Words by MPDClick’s Retail Editor.
With the countdown to the Queens Diamond Jubilee fast gaining momentum now, the pre-celebratory events are beginning all over the UK. Tuesday (1st of May) saw the launch of the Great British Fashion flag showcase on Oxford Street, London. Fashion royalty Jasmine Guinness flew the flag for British fashion, kicking off the celebrations in a Union Jack printed dress accessorised perfectly with a matching umbrella!
147 flags represent 147 years of the famous high street, renowned around the world as one of Britain’s best shopping locations and with visitors spending £4.9Billion annually. The flags are raised 12ft above the street and will be the first of 500 that will be raised across London’s West End’s including Bond Street, Regent Street and Piccadilly.
The Flag celebrations are just some of the warm-up events taking place throughout London, also on Oxford Street the essence of British retail, Selfridges department store will be opening up its famous roof terrace for the first time in 100 years to celebrate in style with crazy golf and ‘The Big British Tea Party’, serving drinks, light lunches and the best of British tea from the 31st of May. In store will also see the launch of three new mini pop-up shops celebrating the best of British brands and heritage.
The celebrations continue in John Lewis’ at Stratford City, Sloane square and of course its flagship store on Oxford Street, which seems to be at the heart of the festivities. The 5 o’clock tea club is a concept designed by the store to ease the rush hour tension during not only the jubilee but the upcoming Olympic Games. The menu see’s traditional, royal inspired desserts such as scones and jam, sponge and sandwiches with salmon or cucumber. The convenient service is available from June the 4th (just in time beginning of the official Jubilee celebrations).
The fun doesn’t end there; magazines have begun to unveil their Jubilee specials with British favourites Tatler and Vogue both packing their publications full of fashion tips to prepare you for the occasion. Tatler have produced a collector’s edition featuring a Corgi cover star and plenty of interest stories about the lady herself. Vogue take a fashionable approach, themed shoot ‘National treasures’ sees personalities from; Helena Bonham Carter to David Attenborough photographed and celebrated as icons of the modern day. ‘London pride’ captures the British influences on culture, old and young in and around the city setting an inspirational scene for those hoping to visit London over the course of the celebrations.
With Vogues Queen inspired fashions, department store high teas and a vast selection of celebrations all over the capital, it’s safe to say we’ll be spoilt for choice for the Queens Diamond Jubilee. The celebrations coincide perfectly with our predictions for S/S 12 and our National Hybrids trend. Click here to read more.
-N.P
