Brick Lane in Statement Magazine

I won't lie - every time I see my shop written up in a magazine I still get a little thrill. Below is a write up of Brick Lane in Statement Magazine for their "British Invasion" issue.

(See I keep telling you, the British Invasion is EVERYWHERE these days!)

Statements Magazine Issue 3, 2007 page 39. Copy of write up below.

U.K. All the Way

Fittingly for a store named after a street in the East End of London, the quaint boutique Brick Lane was started by - and is popular with - devoted Anglophiles. Amanda Dugan, a Yank with a longtime love of all things British, opened the shop two years ago within walking distance of Venice Beach.

Brick Lane, which is located in a century-old Craftsman house, has the feel of a cozy cottage in the English countryside, complete with a fireplace in the front room. Its British bona fides include a signature red phone booth on the front lawn and a motto that would make Winston Churchill weep in his Watney's with pride: "All U.K., all the time!"

A walk through the premises makes it clear that Dugan, to borrow a line from the quintessentially British band the Kinks, is a dedicated follower of fashion. Her specialty "big surprise" is clothing from the U.K. that isn't readily found here in the colonies. Women's lines include, ISSA, Orla Kiely, John Smedley, Nougat, Sophia Swire and Anya Hindmarch. For men, there's Fred Perry, Oliver Spencer, Ted Baker and more.

"I buy things in style but not necessarily things that are trendy, " says Dugan. "I was raised with the premise to invest in quality, as opposed to buying things that are cheaper because you can buy in quantity. I buy pieces that will last you longer then a season - not just in style, but in the quality of the good."

Best of all for shoppers, the mood is as great as the merch. The ocean air is a far cry from Carnaby Street, but the English accents are irresistible. If you feel the urge, ask for a cup of tea and retire to the porch swing on a beautiful beach day.

Oliver Spencer for men

As you can see by the article heading - the second British Invasion is in full swing! These days you can't open ANY magazine without reading an article on U.K. based designers and artists - not to mention the countless features on the foggy town across the pond itself! A city with a booming economy brimming with fabulous restaurants, hotels, museums, nightlife and of course SHOPPING!

Oliver Spencer is an incredible menswear designer with an eye and attention for detail that is hard to surpass. Named one of the TOP 10 Tailors in the U.K. by U.K.Vogue in 2006, his label is British style and fashion for men personified. Quintessential English style mixed with quirky flourishes and topped off by an astounding attention to detail, his collection is one that every man who likes English Style is absolutely required to investigate, and fortunately for the men in Southern California, you can find it at Brick Lane. New Yorkers can visit his new stand-alone shop!

During my recent shopping trip to the Big Apple in July I was fortunate enough to get a preview of his Spring/Summer 2008 collection at a rather unique party. Generally fashion week and market weeks center around runway shows and parties for women's lines, so it is always a pleasure to see one for menswear. So sister Kathleen (a NYC publicist) in tow, we headed down to the village to Cooper Classic Cars on Perry St, next to the infamous The Other Room (of which we have the west coast location directly across the street from Brick Lane on Abbot Kinney). It was an evening of fun and frivolity with a distinctly New York artist scene vibe mixed with people from my growing circle of British fashion friends and designers, great cocktails, canapes and fashion that was showcased not on models, but instead neon lights. Not the norm, but it does show how Ollie takes something ordinary and puts just enough of a spin on it to make it uniquely his. The collection is spot-on English tailoring meets upscale casual beach vibe. Spring Summer 2008 is looking good!

Fall Winter 2007 Collection for Oliver Spencer should be arriving in the next few weeks. Drop us an email to let us know you would like to be notified when it arrives.