London is synonymous with fashion, as evidenced by the number of fashion retail launching this month.

Fashion’s links with art continue to be explored by retailers, with the creation of art gallery style stores, or collections of art being displayed in-store. Some also take on a nostalgic tone, either looking back at their own history, or playing with retro kitsch designs.

Localisation is also key, whether it’s the décor taking into account the local area, or creating specific services for a particular community.

Finally, brands are exploring unusual collaborations, such as this month’s Heinz beans scented candles in a luxury store.

Read on to find out the hottest store designs and trends in London this month.

Image credit: DSquared2

DSquared2, Bond Street

Luxury fashion label DSquared2 has launched a new flagship in London.

The design of the store blends century modern offices and brutalism, with the walls covered in cement and painted in neutral tones, contrasting with 50s style wood fixtures and fittings.

In a nod to London, there are changing rooms with doors made to resemble doors from the London Underground. The flooring is also zoned according to area, so customers will know which they’re in from the changing colour of the carpets and tiles. A gallery wall of art, named The Twins, represents the spirit of the two twin founders, Dan and Dean Caten.

Arc’teryx, Covent Garden

Outdoor brand Arc’teryx has opened a new flagship in London – its largest in Europe.

The store includes the full range of Arc’teryx products, including items for activities in snow and on trails, and its latest footwear range.

This location is also the first in Europe to include ReBird, Arc’teryx’s centre for repair and restoration. It is part of the brand’s aim to increase the longevity of products and includes zipper repairs and waterproofing.

The store is hoping to encourage the local athletic community to visit the store with its Community Hub. The hub will screen sports films and provide recommendations of books on sports, as well as provide access to local maps and activities.

Image credit: Anya Hindmarch

Anya Mart pop-up, Pont Street

The Village, the shopping space from Anya Hindmarch, has a new pop-up, the Anya Mart, which is open until 7 April.

The store resembles a retro supermarket or corner shop, with retro colours and nostalgic designs.

Customers can purchase a number of Anya Hindmarch products, such as limited edition scented candles, tote bags, keyrings and other items. The scented candles incorporate the aroma of iconic food items, such as Kellogg’s, Heinz and Fanta. There are also other fun products inspired by the corner shop, such as quirky patterned cleaning products and shopping lists.

The Mini Universal Bag was made available exclusively at the pop-up and has already sold out.

Image credit: Nespresso

Nespresso Bar, Old Broad Street

A new Nespresso bar, the first of its kind in the UK, has opened in London.

London is popular for takeaway coffee and Nespresso is hoping to tap into that market, with a competitive price set at £4.15 for a latte.

Baristas are able to provide advice and recommendations on blends and there is also a recipe of the month. A range of pastries from croissants to doughnuts are also available to purchase, baked freshly by Galeta each morning.

While the bar does not sell capsules for home use, customers can recycle their capsules at the bar. Nespresso also offers discounts off hot drinks if people bring their own mugs.

Image credit: Liberty

Liberty Fragrance Lounge, Regent Street

Luxury department store Liberty has revamped its perfumery to create a new service for shoppers.

The Fragrance Lounge has been designed to allow people to explore scents in a different way. Perfumes are grouped by scent, as opposed to brand, and there is a unique installation called the Noseum. Tasha Marks, the sculptor, created a wall of noses from 3D images, some of which release perfume elements from famous scents.

Customers can also arrange a personal consultation to find a scent and have a guided tour of the Fragrance Lounge space.

Alaïa, New Bond Street

Designer brand Alaïa has reopened its flagship in London with a new concept.

The store combines fashion with an art gallery, displaying carefully chosen art pieces alongside the brand’s products.

Inspired by Azzedine Alaïa’s design heritage and lifestyle, the store contains a curved staircase in the centre of the space, a relaxing seating area for shoppers to take a break, and plans for a kitchen on an upper floor.

Customers can also see designs from Philippe Starck in the form of seating, alongside lamps from Marc Newson. There are also artworks from Thomas Ruff, Sarah Lucas and Sterling Ruby. The brand’s products also seem to evoke the gallery, with glass display boxes to showcase the latest collection of shoes.