The Stylish Person's Guide to London, According to Designer Susan Fang

The fashion and beauty industries are filled with interesting people from all over the world who have great taste — the types you can rely on for excellent travel recommendations. So, we’re asking them about their favorite food, shopping and wellness spots in their cities. Consider this series your fashion and beauty person’s guide to travel.

London has always had a hand in determining what is “in” when it comes to fashion. Whether it was a member of the British royal family draped in jewels and luxury fabrics in the 17th century, Twiggy leading the Mod fashion movement in the 1960s or Vivienne Westwood bringing punk style to the forefront, London’s grip on the industry has been consistent.

Susan Fang is just one of the many London-based designers (and Central Saint Martins graduates) behind the English city’s continued success in defining what’s cool. Fang’s whimsical silhouettes covered in auras of dreamy rainbow washes, and intricate use of beaded embroidery and different knits, have made her a much sought-after designer. (She most recently collaborated with & Other Stories on a surrealism-inspired capsule collection and has previously worked with Ugg and Nike, just to name a few.)

Though Fang is not originally from London (she was born in Ningbo, China and raised in Canada and the U.S.), she’s been a resident of the city for more than a decade, crediting it as a consistent influence on her work. “It feels like it’s always raining, which gives people more time to stay indoors and settle for creative thinking and reflection,” Fang tells Fashionista. “I love how London is both fast and slow, where you can allow creativity to happen and also find calmness to stay focused.”

It’s also played a key role in the development of her brand, she continues: “It’s so diverse and creative here. When I came here to study womenswear at Central Saint Martins, that [experience] guided me to find my own vision for my brand. It’s also where I met my husband.”

To cut through the noise of the typical London visitor suggestions, we asked Fang to share her favorite places to dine, unwind and, perhaps most importantly, find inspiration in the city.

What’s one dish everyone that goes to London should try?

The roasted duck and char siu at the Four Seasons restaurant in Chinatown. I often get a bunch and freeze them. It’s a very small restaurant but it’s so delicious.

What’s your favorite place (or places) to get breakfast in London?

I love Granger & Co. Their hot ricotta cakes are so soft and fluffy. I think they just bring back memories of when one of my close friends during university at Central Saint Martins took me there. I love a brunch moment.

Favorite place (or places) to get lunch?

Imperial Treasure has the yummiest dim sum I’ve had internationally so far. It’s a bit expensive, but during lunch, it’s a much better price. My husband and I go there when we have a special occasion. 

Best place for coffee?

I don’t drink coffee, but what I drink the most is the dark hot chocolate from Knoops. I make my own every morning with a Smeg hot chocolate machine. It’s so delicious.

What’s your favorite spot to get dinner in London?

Harry’s Dolce Vita is amazing. It’s the yummiest pizza, pasta, and fried calamari I’ve found so far. I go there with my husband when we are craving yummy Italian food on a special day.

If you were to plan a staycation for yourself, where would you stay?

I would say the 1 Hotel Mayfair. It’s so healing, beautiful and so unique. The entrance has a live chandelier made of plants. The entire hotel is filled with wood and the rooms make you feel like you’re in a modern forest. I stayed there for an event celebrating our collaboration with & Other Stories. Everyone loved it!

What’s one tourist attraction you think is well worth the visit in London?

I would say the Barbican. You can see interesting architecture, a comfy café, fun exhibitions, theatres, and the indoor botanical garden. It’s really dynamic. I remember shooting my university project there. My mom really loves it, too.

If you only had time to visit one museum or gallery while in London, which would you pick?

The Tate! It’s super big now. I always remember the super amazing exhibitions from there, particularly the Yayoi Kusama and Matisse ones. I also loved the exhibitions on Alexander Calder and Olafur Eliasson.

Where do you shop? What do you think are the most unique stores/boutiques?

I now mainly shop online, but I used to go to Selfridges a lot. I also love Liberty London and Livingston Studio. I really like these spots because you can find a lot of fun technology, new designers and interesting craft.

What’s a good place to buy souvenirs?

The Conran Shop is super! I love going there to shop fun homeware and decorations. I still have this cute beaded abstract animal made in Africa that I bought there.

What’s your top wellness experience in London?

This year, my parents-in-law gifted me and my husband a trip to the Aire Ancient Baths and it was amazing. The entire lower floor feels like you’re in a cave. It has more than five different types of baths, and in between them, you get a massage. Afterward, I felt so relaxed and energized.

What’s your favorite day trip to take from London?

Brighton! It takes about one hour to get to from London. My favorite crystal shop, called Crystals, is just a 15-minute walk from the train station. The crystals are much more raw and have such beautiful colors and variations from around the world. The price is also much better than in London. I take my chosen crystals to the sea and wash them with natural sea salt water. I find it very meditative. I actually scanned and photoshopped rocks I collected from Brighton Beach to use as a print for my second collection for [my] brand.

What’s your favorite recent discovery in London?

[My husband] Orelio and I noticed we hadn’t read many real books in a while. He suggested we go to Waterstones, a bookshop near University College London that I used to go to when I was a student. They have note cards handwritten by the librarians where they recommend their favorites. I found some really amazing books there.

What’s your favorite part about London during fashion week?

It’s a super busy but exciting time. I’m really appreciative of all the creative people we get to work with, how we build the show and set with our small team. It’s truly a celebratory time [in the city] and also a time we really hope to make the best memories and experience for those who come [and visit].

Anything else you’d like to add?

We just did a mini-campaign, shot all outdoors on the London streets. Each location is within walking distance from our studio in Hanover Square. My colleague Nina and intern Bolbba did all the location scouting and I was so amazed at all the hidden, beautiful gems. London is such a beautiful city to walk — there are always beautiful surprises here.

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Source: Fashionista.com