"Designing the interiors of my stores is one of the most thrilling aspects of my job. I become obsessive with sourcing antiques - real investment pieces such as the two Victoria and Albert Museum mirrors and my giant 1970’s Italian porcelain tiger - as well as wicker bric-a-brac finds on Ebay which counter-balance the high gloss, art deco aesthetic.
The interiors reflect our Portobello Road roots and brand spirit. This effortless, vivacious, carefree natural glamour I’d say summarises our style."
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NEWBURGH STREET FOR YOUR SECOND LOCATION?
As with Kings Road, Carnaby has a brilliant British fashion and rock ‘n’ roll history. I love the celebration of independent and lesser-known brands and felt the area was a perfect fit. Newburgh Street is set back from the hustle of Carnaby Street as is home to the more luxury brands such as Annie’s Ibiza and Ralph Lauren’s Double RL.
WHAT INSPIRED THE INTERIOR DESIGN?
I had a vision the moment I walked in. As with my collections, the style is eclectic chic, rich and effortless - very Notting Hill. The gloss of the 1970s Italian chandeliers against the natural distressed pine floor boards is… ughhh utter heaven and sexy AF! We have a tiny downstairs room which I’ve named The Leopard Lounge, having found the coolest leopard print carpet. It's home to our HM Icons who are very at home down there.
Interiors are second nature to me, and I adore doing them which is apparent in the results. My parents always bought our family homes off plan and designed and decorated them from scratch, so I’ve inherited their eye for style and finding beautiful pieces second hand. The thrill of sourcing antiques and bric-a-brac is addictive, and then seeing it all come together is enormously fulfilling.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU TO USE SECOND HAND?
I love the storytelling of special finds, such as my two 1920’s Victoria and Albert Museum mirrors. But mainly I like knowing that the pieces are rare, perhaps one-offs. And I find the quality and design of the antiques I source are exquisite, each piece an investment. I just don’t get excited for new. Simple…
TELL US ABOUT THE PIECES YOU’VE FOUND FOR NEWBURGH STREET.
Well, Mighty Mouse my ginormous Italian 1970’s tiger was from Les Couilles des Chien on Golbourne Road in Notting Hill. She’s where I found Mini and Mouse the Duke of York Square tigers, and when I saw Mighty in the window, I knew I had to make her mine, regardless of cost! She’s worth eating rice for a year… the number of customers that want to buy my tigers is crazy, but they’re not for sale.
I found two 1920’s Victoria and Albert Museum mirrors from antique shop fitters, DA Binder in London (have a slight addiction to this place), and the 1930’s cocktail chairs I bought on Ebay for £140 and had upholstered. What I might be the most chuffed by though is the 1970’s Italian brass and chrome deco style cabinets, coffee table and console as I found them from various places and they’re all part of the exact same collection! The 1970’s chandelier’s were another Ebay find and add an old fashioned glamour – it took hours to hang all the crystals!
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR DESIGNING A SPACE?
Fill it with things you love, and somehow it all just works together. I don’t get hung up on one particular decade or style. I think mixing styles makes it way more interesting!
We are so excited to welcome you to our second home, now open seven days a week. Visit us at:
HAYLEY MENZIES
8 NEWBURGH STREET
LONDON, W1F 7RJ