Opening Ceremony, one of the world’s most eagerly watched, tastemaking brands, arrived in London with great fanfare in 2012. Founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim have stuck to the template that has worked so well in LA, Tokyo and New York, presenting small runs of unique apparel that they've co-designed with big labels, sourced from young, emerging designers or chosen from cult streetwear labels. It means you might come across a moss green Proenza Schouler handbag at £1,500, or a design by long-time collaborator Chloë Sevigny’s – perhaps a beautiful fluffy cardigan in pink leopard, with a price tag of £340. A collection of new, cutting-edge brands are presented alongside OC’s own in-house label, and its many collaborations with classic brands like Keds, Gitman Brothers and Pendleton. While many brands rely on trend-prediction agencies, a team of buyers and a sideways glance at what’s happening on each other’s catwalks, Opening Ceremony goes on its founders’ own ability to spot the next big fashion thing. If they think it’s cool, it most definitely will be.
Opening Ceremony is number 15 in our list of the 100 best shops in London.