South Kensington, London
26th November 2008 6.00-9.00pm
1-5 Exhibition Road
The Brompton Quarter in association with Iittala and the Walton Street association has organised a splendid late night shopping evening in the Brompton Quarter around South Kensington tube station on 26 November from 6pm to 9pm. Over 50 retailers are taking part, including fashion, interiors, food shops and restaurants. First of all giant Moomins (as seen in Finnish writer Tove Jansson's books) will turn on the lights for a fabulous 30ft high tree outside Holy Trinity Church in Brompton Road, and the award winning urban gospel choir Citizen K will sing throughout the evening. Thereafter roving Moomins, accompanied by carol singers and Gus the roast chestnut seller to the celebs, will be bringing some festive magic to the streets. Most of the exclusive shops in the area will be taking part - including all of Walton Street, and many shops in the Brompton Road. Many have laid on special entertainment - Jigsaw, for example, will have a fashion show. And there will be free festive refreshments, in several shops - such as Few & Far, Paul Smith and Margaret Howell.
Star attraction will be the Iittala pop-up shop at 1-5 Exhibition Road, SW7, (open until 30 December), filled with Christmas design from Finland's leading glass/ceramic brand. Here also will be the Nordic Bakery, with all kinds of special Scandinavian breads, biscuits, cookies and cakes. On this evening, various shops are giving special discounts to the readers of the Evening Standard and the V&A members. These include Skandium with 15 per cent on selected products, The Conran Shop, Percy Bass (www.percybass.com) with 15 per cent; Van Petersen Jewellery (www.vanpeterson.com) with 20 per cent; Amanda Lacey (www.amandalacey.com), with 15 per cent; Divertimenti (www.divertimenti.com) with 10 per cent on selected stock. There is also a weekend in Lapland to be won, including flights and three nights accommodation, please visit the Iittala pop up shop to enter at 1-5 Exhibition Road.