Fashion and beauty brands seem to be the most popular retail spaces to find in London this month, with many flocking to iconic locations like Carnaby Street, synonymous with fashion.

Many of these brands are collaborating with artists to create unique spaces that complement or contrast with their products. Some prefer sleek minimalist designs while others are infusing culture and eclectic elements.

Masterclasses, parties and exclusive events are also becoming a common element to retail stores, with beauty brands in particular understanding the appeal of learning from the experts. Exclusive launch parties can also be seen as a reward to loyal communities and customers, encouraging them to maintain that loyalty to the brand.

Take a look at these latest and best new retail stores this month.

Club MAC, Carnaby Street

Cosmetic brand MAC has launched a new retail concept in London this month.

The brand is aiming to engage with the community in London and encourage more customers to spend time in the space and book makeup appointments.

The store combines the MAC product range alongside a slate of new events and activities. This includes a new area, Get Ready with MAC which has been designed to resemble a bathroom in a club, which allows customers to explore the MAC range and try new looks. They can also get expert guidance from a range of makeup artists employed by the brand.

Future events will include live music from DJs, workshops and masterclasses from beauty professionals, and even drag bingo nights. Customers can also benefit from a number of exclusive offers at the store such as giveaways, promos and limited edition items.

Image credit – ASKET

ASKET, Soho

Swedish DTC brand ASKET has launched its first international store in the UK, choosing London as its destination due to the large customer base here, and the success of its previous pop-ups.

The brand is focused on slow fashion and design principles, creating sustainable items that last with a single curated collection.

The new space has been designed by Profan and embodies a minimalist design in keeping with the brand’s principles, with raw concrete flooring, neutral walls and wooden fixtures, allowing clothing to be displayed like gallery pieces. These include ASKET’s popular white t-shirt, made in the EU from organic materials.

Currently, the brand will focus on stocking the menswear collection, while it builds growth for the women’s collection.

Image credit – Onitsuka Tiger

Onitsuka Tiger, Covent Garden

Footwear brand Onitsuka Tiger has recently opened its new Red Concept Store.

The store has walls and flooring using the brand’s red colour which takes inspiration from the cherry blossom trees in Japan. The design is also inspired by the clean minimalism of Japanese architecture, with modular furniture, concrete display, glass shelving and sleek polished mirrors. This is contrasted with white lighting boxes on the ceilings.

Customers will be able to find the Mexico 66 shoe collection and accessories, alongside special edition products and signature styles in the Red Collection. The launch was celebrated with a special pub called the Onitsuka Tiger Tavern, part of a collaboration with the Crown & Anchor (opposite the store) and the House of Suntory. Visitors to the tavern were able to try Suntory Whisky Toki cocktails and Japanese snacks.

Image credit – Kotn

Kotn, Shoreditch

Ethical and sustainable fashion and homeware brand Kotn has launched its first new store outside of the US and Canada.

The store is both part retail and part hotel, with the upper levels of the store providing a boutique space and the ground floor providing space for community activations and events. Kotn is offering free hotel space for collaborators and artists who are working on projects aligned with the brand’s value.

The store was launched with two events, designed to connect with the Shoreditch and wider London community. The first was inspired by the brand’s Arabic roots, creating a gathering space for an exclusive set of London artists and musicians. The second was a wider block party that was open to everyone, where music and drinks were offered.

Image credit – Farm RIO

Farm RIO, Carnaby Street

Another store has launched in London from eclectic Brazilian fashion brand Farm RIO.

The store features designs by a number of artists, including Renata Gaia’s green façade, Dominique Jardy’s tropical wallpaper, Maqueson Pereira da Silva’s wood veneer, and Rosalila Studio’s sculpted mirrors.

Shoppers can expect to find a curated collection of items from the new Summer 25 range, as well as the brand’s popular mini and maxi dresses and t-shirts.

Pureseoul, Carnaby Street

Another arrival on Carnaby Street this month comes courtesy of Korean beauty brand Pureseoul, who is launching its latest flagship store in the capital.

The store is designed in the brand’s signature blue colour, with curved lines, soft lighting and sky designs making the space seem calm and serene. A number of popular brands are found here including Romand, Beauty of Joseon and Torriden, alongside over 2,000 carefully selected products. Customers can find sculpting creams, cleansers and moisturisers, as well as retinol products and makeup.

A new pop-up space within the store aims to keep customers interested, with new products and a variety of games. The brand will also hold workshops in the masterclass zone to connect with its skincare community.

The store was celebrated with an exclusive launch event, only available to ticket holders, offering goodie bags and starter kits with purchases.