and sustainable luxury, embodying Dame Westwood’s distinctive punk-inspired aesthetic,” says Hatje. Located just around the corner from the hotel, the brand also designed the unique Mandarin Oriental Mayfair fan. viviennewestwood.com; 44 Conduit St, London W1S 2YL Established in 1849, Huntsman on Savile Row represents the pinnacle of British tailoring (Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images) Getty Images Say Savile Row and precise tailoring immediately comes to mind. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Huntsman, which claims to manufacture “the world’s finest handcrafted clothes”. “This is a legendary Savile Row tailor, famed for its impeccable bespoke suits and timeless British elegance, with a heritage of dressing royalty, Hollywood stars and style connoisseurs” says Hatje. The brand crafts pieces for both men and women—a place to create ensembles you’ll surely treasure. huntsmansavilerow.com; 11 Savile Row, London W1S 3PS Knatchbull is dedicated exclusively to women, a departure from the male-dominated Savile Row Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair Savile Row may be dominated by menswear but Knatchbull is moving the dial one day at a time. Previously known as The Deck, this is the first—and only—boutique is dedicated exclusively to women. Be it a classic pant suit, a statement jacket or an eye-catching gown, leave your request with the tailors at Knatchbull who are more than able to fulfill sartorial desires using their wonderful array of fabrics from Loro Piana, Holland & Sherry, and Vitale Barberis. knatchbull.com; 32 Savile Row, London W1S 3PT Clothsurgeon Clothsurgeon founder Rav Matharu and Parv Matharu attend the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2024, where he was given The Game Changer award by redefining menswear through fusing streetwear with Savile Row tailoring (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Walpole) Dave Benett/Getty Images for Walpole Just a few steps down from Knatchbull is another brand pushing the envelope. Founded in 2012 by Rav Matharu—who played professional football for Leeds United before turning his full attention to fashion—clothsurgeon melds street culture and high-end craftsmanship to create standout pieces for the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Kendrick Lamar. “Clothsurgeon is a cutting-edge bespoke streetwear brand that redefines modern menswear by fusing traditional Savile Row tailoring with contemporary design,” says Hatje. Matharu is the first South Asian designer to open premises on Savile Row, and he has gained international recognition including receiving The Game Changer award at Walpole British Luxury Awards 2024. clothsurgeon.com; 40 Savile Row, London W1S 3QG Arthur Sleep Prince William, Duke of Cambridge wearing Arthur Sleep's black cashmere slippers during a visit to Pakistan (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) Samir Hussein/WireImage Could a sleek loafer be more comfortable than your favorite sneaker? Yes, and that explains why Arthur Sleep has such a loyal following amongst A-listers such as Prince William. This modern shoemaker expertly balances tradition with innovation—it offers state-of-the-art measuring technology (including a 3D machine at their boutique) while still making every element by hand. In a bid to revive British shoemaking, Arthur Sleep established the first new shoe factory in London in more than a century, originally on Savile Row and now located in a quiet corner of Mayfair’s Mount Street. Be it velvet slippers with monogram embroidery or classic penny loafers crafted from exotic leather, Arthur Sleep promises the perfect fit plus the thrilling (and addictive) creative process of making a bespoke pair. arthursleep.com; Mount Street, London Jessica McCormack Jessica McCormack’s flagship store is set in a sumptuously decorated six-storey 19th century townhouse on Carlos Place Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair When you’re looking for something really special, there are few better options than jewelry. If that’s the goal, a trip to Jessica McCormack is in order. Head to the brand’s flagship store, set in a sumptuously decorated six-storey 19th century townhouse on Carlos Place that features curated antiques, unique artwork and modern finds echoing the creative approach of the maison itself. One of the partners of Mandarin Oriental’s ‘Tailor-made for You’ program, guests of the hotel can get a tour of the townhouse, see diamonds in the daylight at their secret courtyard, as well as a peek behind the curtain of how pieces are made. On the agenda: Watching master makers employing centuries-old goldsmithing techniques before examining the latest collections and discussing bespoke commissions. jessicamccormack.com; 7 Carlos Place, London W1K 3AR New & Lingwood Twin models Brett Staniland wearing a New and Lingwood pieces in London (Photo by Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images) Getty Images Can you actually look good while wearing a dressing gown? Probably if you’re donning one from New & Lingwood. This heritage British menswear brand is known for its exquisitely crafted silk dressing gowns, fine tailoring, and statement accessories. Proffering classic elegance through bold patterns and colors, New & Lingwood isn’t made for wallflowers—and that’s the way they like it. newandlingwood.com; 53 Jermyn St, London SW1Y 6LX Ormonde Jayne Craft your very own scent at Ormonde Jayne in Mayfair Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair An unseen, unforgettable and the ultimate accessory—that is how Coco Chanel described perfume. Though there’s a dizzying array of fragrances to explore nowadays, it’s hard to resist the allure of creating your very own scent signature. Expect to find a complete sensory experience at Ormonde Jayne, a perfume house founded by Linda Pilkington in 2000. Located in the Royal Arcade, the celebrated perfumer offers fragrance consultations so shoppers can decipher and craft their ideal scent. Guests of Mandarin Oriental get more than the typical welcome, with champagne and chocolates accompanying their creative journey and their bespoke scent poured into a bottle engraved with a personal touch. ormondejayne.com; 16, 28 The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, London W1S 4SR Berry Bros. & Rudd The celebrated Berry Bros & Rudd Winemakers in St James's Street in London's Mayfair (Photo by Pawel Libera/LightRocket via Getty Images) LightRocket via Getty Images When in search for fine wine with a side of history, look no further than Berry Bros. & Rudd. Established in 1698, this is Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant—just the place for culinary aficionados to get lost in the world of good taste. “This place is a must-visit, offering an exceptional selection of fine wines, rare whiskies, and expert-led tastings in its historic St. James’s location,” says Hetje. bbr.com; 3 St. James’s Street London MORE FROM FORBES ForbesArt Deco Is Trending Again—See Inside These Reimagined Gems In LondonBy Kissa CastanedaForbesA Craft Lover’s Guide To Ginza: 8 Traditional Japanese Stores To VisitBy Kissa CastañedaForbesHere's How This Murano Glass Maker Is Expanding Beyond Molten GlassBy Kissa CastanedaForbesParis Olympic Torch And Cauldron: The Story Behind The Unique DesignBy Kissa CastanedaForbesA Design Lover’s Guide To Paris: 7 Highlights In The City Of LightBy Kissa Castaneda Check out my website. Kissa Castaneda Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades