amanda wakeley
"For me, the creation of 18 Albemarle Street was very synonymous with the Wakeley brand at the time. I wanted to maintain the heritage and history of the space all the while developing something new and different."
The Store
Envisaged as a home-away-from-home, each one of 18 Albemarle Street’s distinct areas are lovingly named after traditional 18th Century living spaces. Entering the salon you’re immediately struck by the sweeping wrought iron staircase that lays central to the store. Installed in the early 1920’s by a couturier, the staircase was originally installed to host fashion shows, a tradition that we still keep alive today, having presented collections at London Fashion Week at the store.
Where once stood a twenty-tonne safe that housed fine diamonds and opulent jewellery now stands a luxurious changing area, beautifully finished with suede drapes and polished brass fixtures. Ascending the staircase, the second floor opens out onto the landing, leading into the top floor drawing room.
Created as a space that not only beautifully showcases the collection, the drawing room was created to be the perfect event space having hosted yoga masterclasses, a blow-dry bar and book-reading events as part of our Wakeley Wellbeing series.
amanda wakeley
"I want it to have an informal club like feel about it when people can come in and drop their shopping off and grab a cup of coffee and use the loo... as well as shop. One of the first things I said is it has to have a fireplace because to me that’s the heart of any home.”