Machine A

Peek inside the window of Machine-A and you would probably expect it to be like any other boutique in London’s Soho area - over-the-top, overpriced, and well, a little bit snooty. But dare to enter inside and what you’ll find is quite the contrary.

           

Founded in 2009 by stylist team Stavros Karelis and Anna Trevelyan, this independent luxury concept store serves up just the kind of avant-garde energy and refreshing optimism London’s fashion scene appreciates. Focusing on standout international designers and uber-slick emerging brands (with names that are too cool for us to even pronounce), Machine-A is more than just an apparel showcase, it is a celebration of fashion as an artform.

A pair of Maison Margiela ankle boots made of bubble wrap, a dominatrix-esque leather and tulle ball gown, and an evening clutch shaped like a tin can are just a few examples of the eccentric, playful, and statement-making fashion you can find here. Things you never knew existed, but things we'd all love to own.

We won't lie, shopping at Machine-A can feel a bit intimidating. After all, you'll be browsing next to girls with perfectly winged eyeliner and guys who can pull off 4-inch platform combat boots. But if you're willing to feel like the "uncool one" in the room, we suggest you give the sales associates free-reign to style you and we promise you'll walk out looking like you just stepped out of a fashion week street style snap.

           

Product photos courtesy of Machine-A.