Eva Georgiou, Esvie Contributor
Fashion Designer
Last week I thought I’d died and gone to Heaven. I thought I’d find Paradise, Eden, The eighth wonder of the world! In fact I had discovered that all roads don’t just lead to Rome, they also lead to Selfridges, Selfridges shoe department to be exact. It is indeed a wonder to behold. Even the giant sliver high heel, that greets you as you enter, brings a smile to your face, and the desire to have your picture taken next to it, although I resisted (but the temptation was strong).
So why is this place so great, your probably thinking? Well, not only is it housed in one of the world’s finest department stores; it has been designed by renowned, world class architect, Jamie Fobert. He has created an area in which to visit, indulge and explore, and he has produced the worlds biggest shoe department. It features six unique shoe galleries; these are surrounded by eleven beautiful, individual boutiques, which have been created by the worlds most iconic shoe brands. And not forgetting one hanging garden.
Each gallery has been made by materials you wouldn’t normally find in a department store: velvet, glass, clay and steel, concrete and rubber. And then each, of the eleven surrounding boutiques or apartments, have been designed in such a way, that it feels like your taking a glimpse into the private world of each designer for the first time. To give you an idea, the Chanel boutique has been reproduced from Mademoiselle Coco’s apartment. It really is like stepping into another world.
So if you’re after the latest Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, Gucci, Prada, Dior or any other top designer that you can think of, then this really is the place to go. Even if you can’t afford to buy a pair it’s an experience that shouldn’t be missed. So next time you’re shopping in Oxford Street, take a detour and go to the only store that’s worth visiting.
Selfridges & Co. 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB.
