Boutique watch: One Two Five

Notting Hill's fashion district has an intriguing new boutique featuring two very different styles of clothes under one roof: Vintage Academe and high-end "street" label Lot 78 sell very different things but seem to share the same focus on quality. 

Vintage Academe
Specialists in 20th Century fashion and haute couture, Vintage Academe select and sell high-end pieces in their own Notting Hill shop but also through Browns in South Molton street and Sloane street as well as online. This is not the place to look for a bargain but you might be able to pick up an interesting accessory that will set you apart, such as pretty evening bags under £100.

The clothes are of superior quality, with prices to match;  the kind of pieces that you would fall in love with, buy for a super special occasion and admire regularly to justify the price tag.

Balanciaga Haute Couture, black silk dress, £1250.

 1960s Yves Saint Laurent double breasted jacket, £675

Lot 78:
Walk across the shop and you will find (equally high-end) street label Lot 78, makers of soft as silk leather and suede jackets (£499 for sleeveless models to £630 for suede jackets), jerseys (£250) and unique sneakers in collaboration with Puma (only 400 pairs available) for both men and women.  Lovely Ollie Amhurst, who design and runs Lot 78, draws on his ten years working for Giorgio Armani and distributes his label in around 60 shops around the world. This is "street" fashion for well-heeled youth, preferably equipped with a comfortable trust fund or for older clients who want to bring a discreet edge to their wardrobe and squeeze into its neatly fitted lines.

The shop is located at 125 Ledbury road, London W11 2AQ.

 To learn more about each label:
http://www.vintageacademe.com/
http://www.lot78.com/