Perfumer Roja Dove’s favourite shopping haunts in London
Master perfumer Roja Dove – the first person to open a perfumery at Harrods – is said to have “the greatest nose in the world”. We follow him to five delightful boutiques in the city. 1. Mount Street Printers
I always write thank-you notes on stationery from Mount Street Printers (mountstreetprinters. com) and recipients will often post a photo of the card and envelope on social media because it’s so beautiful. The staff in the Mayfair store has all the time in the world to help you design a bespoke letterhead or invitation.
2. Neill Strain Floral Couture London
Floral compositions from Neill Strain (neillstrain.com) are so artistic and creative – it’s haute couture but with flowers. The store in Belgravia is famous for its lavish floral archways. I always have to catch my breath when I walk in because the displays are just astounding. Well worth a visit.
3. Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin (christian louboutin.com) creates shoes that are contemporary without being gimmicky. The men’s store on Dover Street is fun – leather wall panels, embroidered-tiger rugs and his signature red carpet. His velvet slippers are a favourite – I have many pairs.
4. Atelier Jean Rousseau
The world’s finest leather goods come from Jean Rousseau (jeanrousseau.com). I have a crocodile iPad cover and a bespoke sunglasses case from the atelier in St James’s. The designs and colours are addictive and the personal service is excellent; you choose not only the type of leather but the area it’s cut from. They’re not afraid to have fun at Anderson & Sheppard (anderson-sheppard.co.uk). The quality of its fabrics is sublime. The use of colour makes this boutique so different from most men’s outfitters that conform to a boring, camel-coloured stereotype of what masculinity is. I get my linen trousers there and the weightlessness of them is just fantastic. They’re perfect for travel.