L.A.'s British Invasion

Updated: April 23, 2009

Searching for the city's smashing-est Anglo-inspired offerings? From the U.K. clothiers who have dropped well-dressed bombs on SoCal with their playful, well-constructed wares, one-of-a-kind tailoring and impressive storefronts to saucy imports like Coco de Mer and Cecconi's--hailed "the new Ivy"--there are plenty of ways to live like a limey without hopping the pond.

On this page:The Fab Five, More Brits in L.A., Not Your Grandfather's Pub.

The Fab Five

  1. 1 2 Star Rating: Below Average Alexander McQueen
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    8379 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

    The U.K.'s brightest star comes to Melrose bearing exquisitely tailored clothing and accessories in a seriously stylized boutique for Tinseltown's most discerning shoppers.

  2. 2 Ben Sherman
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    8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

    Brit import's casually hip threads for men and women are a suprisingly smart fit for the upscale Beverly Center.

  3. 3 Duncan Quinn
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    8380 Melrose Ave #100, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    This West Hollywood satellite shop convincingly conjures up a modern take on Saville Row, only it's sunny and 75 degrees.

  4. 4 3 Star Rating: Average Paul Smith
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    8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)

    A theatrical WeHo store is home to this beloved Brit's eclectic collection of clothes, wares and oddities.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Ted Baker
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    131 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

    Robertson's canine-themed U.S. flagship boasts the sleek and colorful British menswear line--along with its forays into womenswear, fragrances and accessories.

More Brits in L.A.

  1. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Coco de Mer
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    8618 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

    Local branch of London's Covent Garden erotic emporium offers sexual products without the cheapness or snickers of ordinary adult shopping.

  2. 7 Mulberry
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    8407 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

    Fashionista fave leather bags hop the pond to bring classic London styling to the west end of Melrose.

  3. 8 Smythson
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    222 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    Legendary British stationer finds a niche on a tony cobblestone street in Beverly Hills.

  4. 9 Temperley London
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    8452 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

    Traditional beading, embroidery and handwork elevate the British designer's sophisticated bohemian womenswear to the level of decorative art.

  5. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Anya Hindmarch
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    118 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

    Highlighting the British designer's photo-printed vintage-look bags, plus a slim selection of shoes and swimwear.

  6. 11 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Reiss
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    145 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

    The latest British clothier to hit Robertson Boulevard raises the chic bar for men and women on this over-the-top shopping block.

  7. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Burberry
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    9560 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (map)

    Country-club chic clothing and accessories for the blue blood in all of us.

  8. 13 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Karen Millen
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    8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

    U.K. retailer of luxe, sporty women's fashion inside the Beverly Center.

  9. 14 Stella McCartney
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    8823 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048 (map)

    Sir Paul's daughter's ivy-covered boutique features feminine, finely-tailored selections from recent seasons, plus namesake Adidas sneakers and athletic gear.

Not Your Grandfather's Pub

  1. 15 2 Star Rating: Below Average Cecconi's
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    8764 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    Vanity fare: London's legendary Italian restaurant hops the pond care of Soho House to take over the iconic Morton's space at the corner of Robertson and Melrose in West Hollywood.

  2. 16 3 Star Rating: Average Gordon Ramsay
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    1020 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    Although in name only, "Hell's Kitchen" star Gordon Ramsay brings luxury dining to Hollywood's glam set at this posh hotel tucked just off the Strip.

  3. 17 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Hall at Palihouse Holloway
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    8465 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    New Orleans French Quarter meets Los Angeles minimalism in the lobby of this posh extended-stay hotel.

  4. 18 3.5 Star Rating: Average Village Idiot
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    7383 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)

    No-reservations, casual-chic gastropub adds a flirtatious mix to thriving Melrose Restaurant Row.

  5. 19 4 Star Rating: Recommended Ye Olde King's Head
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    116 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

    Authentic teas, pints and fish and chips at this lively British pub by the beach.