I've been watching this storefront progress over the last few months from an antique store--at least, I think it was an antique store... there are so many along this stretch, it's hard to keep up with their comings and goings--into this attractive mens' store. It turns out it's home to designer, Nicholas Ashley, son of interior desginer, Laura Ashley. And after my first visit this week, jury's in: I really like his stuff.
The look is kind of a chic-meets-outdoorsy... basically, the wardrobe of the average London yupster. I appreciated his use of workaday fabrics, like the canvas peacoat and rough cotton suit pieces. My husband was most attracted to the shoes--several pairs of work boots among them. They have this nifty fabric-like material on the bottom, that I assume helps make them less slippery. All in all, I think Ashley Stores is a nice addition to the Notting Hill shopping scene. read more