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The benefaction by which Thomas Guy founded the well-kn...EVER SINCE THE SWINGING SIXTIES, PORTOBELLO HAS BEEN THE NUMBER ONE DESTINATION FOR ALL TRUE DISCIPLES OF FASHION. FIND STALLS AND SHOPS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLYOVER
1960 – s
In 1965, US Vogue editor Diana Vreeland declared "London is the most swinging city in the world", and at the heart of it all was Portobello Road. Girls in Mary Quant mini-skirts hung out with mods or rockers, as depicted in Michael Caine's Alfie. Later, as the Vietnam War raged and John Lennon implored the world to "give peace a chance", fashion looked to retro-military chic. Young people flocked to Portobello for the authentic army surplus look.
1970 – s
Back in the 1970s, London fashionistas fitted into three categories - punks, hippies or disco divas, all of whom descended on Portobello for their flares, platforms and Sex Pistols t-shirts. Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes brought British fashion on to the world stage - keep an eye out for their vintage pieces at the fashion market. Westwood actually sold jewellery on Portobello before opening her famous King's Road store with Malcolm McLaren.
1980 – s
During the 1980s, Portobello was awash with big hair, big earrings and big shoulder pads. Unimaginable as it may seem to those who lived through it, 80s style has had a resurgence, and now shoppers are scouring the fashion market for vintage pieces from the era. Get the look with military-inspired jackets (find them at the military stall opposite Portobello Green under the Westway), Ray-Ban sunglasses and slogan t-shirts. But leave the legwarmers behind.
And today
Portobello is a fashionista's paradise, with its designer boutiques, vintage shops and high street stores. Paul Smith and Stella McCartney have been spotted at the fashion market, vintage fans Kate Moss and Nicola Roberts have been seen rummaging through the rails at Rellik at 8 Golborne Road, and Emma Watson adores new arrival All Saints' brand of edgy fashion.
1960 – sIn 1965, US Vogue editor Diana Vreeland declared "London is the most swinging city in the world", and at the heart of it all was Portobello Road. Girls in Mary Quant mini-skirts hung out with mods or rockers, as depicted in Michael Caine's Alfie. Later, as the Vietnam War raged and John Lennon implored the world to "give peace a chance", fashion looked to retro-military chic. Young people flocked to Portobello for the authentic army surplus look.
1970 – sBack in the 1970s, London fashionistas fitted into three categories - punks, hippies or disco divas, all of whom descended on Portobello for their flares, platforms and Sex Pistols t-shirts. Vivienne Westwood and Zandra Rhodes brought British fashion on to the world stage - keep an eye out for their vintage pieces at the fashion market. Westwood actually sold jewellery on Portobello before opening her famous King's Road store with Malcolm McLaren.
1980 – sDuring the 1980s, Portobello was awash with big hair, big earrings and big shoulder pads. Unimaginable as it may seem to those who lived through it, 80s style has had a resurgence, and now shoppers are scouring the fashion market for vintage pieces from the era. Get the look with military-inspired jackets (find them at the military stall opposite Portobello Green under the Westway), Ray-Ban sunglasses and slogan t-shirts. But leave the legwarmers behind.
And today
Portobello is a fashionista's paradise, with its designer boutiques, vintage shops and high street stores. Paul Smith and Stella McCartney have been spotted at the fashion market, vintage fans Kate Moss and Nicola Roberts have been seen rummaging through the rails at Rellik at 8 Golborne Road, and Emma Watson adores new arrival All Saints' brand of edgy fashion.