Design Passport

He’s synonymous with British streetwear but designer Henry Holland (House of Holland) finds a different side to the city in the shops in his home borough of Hackney – and the capital at large.

A cool cat’s guide to the best shopping in east London

COFFEE TABLE BOOKS FROM DONLON BOOKS

Holland likes to spend Saturdays perusing the shelves at this bookshop (donlonbooks.com) at 75 Broadway Market. As well as stocking a thoughtful collection of art, music and fashion books, the owners work with artists and designers, including former Fendi collaborator John Booth, to produce one-off ceramics and other art for their sister store next door.

T-SHIRTS FROM PALACE

This streetwear store in Soho (palaceskateboards.com) is a calling card for those with edgy style but Holland recommends a visit even if you’re not a skateboarder.

Luxury blanket from Bella Freud

Nothing says London quite like rugging up and a wool and cashmere creation from this local fashion favourite (bellafreud.com) is the cosiest way to do it. Made in Britain, it’s emblazoned with the brand’s emblem – a panting dog (left) – as sketched by acclaimed painter Lucian Freud, the designer’s dad.

Everyday classics from Labour and Wait

More closely linked with French sailors than London fashion designers, striped Breton shirts are Holland’s top pick at Labour and Wait (labourandwait.co.uk). As well as clothing, the store stocks retro homewares and hard-tofind stationery, such as brass rollerball pens (above).

Brushes from J. Glinert

The Hackney shop J. Glinert (jglinert.com) is a “great London-centric store”, says Holland. It stocks an eclectic selection of items, from copper watering cans (left) and books on the local area to a variety of combs, handmade toothbrushes and clothes brushes (above) – all neatly wrapped in brown paper to go.