London Shopping: Men's And Women's Designer Fashion

Created by Guccio Gucci as a leather goods company in 1921, Gucci's clothes, shoes, perfumes and accessories are now coveted by everyone from fashionistas to pop idols, and it's not hard to see why Gucci was named the most desirable luxury brand in the world. The Bond Street and Sloane Street flagships and other Gucci stores in London offer luxe shopping at its very best. 

A must for any fashionista, Harvey Nichols brings together an impressive range of designers from around the world and supplies an elite clientele with fine clothes, accessories, cosmetics, food and shoes. D&G, John Galliano, Space NK, Burberry and Jimmy Choo are just a few of the high-end labels you can find here.

Once a small fashion boutique, Browns on South Molton Street has grown into one of London's top fashion landmarks for both men and women, and now spans five inter-connecting townhouses. Head here for designers as diverse as Balenciaga, Valentino, Pam Hogg, Erdem, Hussein Chalayan, Marni and Nicholas Kirkwood.

Head to global designer heavyweight Louis Vuitton for clothes, shoes, accessories, luggage and jewellery. Look for monogrammed leather goods, embellished with the famous L and V or pick up classic and timeless fashion. Whether you're window shopping or spending big, the New Bond Street shop is an experience in itself.

The height of Italian style in London, Vertice Uomo sells clothes from eminent designers around the world including Balmain, DSquared and Viktor & Rolf. Since 1993 Vertice has been the place to go for continental meets cutting-edge style "creating a forward-thinking equilibrium between innovation and chic, originality and refinement". We think it's the perfect fashion destination for style-conscious men.

One of London's hottest tailors, Ozwald Boateng has been credited with shaking up Savile Row and has cut stylishly modern suits for the likes of Jude Law, David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Robbie Williams. Showing off Boateng's signature sharp cuts and colours, his flagship store is a shrine to beautiful and dazzling bespoke tailoring.

A bespoke cobbler selling made-to-measure footwear, John Lobb has been making shoes for London's rich and famous since 1849. Be warned, involving more than 300 steps and six different crafts, new customers can expect to wait nine months and pay at least £2000 for a pair of handmade shoes.

A luxurious haven in Westfield London Shopping Centre, The Village is home to more than 40 luxury and designer brands, from Tiffany & Co to Dior and Versace. Food is as important as fashion at Westfield, so when you've shopped till you drop, refuel in one of more than 50 exciting eateries, or sip champers in Searcys Champagne Bar.

One of the most famous shoe designers around, Christian Louboutin's towering heels aren't just adored by the Sex and the City girls, they're wanted worldwide. But be prepared to spend, these beautiful, red-soled shoes aren't cheap. Laboutin has two London stores, Knightsbridge and Mayfair, and you can also get them in Harvey Nichols and Browns.

A swanky women's and menswear emporium, Joseph is perfect for a spot of his 'n' hers shopping. As well as its own stylish, sleek and tasteful lines, the larger Joseph stores such as Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Bond Street also stock a selection of other designers including Alexander Wang, Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent.