As the temperature rises and London’s parks begin to bloom, many of us feel the familiar urge to give our wardrobes a seasonal refresh.
But this summer, the call for change is going deeper than just switching out jumpers for T-shirts. More and more, shoppers are looking for fashion that’s not only stylish but also meaningful - pieces that say something about who they are and how they choose to shop.
Whether you’re hunting for a show-stopping outfit or simply elevating your everyday look, this is the season to rethink your approach to fashion. Forget fast fixes and fleeting trends - today’s style is all about individuality, craftsmanship and intention. And if you're looking for fashion boutiques in London that reflect those values, Rathbone Square in Fitzrovia is a great place to start.
The New Summer Mood: Individuality Over Fast Fashion
Summer style often focuses on creating a light and floaty look, but it can also be about bold self-expression. As more people turn away from mass-market brands, there’s growing interest in independent designers who bring something unexpected to the table.
Think fresh silhouettes, alternative materials, and a more thoughtful way of doing things.
Lab Store London, Rathbone Square’s very own avant-garde fashion boutique, is home to a carefully curated collection of designers who embrace exactly that ethos.
Here, you’ll find pieces by names like Rick Owens, Grace Ling, Yohji Yamamoto, Luca Hamers, Walter Van Beirendonck and Hyein Seo – independent designers known for their conceptual approach to fashion and commitment to standing out, not blending in.
This is fashion with a point of view. From dramatic tailoring and sculptural layering to deconstructed detailing and androgynous styling, every garment feels designed to make an impact.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of independent fashion, or just starting to move away from the mainstream, Lab Store offers an entry point into a world of statement style and creative expression – a refreshing collection of independent designers in Fitzrovia.
Statement Pieces That Speak for Themselves
Every wardrobe needs its talking points - the kind of pieces that draw compliments, spark conversation or simply give you that lift when you put them on. This season, it’s all about finding those statement items that capture your personality and that can be styled in ways that feel fresh every time you wear them.
At Lab Store London, statement pieces are front and centre. The store is known for its bold outerwear, exaggerated proportions, unexpected materials and eye-catching accessories - all carefully selected from a mix of independent designers in Fitzrovia and beyond.
Think hollowed out pants from Windowsen, a snakeskin column corset dress by Dion Lee, and sculptural jewellery that feels more like wearable art.
What sets these pieces apart is their ability to stand alone or slot into your existing wardrobe. A structured jacket can elevate simple separates, whilst a directional accessory can reframe an everyday outfit. They are definitely pieces to wear with the confidence that no one else in the room will be sporting quite the same thing.
If you're looking to invest in something special this summer - something that feels less like a trend and more like a reflection of your personal style - Lab Store London is the place to explore.
Everyday Essentials, Reinvented
Of course, not every day calls for a statement coat or a directional silhouette. But even the most practical wardrobe staples can have personality - and that’s where Lab Store London really shines.
Among the bolder pieces, you’ll also find a selection of refined basics with a twist: reimagined T-shirts, relaxed tailoring, textured separates and unstructured shirts that work just as well for a weekend brunch as they do for a summer gallery visit.
These are your everyday essentials, but with enough edge to set them apart. And because many of the independent designers stocked at Lab Store London operate within the principles of “slow fashion”, these are also pieces built to last. In other words, intended to be worn and loved across multiple seasons, rather than discarded after a few wears.
If you’re looking to build a summer wardrobe that’s both effortless and expressive, this is where to start: with thoughtful pieces that quietly elevate your day-to-day style.
Sustainability in Focus: What to Look For
As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny, shoppers are actively looking for ways to make more conscious choices. But sustainable fashion doesn’t always come with a big label or a marketing campaign. Sometimes it’s simply about buying better, buying less, and choosing pieces made with care.
At Lab Store London, sustainability isn’t front and centre on the rails - but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find it in the details. Many of the independent designers featured in the boutique work to slower production cycles, prioritise quality over quantity, and embrace innovative, low-impact materials.
This is where luxury retail in London is beginning to shift. The emphasis is less on seasonality and more on longevity - on pieces you’ll wear again and again because they feel good, hold their shape, and stay relevant.
And for those who care about supporting the future of fashion, shopping from independent designers in Fitzrovia - especially those committed to doing things differently - can be a meaningful step.
Visit Rathbone Square - a Calm Space to Shop Differently this Summer
Tucked just behind Oxford Street in Fitzrovia, Rathbone Square offers a very different kind of shopping experience. With its landscaped greenery, quiet open space and relaxed pace, it feels a world away from the city crowds - yet it’s only moments from the bustle of central London.
This setting makes it the perfect backdrop for a more thoughtful approach to fashion. Whether you’re hunting for bold pieces to elevate your wardrobe or simply want to explore new designers, Lab Store London at Rathbone Square provides an inspiring space to do just that.
Remember: it’s not about shopping more - it’s about shopping better. Supporting independent designers, investing in quality craftsmanship, and choosing pieces that genuinely reflect your style and values.
So if you are ready to refresh your summer wardrobe with pieces that feel good and say something, Rathbone Square is the place to start.
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