Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson is an internationally renowned designer, with a reputation for kaleidoscopic colour, famed for his feel-good prints. With flagship stores in London and New York, Matthew has been nominated three times for Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards.
BICESTER Village
As any designer will tell you, inspiration can come from anywhere, and at any time. True, ideas may strike you in the city, in amongst the bustle of the high street, but if I’m looking for a different perspective – even just a different frame of mind – then a visit to Bicester Village is just the tonic. And I have the perfect excuse: a quick check on my own boutique.
And yet can you blame me? After all, my pre-Fall collection this year is inspired by the idea of an ‘idealised wilderness’. And here, the rolling, endless hills of the Cotswolds are just a short drive away, blooming with colours and stimulation.
This is what a shopping experience should be. Here, surrounded by the peace and quiet of the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, is a chance to wander the tranquil boulevards at my own pace and sample some authentic British pedigree: the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Mulberry – and of course my own outlet boutique, the only one in the world.
Variety is the watchword here. In among the more than 130 elegant boutiques, offering up to 60%* savings, I can pick up some new stationery from Smythson, then emerge from Penhaligon’s smelling all the sweeter, by which time I probably need a little recovery time at Busaba Eathai, Alan Yau’s Thai restaurant imported from London.
But it’s only while I’m nibbling on a plate of Thai Calamari that I realise the difference on this shopping trip. No stress or rush. Just a chance to peruse my favourite brands at great prices, and at a pace I can actually enjoy.
Over 130 outlet boutiques
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN,
AMANDA WAKELEY,
ANYA HINDMARCH,
BONPOINT,
DIANE VON FURSTEN BERG,
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA,
MARNI,
MATTHE W WILLIAMSON,
MISSONI,
SAL VATORE FERRAGA MO,
SMYTHSON,
TEMPERLEY LONDON,
TOD ’S, VIVIENNE WEST WOOD,
YVES SAINT LAURENT
and many more
*on the recommended retail price